Amalekites
“Philo interprets the name as "a people that licks up."[2] The gentilic form denotes "of or belonging to Amalek."”
Summary
A nomadic tribe that became Israel's earliest and most bitter enemy, inhabiting the wilderness between southern Palestine and Egypt, against whom God declared perpetual war.
☩Origin and Territory
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe of uncertain origin that occupied the peninsula of Sinai and the wilderness between the southern hill-ranges of Palestine and the border of Egypt. Their wealth consisted in flocks and herds; mention is made of a "town" but their towns could have been little more than stations or nomadic enclosures. Scripture traces Amalek as grandson of Esau through Eliphaz (Genesis 36:12, 16), though scholars debate whether the Amalekites descended from this Edomite line or from an older Hamitic stock. Arab writers say they were descended from Ham, originally at the Persian Gulf and pushed westward—which would explain the reference in Genesis 14:7 to "the country of the Amalekites" before Amalek was born. The Amalek of Edom may have blended with these older Amalekites. They also had a settlement in central Palestine: Judges 3:13, 5:14, and 12:15 mention "Amalek" and "mount of the Amalekites" in Ephraim's territory. Josephus records that they inhabited Gobolitis and Petra and were among the most warlike of nations. Their territory lay south of Palestine, between Idumea and Egypt, and east of the Dead Sea and Mount Seir.
☩Attack at Rephidim
The Amalekites hold the infamous distinction of being the first nation to attack the newly liberated Israelites. At Rephidim, they fell upon the rear of Israel's march—the feeble, faint, and weary stragglers—targeting the most defenseless portion of the host. The attack was particularly heinous because they tried to deprive God's people of the water God had just miraculously provided. Moses commissioned Joshua to fight while he held up the staff of God; as long as Moses' hands were raised, Israel prevailed. This unprovoked assault made them "the earliest and most bitter enemies" of the Jews. God's judgment was pronounced: "I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven" (Exodus 17:14).
☩Ongoing Conflicts
The Amalekites repeatedly opposed Israel. In union with the Canaanites they attacked the Israelites on the borders of Palestine and defeated them near Hormah when the people presumptuously attempted to enter Canaan (Numbers 14:45). During the period of the Judges they allied with Moab and Midian to oppress Israel. Samuel commanded Saul to "utterly destroy" the Amalekites for what they had done. Their king bore the hereditary title Agag. Balaam prophesied of them: "Beginning of the pagan (was) Amalek, and its end (shall be) destruction" (Numbers 24:20). Saul undertook an expedition against them, but his power was not fully exerted—their strength was broken, yet they degenerated into a horde of banditti.
☩Final Destruction
Saul's incomplete obedience in the Amalekite campaign—sparing King Agag and the best of the livestock—cost him his kingdom. David conducted successful campaigns against the Amalekites. After they raided Ziklag and carried off the women and children, David pursued and defeated them; in one engagement only 400 escaped on camels (1 Samuel 30:1–17). Their destruction was completed by David. A remnant survived in the hill country of Seir; the Simeonites finally destroyed them in the days of Hezekiah (1 Chronicles 4:42–43). Haman is called "the Agagite" in Esther; Josephus states he was by birth an Amalekite—the last of the race.
Related Verses35 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Amalekites," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Amalekites," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.American Tract Society, "Amalekites," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).
- 4.Richard Watson, "Amalekites," in A Biblical and Theological Dictionary (John Mason, 1831).
- 5.Don Fleming, "Amalekites," in Bridgeway Bible Dictionary (Bridgeway Publications, 1990).
- 6.John Kitto, "Amalekites," in A Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, vol. I (Mark H. Newman, 1845).