The Amalekites, a nomadic tribe descended from Esau's grandson Amalek, are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as adversaries of the Israelites. Their 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 confrontations.

One notable episode involving the Amalekites is the presumption of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Numbers. After the Israelites' lack of faith at the report of the spies and their subsequent refusal to enter the Promised Land, God decreed that the current generation would wander in the wilderness for forty years until they perished (Numbers 14:26-35). In response to this judgment, a group of Israelites attempted to enter the land despite Moses' warning that the LORD was not with them.

Numbers 14:39-45 recounts this act of presumption: "When Moses relayed these words to all the Israelites, the people mourned bitterly. Early the next morning they set out for the ridge of the hill country, saying, 'We are ready to go up to the place the LORD has promised, for we have sinned.' But Moses said, 'Why are you transgressing the commandment of the LORD? This will not succeed! Do not go up, lest you be struck down by your enemies, because the LORD is not among you. For the Amalekites and Canaanites are there before you, and you will fall by the sword. Because you have turned away from the LORD, He will not be with you.' But they dared to go up to the ridge of the hill country, though neither the ark of the covenant of the LORD nor Moses left the camp. Then the Amalekites and Canaanites who lived in that part of the hill country came down and attacked them, beating them down all the way to Hormah."

This passage highlights the consequences of acting presumptuously without divine guidance. The Israelites' decision to proceed against the Amalekites and Canaanites, despite clear instructions from God through Moses, resulted in a devastating defeat. The absence of the ark of the covenant and Moses, symbols of God's presence and leadership, underscored their disobedience and lack of divine support.

The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the dangers of presumption. The Amalekites, as instruments of divine judgment, played a crucial role in this episode, emphasizing their ongoing enmity with Israel and their part in God's disciplinary measures against His people.Numbers 14:45
Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelled in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even to Hormah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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