Topical Bible: Murder: Amalekite

◄ Murder: Amalekite ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Amalekite" refers to a member of the ancient nomadic tribe descended from Amalek, a grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12). The Amalekites were perennial enemies of Israel, often engaging in acts of hostility and violence against the Israelites. One of the most notable instances involving an Amalekite and murder is found in the account of King Saul's death.

The Death of King Saul

The narrative of King Saul's death is recorded in 1 Samuel 31 and 2 Samuel 1. In 1 Samuel 31, Saul, the first king of Israel, is critically wounded in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. Fearing capture, Saul takes his own life by falling on his sword (1 Samuel 31:4-5). However, a different account is presented in 2 Samuel 1, where an Amalekite claims to have killed Saul.

The Amalekite's Claim

In 2 Samuel 1:6-10, an Amalekite comes to David with news of Saul's death. He claims that he found Saul leaning on his spear, still alive, and that Saul requested him to kill him to end his suffering. The Amalekite asserts that he complied with Saul's request and took the crown and armlet to David, expecting a reward. The Amalekite's account contradicts the account in 1 Samuel 31, leading to questions about his truthfulness and motives.

David's Response

David's reaction to the Amalekite's claim is one of mourning and justice. Despite Saul's pursuit of David and attempts on his life, David respects Saul as the Lord's anointed king. In 2 Samuel 1:14-16 , David questions the Amalekite, "Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?" David then orders the execution of the Amalekite, holding him accountable for the murder of Saul, whether the claim was true or fabricated. David's actions underscore the sanctity of God's anointed and the seriousness of murder.

The Amalekites in Israel's History

The Amalekites are frequently depicted as adversaries of Israel throughout the Old Testament. Their initial attack on the Israelites occurred shortly after the Exodus, as recorded in Exodus 17:8-16. God commanded Moses to record this event and promised to "utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" (Exodus 17:14). The Amalekites' persistent enmity towards Israel and their acts of violence, including the murder of the weak and stragglers (Deuteronomy 25:17-19), led to divine judgment against them.

Moral and Theological Implications

The account of the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul highlights several moral and theological themes. It illustrates the gravity of murder, especially against God's anointed, and the importance of truthfulness. The narrative also reflects the broader biblical theme of divine justice and the protection of God's chosen leaders. David's response to the Amalekite serves as a reminder of the reverence due to God's anointed and the consequences of taking a life unlawfully.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 1:16
And David said to him, Your blood be on your head; for your mouth has testified against you, saying, I have slain the LORD's anointed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... the king, and when he had understood that he was the son of an Amalekite, he commanded ...
to God, and crying out that he was not a partaker in the murder of Abner ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

Canaan
... villages of central Israel in the days of Gideon, and the Amalekite who brought ... of
the contending armies, eager when the fight was over to murder the wounded ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The King.
... He first flames out in fierce wrath upon the lying Amalekite, who had hurried ... incident
shadows, shine out again in his indignation at Joab's murder of Abner ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ix the king.htm

The First Kings.
... The stern prophet then directed the Amalekite king to be brought forth and ... Jacob,
an intelligent , was bribed and intoxicated to make him commit murder. ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

Book 11 Footnotes
... he thought he ought to pay no sort of adoration to an Amalekite, which nation ... affliction
and captivity of the Jews under him, occasioned by the murder of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 11 footnotes.htm