Topical Bible: Israel: Defeat the Amalekites

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The defeat of the Amalekites by Israel is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating God's providence and the importance of obedience and faith in His promises. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Exodus and further referenced in other parts of the Old Testament.

Biblical Account

The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe, descendants of Esau, who inhabited the region of the Negev and the Sinai Peninsula. They are first mentioned in the context of Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The Amalekites attacked the Israelites at Rephidim, a place where the Israelites had camped after leaving the wilderness of Sin.

In Exodus 17:8-16, the narrative describes how the Amalekites came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. Moses instructed Joshua to choose men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Meanwhile, Moses, along with Aaron and Hur, went to the top of a hill with the staff of God in his hand. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but whenever he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. To ensure victory, Aaron and Hur supported Moses' hands, one on each side, until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.

The Lord then instructed Moses to write this event on a scroll as something to be remembered and to recite it to Joshua, saying, "I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" (Exodus 17:14). Moses built an altar and named it "The LORD Is My Banner," declaring, "Indeed, my hand is lifted up toward the LORD’s throne. The LORD will war against the Amalekites from generation to generation" (Exodus 17:15-16).

Theological Significance

The defeat of the Amalekites is a testament to God's faithfulness and His power to deliver His people. It underscores the importance of reliance on God and the power of intercessory prayer, as demonstrated by Moses' actions. The event also serves as a reminder of the perpetual struggle between God's people and those who oppose His purposes.

The Amalekites are often seen as a symbol of the forces of evil and opposition to God's will. The command to blot out their memory signifies the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness over wickedness. This narrative also foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battles faced by believers and the assurance of victory through faith and obedience to God.

Further References

The Amalekites appear in several other biblical accounts, often as adversaries of Israel. In Deuteronomy 25:17-19, Moses reminds the Israelites of the Amalekites' unprovoked attack and instructs them to remember what Amalek did when they were weary and vulnerable. This passage reiterates the command to blot out the memory of Amalek once they have rest from their enemies in the Promised Land.

In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul is commanded by God, through the prophet Samuel, to completely destroy the Amalekites. Saul's failure to fully obey this command results in his rejection as king, highlighting the importance of complete obedience to God's instructions.

The defeat of the Amalekites is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, demonstrating God's protection and the necessity of faithfulness to His commands. It serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual battles faced by God's people and the assurance of victory through His strength and guidance.

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Exodus 17:13
And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
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Deuteronomy 25:17,18
Remember what Amalek did to you by the way, when you were come forth out of Egypt;
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Library

The Reign of Saul.
... kills Goliath, the giant that was defying Israel, and won ... With a sense of defeat
he tried to get in ... forgets to punish those who oppress his people-Amalekites. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter x the reign of.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Of Jehoram King O Jerusalem; His Defeat And Death. ... Expedition Against The People
Of Israel And The ... Expedition Against The Edomites And Amalekites And Conquered ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Afraid of Giants
... is no less folly, and is the sure precursor of defeat. ... These two measured Amalekites
and Anaks against God, and were ... Israel might be a row of ciphers, but with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/afraid of giants.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... days of Gideon, along with the Amalekites and "the ... After their defeat by Gideon,
however, we hear of ... raiding bands never approached the frontiers of Israel. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Chapter xiv
... The scene of their defeat was in the plain of ... and smote all the field of the Amalekites
and also the ... is meant, the famous stopping place of Israel during the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

The Historical Books.
... For his second sin in the matter of the Amalekites Saul is rejected ... received at the
lips of the risen Samuel, of the defeat of the armies of Israel by the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

God's Sovereignty Defined
... in Heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels ... Pharaoh dared to hinder
Israel from going forth to ... But a little later, the Amalekites dared to attack ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter one gods sovereignty defined.htm

Be not Deceived; God is not Mocked.
... of the sheep and oxen of the Amalekites under the ... aggressive, an army is doomed to
sure defeat and capture ... because he allowed the children of Israel to provoke ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter ii be not deceived.htm

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
... the defeated east the blame of the defeat upon him. ... he felt bound to go with Achish
to fight against Israel. ... If the Amalekites had slain the four hundred, they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the statute of david for.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... he used were not, "The elders of Israel have consulted ... and was not to be resisted
without terrible defeat. ... saith the Lord," and bade him destroy the Amalekites. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm