Topical Encyclopedia The Amalekites are a significant group mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their longstanding enmity with the Israelites. They are descendants of Amalek, a grandson of Esau, as recorded in Genesis 36:12. The Amalekites are first introduced in the context of their attack on the Israelites shortly after the Exodus from Egypt.Initial Conflict and Divine Judgment The Amalekites' initial confrontation with Israel occurs in Exodus 17:8-16. As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, the Amalekites attacked them at Rephidim. In response, Moses instructed Joshua to lead the Israelites in battle while he stood on a hill with the staff of God. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; when he lowered them, Amalek gained the upper hand. With the support of Aaron and Hur, Moses kept his hands steady until sunset, leading to Israel's victory. Following this battle, the LORD declared, "I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" (Exodus 17:14). Command to Destroy The divine command to destroy the Amalekites is reiterated in Deuteronomy 25:17-19, where Moses instructs the Israelites to remember what Amalek did and to "blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven." This command is rooted in the Amalekites' unprovoked attack on the weary and vulnerable Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Saul's Incomplete Obedience The command to destroy the Amalekites is brought to the forefront during the reign of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 15, the prophet Samuel conveys God's directive to Saul: "Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them" (1 Samuel 15:3). Saul leads the Israelites in battle against the Amalekites, achieving a significant victory. However, he spares Agag, the king of the Amalekites, and keeps the best of the livestock, disobeying God's command to completely destroy everything. This incomplete obedience leads to Saul's rejection as king. Samuel confronts Saul, declaring, "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king" (1 Samuel 15:23). Samuel then personally executes Agag, fulfilling the divine command. Continued Hostility and Final Defeat Despite Saul's campaign, the Amalekites continue to pose a threat to Israel. They are mentioned in subsequent conflicts, including during the reign of David. In 1 Samuel 30, the Amalekites raid Ziklag, capturing the families of David and his men. David pursues and defeats them, recovering all that was taken. The final defeat of the Amalekites is recorded in 1 Chronicles 4:42-43, where the Simeonites destroy the remaining Amalekites during the reign of Hezekiah, fulfilling the longstanding divine decree. Theological Significance The command to destroy the Amalekites is often viewed as a divine judgment against a people who persistently opposed God's chosen nation. The Amalekites symbolize the forces of evil and opposition to God's purposes. Their destruction serves as a reminder of God's justice and the importance of obedience to His commands. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 25:17-19Remember what Amalek did to you by the way, when you were come forth out of Egypt; Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 28:18 Library Two Ancient Proverbs The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ... The History of Saul The Israelites A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! A Treatise of the Fear of God; The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Of the Three Woe Trumpets. Inspiration of Scripture. --Gospel Difficulties. --The Word of God ... 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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