Topical Bible: The Amalekites: Overcome by Gideon

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The Amalekites, a nomadic tribe often at odds with the Israelites, are prominently featured in the biblical narrative as persistent adversaries of God's chosen people. Their conflict with Israel is rooted in their ancestry, as they are descendants of Esau through his grandson Amalek (Genesis 36:12). The Amalekites' hostility towards Israel is first recorded during the Exodus, when they attacked the Israelites at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16). This enmity continued throughout Israel's history, culminating in several significant battles.

One of the most notable encounters between the Israelites and the Amalekites occurred during the time of the Judges, specifically under the leadership of Gideon. The Amalekites, in alliance with the Midianites and other eastern peoples, oppressed Israel for seven years, devastating their land and resources (Judges 6:1-6). This coalition of enemies would invade Israel during the harvest, leaving the Israelites impoverished and desperate.

In response to Israel's cries for deliverance, God raised up Gideon, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, to lead the Israelites against their oppressors. Initially hesitant and doubtful of his own capabilities, Gideon was reassured by God through a series of signs, including the famous test of the fleece (Judges 6:36-40).

Gideon's campaign against the Amalekites and their allies is marked by divine intervention and strategic brilliance. God instructed Gideon to reduce his army from 32,000 men to a mere 300, ensuring that the victory would be attributed to divine power rather than human might (Judges 7:2-7). Armed with trumpets, empty jars, and torches, Gideon's small force launched a surprise attack on the enemy camp at night. The confusion and fear sown among the Amalekites and their allies led them to turn on each other, resulting in a decisive victory for Israel (Judges 7:19-22).

The defeat of the Amalekites by Gideon is a testament to God's faithfulness in delivering His people and His ability to use unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes. This victory not only brought temporary peace to the land but also reinforced the theme of reliance on God's strength rather than human power.

The Amalekites' persistent opposition to Israel and their eventual defeat by Gideon serve as a reminder of the spiritual battles faced by God's people and the assurance of victory through faith and obedience to God's commands.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 6:33,34
Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 7:21,22
And they stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 7. That The Judges Who Succeeded Gideon Made War ... CHAPTER 7. Saul's War With
The Amalekites, And Conquest ... Of Saul; And How They Were Overcome By David's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The War of Truth
... Joshua might, by God's strength, have overcome the foe ... motionless; still they fight;
still the Amalekites fly; still ... of the Lord and of Gideon." Remember what ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the war of truth.htm

Discussion of the Subject of Permission
... it would not be possible for them to overcome them (Num ... 25); Saul, to spare the king
of the Amalekites, (1 Samuel ... to deny bread to the army of Gideon, (Judges 8 ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/discussion of the subject of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... against the Hebrews"The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the ... Finding
it therefore impossible to overcome them, the tribes were forced to remain ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm