Topical Encyclopedia The Amalekites, descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau, are a recurrent adversary of the Israelites throughout the Old Testament. Their enmity with Israel is marked by several significant encounters and divine pronouncements against them. The Amalekites are first introduced in the context of their unprovoked attack on the Israelites at Rephidim shortly after the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 17:8-16). This initial conflict sets the stage for a series of prophecies and divine judgments against them.Exodus 17:14-16: Following the battle at Rephidim, the LORD instructs Moses to record a promise of perpetual enmity against Amalek: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.' And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner. 'Indeed,' he said, 'a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD. The LORD will war against Amalek from generation to generation.'" Numbers 24:20: Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, delivers a series of oracles concerning the future of various nations, including Amalek. In his prophecy, Balaam declares, "Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: 'Amalek was first among the nations, but his end shall be destruction.'" This pronouncement underscores the ultimate downfall of the Amalekites despite their early prominence. Deuteronomy 25:17-19: As the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, Moses reminds them of the Amalekites' treachery and instructs them to remember this when they have rest from their enemies: "Remember what the Amalekites did to you along your way from Egypt, how they met you on your journey when you were tired and weary, and they attacked all your stragglers; they had no fear of God. When the LORD your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land He is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!" 1 Samuel 15:2-3: The LORD commands King Saul through the prophet Samuel to execute divine judgment on the Amalekites: "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they ambushed them on their way up from Egypt. Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.'" 1 Samuel 15:28-29: Saul's failure to fully carry out the LORD's command results in his rejection as king. Samuel conveys the LORD's judgment: "So Samuel said to him, 'The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you. Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.'" 1 Chronicles 4:42-43: The chronicler records a later campaign against the Amalekites during the reign of King Hezekiah, where the remnant of the Amalekites is finally defeated: "And five hundred of these Simeonites, led by Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi, went to Mount Seir and struck down the remaining Amalekites who had escaped. And they have lived there to this day." The prophecies against the Amalekites reflect a divine mandate for their destruction due to their persistent hostility and opposition to God's chosen people, Israel. These prophecies and their subsequent fulfillment underscore the theme of divine justice and the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 17:14,16And the LORD said to Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 24:20 Library Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. ) The Antiquities of the Jews Book 5 Footnotes Christ Our Passover The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ... Of the Three Woe Trumpets. Inspiration of Scripture. --Gospel Difficulties. --The Word of God ... The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources What does it mean that the Lord is my banner? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Kenites? | GotQuestions.org Why is obedience better than sacrifice? | 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 |