Topical Encyclopedia The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe, frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their persistent enmity against the Israelites. They are traditionally considered descendants of Esau, through his grandson Amalek (Genesis 36:12). The Amalekites inhabited the region of the Negev and the Sinai Peninsula, and their interactions with Israel were marked by hostility and warfare.Historical Context and Governance The Amalekites are first introduced in the Bible during the time of the Exodus. As the Israelites journeyed from Egypt, the Amalekites launched an unprovoked attack at Rephidim. This battle is notable for the role of Moses, who, with the help of Aaron and Hur, kept his hands raised to ensure Israel's victory (Exodus 17:8-13). This encounter led to a divine decree of perpetual war against Amalek: "The LORD will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation" (Exodus 17:16). The governance of the Amalekites is not extensively detailed in the Scriptures, but they are often described as being led by kings. In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul is commanded by God, through the prophet Samuel, to utterly destroy the Amalekites, including their king, Agag. Saul's failure to fully obey this command, sparing Agag and the best of the livestock, led to his rejection as king over Israel (1 Samuel 15:9-23). The capture and subsequent execution of Agag by Samuel (1 Samuel 15:32-33) highlight the role of kingship within Amalekite society. Continued Hostility and Divine Judgment The Amalekites continued to be a thorn in Israel's side throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. They joined forces with other hostile groups, such as the Moabites and Midianites, to oppress Israel (Judges 3:13, 6:3). Their persistent aggression is seen as a fulfillment of the divine pronouncement of enmity between the two nations. During the reign of King David, the Amalekites raided Ziklag, capturing the families of David and his men. David pursued and defeated them, recovering all that had been taken (1 Samuel 30:1-20). This victory further diminished the Amalekite threat, but remnants of the tribe persisted. Theological Significance The Amalekites are often viewed as a symbol of opposition to God's people and His purposes. Their repeated attacks on Israel and the divine command for their destruction underscore the seriousness of their threat. The narrative of the Amalekites serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare faced by God's people and the ultimate triumph of divine justice. The Amalekites' governance by kings, as seen in the figure of Agag, reflects their organized resistance against Israel. Their account is interwoven with themes of obedience, divine judgment, and the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 15:20,32And Saul said to Samuel, Yes, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Nations of the South-East Book 3 Footnotes Chapter xiv Chapter xxxvi Canaan Book 4 Footnotes The History of Saul The Israelites Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ... 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 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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