Topical Encyclopedia The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe in the ancient Near East, frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as adversaries of the Israelites. They are traditionally considered descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau, as recorded in Genesis 36:12: "Timna was a concubine of Esau’s son Eliphaz, and she bore Amalek to Eliphaz." This lineage places the Amalekites among the Edomites, who were also descendants of Esau.Historical Context and Geography The Amalekites inhabited the region of the Negev and the Sinai Peninsula, areas characterized by their harsh desert landscapes. They were known for their guerrilla warfare tactics, often attacking from ambush. Their first encounter with the Israelites occurred shortly after the Exodus from Egypt, as recorded in Exodus 17:8-16. The Amalekites attacked the Israelites at Rephidim, leading to a significant battle where Moses, with the help of Aaron and Hur, held up his hands to ensure Israel's victory. This event led to the Lord's declaration of perpetual war against Amalek: "The LORD will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation" (Exodus 17:16). Biblical Significance The Amalekites are often depicted as a symbol of evil and opposition to God's people. Their unprovoked attack on the Israelites is seen as an act of hostility against God's chosen nation. In Deuteronomy 25:17-19, the Israelites are commanded to remember what Amalek did and to blot out their memory: "Remember what the Amalekites did to you along your way from Egypt... You shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!" Conflict with Israel Throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy, the Amalekites continued to be a thorn in Israel's side. In Judges 6:3-5, they are mentioned as part of a coalition with the Midianites and other eastern peoples, raiding Israelite territory and causing devastation. The most notable conflict occurred during the reign of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 15, God commands Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites as divine retribution for their past actions. Saul's failure to fully obey this command, sparing King Agag and the best of the livestock, leads to his rejection as king by God. The Amalekite Legacy The Amalekites appear sporadically in later biblical narratives. In 1 Samuel 30, David defeats an Amalekite raiding party that had attacked Ziklag, capturing their spoils and rescuing captives. The final mention of the Amalekites occurs in the book of Esther, where Haman, the antagonist, is identified as an Agagite, suggesting a possible Amalekite lineage. This connection underscores the enduring enmity between the descendants of Amalek and the Jewish people. Theological Implications The Amalekites serve as a representation of the persistent struggle between good and evil, faithfulness and rebellion against God. Their account is a reminder of the consequences of opposing God's will and the importance of obedience to divine commands. The narrative of the Amalekites challenges believers to remain vigilant against spiritual adversaries and to trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. Concordance Amal'ekite (3 Occurrences)1 Samuel 30:13 2 Samuel 1:8 2 Samuel 1:13 Thesaurus Amal'ekite (3 Occurrences)Amal'ekite. Amalekite, Amal'ekite. Amalekites . Multi-Version Concordance Amal'ekite (3 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 30:13 And David said ... /a/amal'ekite.htm - 7k Amalekites (36 Occurrences) Amalekite (12 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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