Topical Encyclopedia The Amalekites, descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12), are frequently depicted in the Bible as a symbol of enmity against the Israelites and, by extension, against God’s purposes. Their character is consistently portrayed as wicked, and they are often seen as the archetypal enemies of God's people.Hostility Toward Israel The Amalekites first appear in the biblical narrative during the Exodus, where they are noted for their unprovoked attack on the Israelites at Rephidim. This act of aggression is recorded in Exodus 17:8-16. The Amalekites' attack is particularly condemned because it targeted the weary and stragglers among the Israelites, demonstrating a lack of compassion and a ruthless nature. The Lord declares through Moses, "I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" (Exodus 17:14), establishing a divine mandate against them due to their wickedness. Divine Judgment and Continued Hostility The Amalekites' persistent hostility is further evidenced in the period of the Judges and the reign of King Saul. In Judges 6:3, they are described as joining forces with the Midianites and other eastern peoples to raid and plunder Israel, further solidifying their reputation as relentless adversaries. Their actions are characterized by a desire to oppress and destroy, reflecting a deep-seated enmity. God's command to Saul to "go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them" (1 Samuel 15:3) underscores the severity of their wickedness. Saul's failure to fully carry out this command results in his rejection as king, highlighting the seriousness with which God views the Amalekites' actions and the necessity of their judgment. Symbol of Evil Throughout the biblical narrative, the Amalekites are often used as a symbol of evil and opposition to God's will. Their actions are consistently portrayed as contrary to the values and commands of God, embodying traits such as cruelty, treachery, and defiance. This is further illustrated in the account of Haman, a descendant of Agag, the Amalekite king, who plots to annihilate the Jewish people in the book of Esther (Esther 3:1-6). Haman's lineage and actions serve as a continuation of the Amalekite legacy of wickedness and opposition to God's chosen people. Eternal Enmity The Amalekites' enmity is not only historical but also theological, representing the ongoing struggle between good and evil. In Deuteronomy 25:17-19, the Israelites are commanded to remember what Amalek did and to "blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" (Deuteronomy 25:19). This command serves as a perpetual reminder of the Amalekites' wickedness and the need for vigilance against such evil. In summary, the Amalekites are consistently depicted in the Bible as embodying wickedness and opposition to God's people. Their actions throughout the biblical narrative serve as a warning and a symbol of the enduring struggle against evil. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 15:18And the LORD sent you on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Samuel, the Child of Prayer Christ the Support of the Tempted How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did ... The Snare of the Fowler Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ... The Antiquities of the Jews The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ... Book 5 Footnotes The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil How Churches Can Help Ministers. Resources Who was Hur in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Kadesh Barnea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Haman the Agagite? | 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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