The Amalekites, a nomadic tribe often in conflict with the Israelites, are descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12). Known for their hostility towards Israel, the Amalekites first attacked the Israelites at Rephidim shortly after the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 17:8-16). This enmity continued throughout Israel's history, culminating in several significant confrontations.

One notable event involving the Amalekites is their invasion by David, as recorded in 1 Samuel 30. This incident occurs during a tumultuous period in David's life, while he and his men were residing in Ziklag, a town given to him by Achish, the Philistine king of Gath (1 Samuel 27:5-6). During this time, David was living among the Philistines to escape King Saul's pursuit.

While David and his men were away, the Amalekites launched a surprise attack on Ziklag. They "raided the Negev and Ziklag, and they burned Ziklag with fire" (1 Samuel 30:1). The Amalekites took captive the women and all who were in the city, both young and old, but they did not kill anyone. Instead, they carried them off as they went on their way (1 Samuel 30:2).

Upon returning to Ziklag and discovering the devastation, David and his men were deeply distressed. "David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept until they had no strength left to weep" (1 Samuel 30:4). In his distress, David sought the LORD's guidance, asking whether he should pursue the raiding party. The LORD responded affirmatively, promising David success: "Pursue them, for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives" (1 Samuel 30:8).

David set out with his 600 men, but 200 of them were too exhausted to cross the Brook Besor, so they stayed behind (1 Samuel 30:9-10). With the remaining 400 men, David continued the pursuit. Along the way, they found an abandoned Egyptian servant who had been left behind by the Amalekites. After providing him with food and water, the servant agreed to lead David to the Amalekite camp, provided David swore not to kill him or return him to his master (1 Samuel 30:11-15).

Guided by the Egyptian, David and his men launched a surprise attack on the Amalekites. "David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day, and not a man escaped, except 400 young men who rode off on camels and fled" (1 Samuel 30:17). David successfully recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives, and nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken (1 Samuel 30:18-19).

Following the victory, David demonstrated his leadership and fairness by ensuring that the spoils of war were shared equally among all his men, including those who had stayed behind at the Brook Besor. He declared, "The share of the one who goes into battle shall be the same as the share of the one who remains with the supplies. They will share alike" (1 Samuel 30:24). This principle of equitable distribution became a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day forward (1 Samuel 30:25).

David's successful campaign against the Amalekites not only restored what was lost but also reinforced his reputation as a capable and divinely favored leader. This event is a testament to David's reliance on God's guidance and his commitment to justice and fairness among his followers.1 Samuel 27:8,9
And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those nations were of old the inhabitants of the land, as you go to Shur, even to the land of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Canaan
... Philistines formed part of the host which invaded Egypt in ... speech, and after the
accession of David all distinction ... But the Amalekites were ever on its borders ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The Israelites
... of the Old Testament are the Amalekites, and between ... Shishak, the Egyptian Pharaoh,
invaded the country and sacked ... of Rehoboam, placed the line of David on a ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the judges"The Philistines and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon, the ... their
victory, however, we find the territory they had invaded divided into two ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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