Topical Encyclopedia The Amalekites, a nomadic tribe often at odds with the Israelites, are a significant presence in the biblical narrative. Known for their hostility towards the Israelites, the Amalekites are first mentioned in the context of their attack on the Israelites shortly after the Exodus (Exodus 17:8-16). This enmity continued throughout Israel's history, culminating in several key confrontations, including the pursuit and defeat by David.Background and Hostility The Amalekites are descendants of Amalek, a grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12). Their territory was primarily in the Negev and the Sinai Peninsula. The Amalekites' initial attack on the Israelites at Rephidim led to a divine decree of perpetual enmity: "The LORD will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation" (Exodus 17:16). This hostility is further evidenced in the command given to King Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites, a command he failed to fully execute (1 Samuel 15). David's Pursuit and Victory The narrative of David's pursuit and defeat of the Amalekites is found in 1 Samuel 30. While David and his men were away, the Amalekites raided Ziklag, a town given to David by the Philistine king Achish, and took captive the women and children, including David's two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail (1 Samuel 30:1-5). Upon discovering the devastation, David sought the LORD's guidance. "David inquired of the LORD, 'Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?' And the LORD told him, 'Pursue them, for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives'" (1 Samuel 30:8). Encouraged by this divine assurance, David set out with 600 men. However, 200 of them were too exhausted to continue and stayed behind at the Besor Valley (1 Samuel 30:9-10). David and the remaining 400 men encountered an Egyptian servant abandoned by the Amalekites, who led them to the raiders' camp. "David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day, and not a man escaped, except four hundred young men who rode off on camels and fled" (1 Samuel 30:17). David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives, and nothing was missing (1 Samuel 30:18-19). Aftermath and Distribution of Spoils Following the victory, David returned to the 200 men who had stayed behind. Some of the men who fought with David argued that those who did not fight should not share in the spoils. However, David declared, "The share of the one who goes into battle is to be the same as the share of the one who remains with the supplies. They will share alike" (1 Samuel 30:24). This decision established a precedent for the equitable distribution of spoils among all participants, regardless of their role in the battle. David also sent portions of the plunder to the elders of Judah and his friends, strengthening his support among the tribes of Israel (1 Samuel 30:26-31). Significance David's defeat of the Amalekites not only demonstrated his military prowess and leadership but also his reliance on divine guidance. This event further solidified his reputation as a leader favored by God, paving the way for his eventual kingship over Israel. The narrative underscores the ongoing fulfillment of God's promise to be at war with the Amalekites, as well as the importance of obedience and faith in God's directives. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 30:10-20But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred stayed behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ... The Antiquities of the Jews The History of Saul Canaan The Israelites The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus A Treatise of the Fear of God; Resources Who were the Amalekites? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God command the extermination / genocide of the Canaanites, women and children included? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Jehovah-Nissi? | 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) |
    |