The Amalekites, a nomadic tribe descended from Esau's grandson Amalek, are frequently depicted in the Old Testament as persistent adversaries of the Israelites. Their enmity towards Israel is first recorded during the Exodus when they attacked the Israelites at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16). This hostility continued throughout Israel's history, culminating in various conflicts, including their alliance with Eglon, king of Moab, against Israel.

Historical Context

The period of the Judges was marked by a cyclical pattern of Israel's disobedience, oppression by foreign powers, cries for deliverance, and subsequent deliverance by judges raised by God. During this era, the Israelites repeatedly turned away from Yahweh, leading to their subjugation by surrounding nations.

Alliance with Eglon

The Amalekites' alliance with Eglon is recorded in the Book of Judges. Eglon, the king of Moab, formed a coalition with the Ammonites and the Amalekites to subdue Israel. Judges 3:12-14 states, "Once again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, and He gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. After gathering to himself the Ammonites and Amalekites, Eglon marched against Israel and took possession of the City of Palms. The Israelites served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years."

This coalition was a strategic move by Eglon, leveraging the Amalekites' longstanding animosity towards Israel. The Amalekites, known for their guerrilla warfare tactics and raids, were valuable allies in Eglon's campaign to dominate Israel.

Impact on Israel

The subjugation under Eglon and his allies was a period of severe oppression for the Israelites. The "City of Palms," identified as Jericho, became a symbol of their subjugation. The Israelites' servitude lasted eighteen years, a time marked by hardship and suffering, which eventually led them to cry out to the LORD for deliverance.

Divine Deliverance

In response to Israel's cries, God raised up Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, as a deliverer. Ehud's cunning assassination of Eglon led to the liberation of Israel from Moabite domination. Judges 3:30 records, "So Moab was subdued under the hand of Israel that day, and the land had rest for eighty years."

Theological Significance

The alliance of the Amalekites with Eglon against Israel underscores the persistent threat they posed to God's covenant people. It also highlights the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the faithfulness of God in providing deliverance despite their unfaithfulness. The narrative serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles faced by God's people and the assurance of divine intervention when they turn back to Him.

Legacy

The Amalekites' role in this alliance is part of a broader biblical narrative that portrays them as a symbol of opposition to God's purposes. Their eventual defeat by Israel underlines the ultimate triumph of God's will over those who oppose His people. The Amalekites' continued presence in biblical history, including their eventual defeat by King Saul and later by King David, reflects the ongoing struggle between God's people and their adversaries.Judges 3:13
And he gathered to him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Nations of the South-East
... One of them, Eglon, made himself master of southern ... The tribes were united under
a single leader, and ... from Havilah unto Shur," like the Amalekites or Bedawin. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... history, Judges 1:16; 3:13, that Eglon's pavilion or ... of Agag, the old king of the
Amalekites, Esther 3 ... not now know perhaps, after David had united them together ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... presenting himself before the palace of Eglon in the ... the success which followed from
their united efforts ought ... maintenance of their authority, arose against him ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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