The Amalekites, a nomadic tribe often at odds with the Israelites, are first mentioned in the Bible as descendants of Esau's grandson Amalek (Genesis 36:12). Known for their hostility towards Israel, the Amalekites were a persistent thorn in the side of God's chosen people. Their enmity is first recorded during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt when they attacked the weary and vulnerable stragglers at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16). This unprovoked aggression led to a divine decree of perpetual enmity between the Lord and Amalek, culminating in the command to blot out their memory from under heaven (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).

The Amalekites' defeat by David is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating God's continued faithfulness to His promises and His judgment against those who oppose His people. This event is recorded in 1 Samuel 30, where the Amalekites raided the Negev and Ziklag, capturing the women and children, including David's two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail (1 Samuel 30:1-5). Upon discovering the devastation, David and his men were deeply distressed, and the people spoke of stoning him due to their grief (1 Samuel 30:6).

In his distress, David sought the Lord's guidance, a hallmark of his leadership and faith. He inquired of the Lord through the priest Abiathar and the ephod, asking whether he should pursue the raiding party. The Lord responded affirmatively, promising David success: "Pursue them," He answered, "for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives" (1 Samuel 30:8).

David set out with 600 men, but 200 were too exhausted to cross the Brook Besor, leaving 400 to continue the pursuit (1 Samuel 30:9-10). Along the way, they encountered an Egyptian servant abandoned by the Amalekites. After reviving him with food and water, the servant agreed to lead David to the Amalekite camp, provided David swore not to kill him or return him to his master (1 Samuel 30:11-15).

Upon reaching the Amalekite camp, David found them spread out across the land, celebrating their plunder. With divine favor, David and his men launched a surprise attack at twilight, continuing until the evening of the next day. The Amalekites were utterly defeated, with only 400 young men escaping on camels (1 Samuel 30:16-17).

David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. "Nothing was missing, young or old, son or daughter, or any of the plunder the Amalekites had taken. David brought everything back" (1 Samuel 30:18-19). This victory not only restored what was lost but also demonstrated God's providence and justice.

Following the victory, David established a principle of equitable distribution of the spoils, declaring that those who stayed with the supplies would share equally with those who fought in the battle (1 Samuel 30:24-25). This decision reinforced the unity and fairness within the community of Israel.

The defeat of the Amalekites by David is a testament to God's unwavering support for His anointed and His people. It underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and the assurance of victory when aligned with God's will.1 Samuel 27:8,9
And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those nations were of old the inhabitants of the land, as you go to Shur, even to the land of Egypt.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 30:1-20
And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;
Nave's Topical Index

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
... it may be the leader's fault, the defeated east the ... the whole regiment; they could
call David "Master " and ... If the Amalekites had slain the four hundred, they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the statute of david for.htm

The Reign of Saul.
... (4) Against the Amalekites (I Sam.15) in which, though he defeated Amalek, he ... It
was after this battle that David was anointed to become king in Saul's stead ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter x the reign of.htm

The Israelites
... of the Old Testament are the Amalekites, and between ... he organised his forces; the
Philistines were defeated in battle after battle, and David not only ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

God's Sovereignty Defined
... is dissatisfied, and that God the Holy Spirit is defeated. ... But a little later, the
Amalekites dared to attack ... God put forth His power and David was delivered ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter one gods sovereignty defined.htm

Canaan
... The Philistine forces were defeated in battle after battle ... speech, and after the
accession of David all distinction ... But the Amalekites were ever on its borders. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Notes
... may be called "priest" from his having offered sacrifice on Mount Carmel, and David
from his ... 172 The idea that Moses defeated the Amalekites because his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/notes.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of Canaan: the judges"The Philistines and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon,
the ... King of Hazor, met with no better success; they were defeated at the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

What does it mean that the Lord is my banner? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Kenites? | GotQuestions.org

Why is obedience better than sacrifice? | GotQuestions.org

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