Topical Encyclopedia The Amalekites, a nomadic tribe descended from Esau's grandson Amalek, are frequently depicted in the Old Testament as persistent adversaries of the Israelites. Their enmity towards Israel is first recorded during the Exodus, when they launched an unprovoked attack on the Israelites at Rephidim. This confrontation is notably marked by the leadership of Joshua, who led the Israelite forces in battle, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur ascended a hill to oversee the conflict.The account of this battle is detailed in Exodus 17:8-16. As the Amalekites attacked, Moses instructed Joshua to choose men and engage in battle. Meanwhile, Moses stood on the hill with the staff of God in his hand. The text states, "As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed" (Exodus 17:11). To ensure victory, Aaron and Hur supported Moses' hands, allowing Joshua to defeat the Amalekite forces. This victory was significant not only as a military triumph but also as a spiritual lesson for Israel. The Lord instructed Moses to write the event on a scroll as a memorial and to recite it to Joshua, emphasizing that He would "utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" (Exodus 17:14). Moses then built an altar, naming it "The LORD Is My Banner," signifying the divine assistance granted to Israel in their struggle. The Amalekites' defeat by Joshua is a pivotal moment in Israel's journey to the Promised Land, illustrating the importance of faith and reliance on God's power. Despite this defeat, the Amalekites continued to be a thorn in Israel's side, appearing in various biblical narratives as adversaries. Their persistent hostility ultimately led to God's command for their complete destruction, a task later undertaken by King Saul and, subsequently, by King David. The battle at Rephidim and the subsequent defeat of the Amalekites by Joshua serve as a testament to God's providence and the necessity of obedience and faith in His promises. The narrative underscores the theme of divine intervention and the role of human agency in fulfilling God's purposes, as exemplified by Joshua's leadership and the support of Moses, Aaron, and Hur. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 17:8,13Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. Nave's Topical Index Library The Reign of Saul. The Wilderness. Chapter xiv The Israelites Canaan The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Reaction against Egypt Resources Who were the Amalekites? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God command the extermination / genocide of the Canaanites, women and children included? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Jehovah-Nissi? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Amalekites: A People Inhabiting the Country South of Idumea and East of the Red Sea Amalekites: Defeat the Israelites Amalekites: Defeated by Chedorlaomer Amalekites: Defeated by Gideon Amalekites: Defeated by Joshua Amalekites: Defeated by the Simeonites Amalekites: Israel Commanded to Destroy Amalekites: Prophecies Against The Amalekites were the First to Oppose Israel The Amalekites with Midian, Oppressed Israel The Amalekites: A Powerful and Influential Nation The Amalekites: Agag, King of, Slain by Samuel The Amalekites: Character of Oppressive The Amalekites: Character of Warlike and Cruel The Amalekites: Character of Wicked The Amalekites: Confederated Against Israel The Amalekites: Country of: Extended from Havilah to Shur The Amalekites: Country of: in the South of Canaan The Amalekites: Country of: Was the Scene of Ancient Warfare The Amalekites: Discomfited at Rephidim Through the Intercession of Moses The Amalekites: Doomed to Utter Destruction for Opposing Israel The Amalekites: Governed by Kings The Amalekites: Invaded by David The Amalekites: Overcome by Gideon The Amalekites: Part of the Kenites Dwelt Amongst The Amalekites: Part of Their Possessions Taken by Ephraim The Amalekites: Pillaged and Burned Ziklag The Amalekites: Possessed Cities The Amalekites: Presumption of Israel Punished By The Amalekites: Pursued and Slain by David The Amalekites: Remnant of, Completely Destroyed During the Reign of Hezekiah The Amalekites: Saul: Commissioned to Destroy The Amalekites: Saul: Condemned for not Utterly Destroying The Amalekites: Saul: Massacred The Amalekites: Saul: Overcame, and Delivered Israel The Amalekites: Spoil Taken From, Consecrated The Amalekites: Their Utter Destruction Foretold The Amalekites: United With Eglon Against Israel Related Terms |
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