Topical Bible: The Amalekites were the First to Oppose Israel

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The Amalekites hold a significant place in biblical history as the first nation to oppose the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. This opposition is recorded in several key passages of the Old Testament, highlighting the enduring enmity between the two peoples and the divine judgment pronounced upon the Amalekites.

Origin and Early History

The Amalekites are traditionally considered descendants of Esau, through his grandson Amalek (Genesis 36:12). They were a nomadic tribe inhabiting the region of the Negev and the Sinai Peninsula. Known for their guerrilla warfare tactics, the Amalekites were a formidable force in the ancient Near East.

First Encounter with Israel

The first recorded encounter between the Israelites and the Amalekites occurred at Rephidim, shortly after the Israelites' miraculous escape from Egypt. As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, the Amalekites launched an unprovoked attack. This event is detailed in Exodus 17:8-16. Moses instructed Joshua to choose men and fight against Amalek, while he stood on a hill with the staff of God in his hand. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; when he lowered them, Amalek gained the advantage. Aaron and Hur supported Moses' hands, ensuring Israel's victory. Following the battle, the LORD declared, "Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" (Exodus 17:14).

Divine Judgment and Continued Hostility

The Amalekites' attack on Israel was seen as a direct affront to God's chosen people, warranting divine retribution. In Deuteronomy 25:17-19, Moses reminded the Israelites of Amalek's treachery, emphasizing their cowardly attack on the weary and stragglers. God commanded Israel to "blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" once they had rest from their enemies in the Promised Land.

The enmity between Israel and the Amalekites persisted throughout the period of the judges and into the monarchy. In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul was commanded by God, through the prophet Samuel, to completely destroy the Amalekites as an act of divine judgment. Saul's failure to fully obey this command led to his rejection as king. Samuel declared, "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king" (1 Samuel 15:23).

Legacy and Symbolism

The Amalekites are often symbolically associated with opposition to God's purposes and people. Their persistent hostility serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles faced by believers. The biblical narrative underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the assurance of His justice against those who oppose His will.

Throughout the Scriptures, the Amalekites are depicted as a perpetual enemy of Israel, embodying the forces that seek to thwart God's redemptive plan. Their account is a testament to the enduring conflict between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 17:8
Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

From Egypt to Sinai.
... also that they encountered and defeated the Amalekites, a tribe ... Among those of the
first class, the following are ... will are elevated just as were the Israelites ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter v from egypt to.htm

Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ...
... they continued also the slaughter from the first hour of the ... were not able to follow
them, but were left to ... of Ziklag, and of the slaughter of the Amalekites. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 now saul upon.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... At what period the Chaldaeans first crossed that river ... as grasshoppers;*** as the
Horim who were encamped on ... Sinaitic desert, and as the Amalekites who ranged ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Glorious Habitation
... God?" If so you have gained the first idea; "Lord ... The Amalekites rushed down from
the mountains; wild wandering ... hasting across a land where they were not wanted ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the glorious habitation.htm

The Arguments Usually Alleged in Support of Free Will Refuted.
... such passages, the following are examples: "The Amalekites and the ... To these I might,
in my turn, oppose Augustine. ... First, were I to deny that there is any room ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the arguments usually.htm

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... v.12, "The Midianites and Amalekites, and all the sons of ... hundred years, imposed
curbs and fetters on the first irruption of the Turks, were expelled from ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... by the thunderstorm which ensued, were overcome on ... found throughout all the land
of Israel: for the ... Abimelech; the Philistine tyranny forced first the tribes ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... vanquished wherever they had ventured to oppose the Pharaoh's ... the only monument in
which the first coup d ... sanctuary and its surrounding buildings were used for ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

How Churches Can Help Ministers.
... came to battle against the Amalekites, and these ... public attention from religion,
without first having consulted ... time, because the church were poor, although ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xiii how churches can.htm