Topical Bible: Mountains: Amalek

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The term "Amalek" in the context of biblical geography and history often refers to the descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau, and their associated territories. The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe that inhabited the region south of Canaan, including parts of the Negev and the Sinai Peninsula. While the Bible does not explicitly mention a specific "Mount Amalek," the mountainous regions associated with the Amalekites play a significant role in biblical narratives.

Biblical References and Historical Context

The Amalekites are first mentioned in Genesis 14:7, where they are associated with the land of the Amalekites. This early reference suggests that the Amalekites were already established in the region during the time of Abraham. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then they turned back to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who lived in Hazazon-tamar."

The most notable encounter with the Amalekites occurs during the Exodus. As the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land, the Amalekites attacked them at Rephidim. This battle is recorded in Exodus 17:8-16. The BSB recounts: "Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, 'Choose some of our men and go out to fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.'"

Moses' strategic position on a hill, with the staff of God, underscores the significance of elevated terrain in the battle. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; when he lowered them, Amalek gained the advantage. This narrative highlights the importance of divine intervention and leadership in overcoming adversaries.

The Curse and Command Against Amalek

The Amalekites are remembered for their hostility towards Israel, and God commands their destruction as a result. In Deuteronomy 25:17-19, the BSB records: "Remember what the Amalekites did to you along your way from Egypt, how they met you on your journey and attacked all your stragglers from behind when you were tired and weary. 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!"

This divine mandate is later reiterated in 1 Samuel 15, where King Saul is instructed to completely destroy the Amalekites. Saul's failure to fully obey this command leads to his rejection as king.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

In biblical theology, the Amalekites often symbolize the perpetual struggle between God's people and the forces of evil. Their unprovoked attack on Israel is seen as an affront to God's sovereignty and His chosen people. The command to "blot out the memory of Amalek" serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance against sin and opposition to God's purposes.

The mountainous regions associated with the Amalekites, while not explicitly named, serve as a backdrop for these significant theological and historical events. The terrain itself, often rugged and challenging, mirrors the spiritual battles faced by the Israelites and, by extension, believers throughout history.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not specify a "Mount Amalek," the mountainous regions inhabited by the Amalekites are integral to understanding their role in biblical history. The narratives involving the Amalekites emphasize themes of divine justice, the consequences of disobedience, and the ongoing spiritual warfare faced by God's people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 12:15
And Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died, and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Here Beginneth the Story of Judith
... the mountains that they should keep the strait ways of the mountains, and so ... Remember
ye of Moses, the servant of God, which overthrew Amalek trusting in his ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the story of.htm

Chapter xiv
... almost established by the expression following, viz., "in their mountains." "As
far ... the Amalekites." Now the Amalekites are descended from Amalek, a grandson ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

Joshua's Conquest.
... There are many mountains, the most important being Hermon, Carmel and Gerizim ... by
his association with Moses and by such events as the defeat of Amalek which he ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter viii joshuas conquest.htm

Deborah's Song
... The mountains flowed down at the presence of the LORD, Even yon Sinai at the presence
of the LORD, the ... Out of Ephraim came down they whose root is in Amalek". ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iv deborahs song.htm

The Cross was Foretold in the Blessings of Joseph, and in the ...
... of the months, and for the heights of the everlasting mountains, and for ... for the
destruction and condemnation of the unbelievers; even as Amalek was defeated ...
/.../chapter xci the cross was foretold.htm

Psalm 83
... Moab's and Hagar's line; ^7Gebal, and Ammon, Amalek,. Philistines, those of Tyre; ...
14As fire consumes the wood, as flame. doth mountains set on fire,. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 83.htm

To his Father, when He had Entrusted to Him the Care of the Church ...
... and Hur, supporting the hands of Moses on the mount where Amalek was warred ... The one
suggests flights, mountains and deserts, and calm of soul and body, and ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xii to his father.htm

The General Service to Two or Many Monk Martyrs.
... arms of Moses, obtained victory in the wilderness over the forces of Amalek. ... Having
appeared as mountains through your exalted life, ye have by Christ's might ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xix the general service.htm

The Witness of Balaam to Israel
... From Aram hath Balak brought me, The king of Moab from the mountains of the East:
Come, curse me Jacob ... And he looked on Amalek, and took up his parable, and said ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii the witness of balaam.htm

Canaan
... A few outlaws maintained a guerilla warfare in the mountains of Benjamin, and the ...
The ancient Oriental world saw in Amalek "the firstborn of nations;" he was ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm