The Amalekites, a nomadic tribe often at odds with the Israelites, are descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12). Known for their hostility towards Israel, the Amalekites first attacked the Israelites at Rephidim shortly after the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 17:8-16). This enmity continued throughout Israel's history, with the Amalekites frequently raiding and oppressing the Israelites.

One significant encounter between the Israelites and the Amalekites occurred during the time of the Judges, specifically under the leadership of Gideon. The Amalekites, in alliance with the Midianites and other eastern peoples, oppressed Israel for seven years, devastating their land and resources (Judges 6:1-6). The Israelites, driven to desperation, cried out to the LORD for deliverance.

In response, God raised up Gideon, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, to deliver Israel from the hand of the Midianites and their allies, including the Amalekites. The Angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, calling him a "mighty warrior" and commissioning him to save Israel (Judges 6:12-14). Despite his initial hesitations and requests for signs, Gideon obeyed God's call.

Gideon's army was initially large, but God instructed him to reduce the number of his troops to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. Ultimately, Gideon was left with just 300 men (Judges 7:2-7). Armed with trumpets, empty jars, and torches, Gideon's small force launched a surprise attack on the Midianite camp, causing confusion and panic among the enemy forces.

The Bible records the outcome of this divinely orchestrated battle: "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set every man’s sword against his neighbor throughout the camp, and the army fled" (Judges 7:22). The Amalekites, along with the Midianites, were defeated, and the Israelites pursued them, securing a decisive victory.

This victory over the Amalekites and their allies was a testament to God's power and faithfulness in delivering His people. It also served as a reminder of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Amalekites, a struggle that would continue until the Amalekites were ultimately subdued during the reign of King David (1 Samuel 30; 2 Samuel 8:12).

The defeat of the Amalekites by Gideon is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating God's sovereignty and the importance of faith and obedience in the face of overwhelming odds.Judges 7:1
Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
Nave's Topical Index

Canaan
... The Philistine forces were defeated in battle after battle; the ... Then the Amalekites
were pursued into their desert domain ... Israel in the days of Gideon, and the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... reaction against the Hebrews"The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and
the ... King of Hazor, met with no better success; they were defeated at the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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