The Amalekites, a nomadic tribe often at odds with the Israelites, are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as adversaries of God's chosen people. Their origins trace back to Amalek, a descendant of Esau, making them distant relatives of the Israelites (Genesis 36:12). The Amalekites are first introduced in the biblical narrative during the Exodus, where they attacked the Israelites at Rephidim, leading to a significant battle in which Joshua, under Moses' leadership, defeated them (Exodus 17:8-16).

Throughout the history of Israel, the Amalekites continued to be a persistent threat. They were known for their guerrilla tactics and surprise attacks, often preying on the weak and vulnerable. This enmity between Israel and Amalek was so profound that God declared perpetual war against the Amalekites, commanding their complete destruction (Exodus 17:14-16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19).

One notable episode involving the Amalekites and the tribe of Ephraim is recorded in the book of Judges. During the time of the judges, the Israelites were oppressed by a coalition of Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples. This oppression was a consequence of Israel's disobedience to God, leading to their subjugation for seven years (Judges 6:1-6).

In response to the Israelites' cries for deliverance, God raised up Gideon from the tribe of Manasseh to lead a small army against the oppressors. After a miraculous victory over the Midianites and their allies, the Ephraimites were called upon to pursue the fleeing enemy. The men of Ephraim captured the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah and took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb, killing them and bringing their heads to Gideon (Judges 7:24-25).

While the primary focus of this narrative is on the Midianites, the involvement of the Amalekites as part of the coalition suggests that their possessions and influence were also diminished as a result of this campaign. The Ephraimites, known for their valor and strategic prowess, played a crucial role in securing the victory and ensuring the safety of the Israelite territories from further Amalekite incursions.

The Amalekites' persistent hostility towards Israel and their eventual downfall serve as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises and judgments. The narrative of their possessions being taken by Ephraim highlights the broader theme of divine justice and the protection of God's covenant people against their enemies.Judges 5:14
Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after you, Benjamin, among your people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 12:15
And Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died, and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Nations of the South-East
... the days of Gideon, along with the Amalekites and "the ... the Egyptians were originally
emigrants from their shores ... it was derived, at least in part, from Babylonia ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... would, on the slightest alarm, abandon their possessions to take ... by a Canaanite woman
whom he had taken as a ... The people of Shechem, on their part, did not risk ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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