Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Amalek is a significant figure and nation in the biblical narrative, known for its enmity with the Israelites. The Amalekites are often depicted as a symbol of opposition to God's people and purposes. The origins, actions, and eventual fate of Amalek are detailed in various books of the Bible, providing insight into their role in biblical history. Origins and Genealogy: Amalek is first mentioned in the Bible as a descendant of Esau, the brother of Jacob. In Genesis 36:12, Amalek is identified as the son of Eliphaz, Esau's son, and Timna, his concubine: "Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau’s son, and she bore Amalek to Eliphaz." This lineage places the Amalekites among the Edomites, who were descendants of Esau. The Amalekites in the Wilderness: The Amalekites are first encountered by the Israelites shortly after the Exodus from Egypt. In Exodus 17:8-16, the Amalekites attack the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses, with the help of Aaron and Hur, holds up his hands to ensure Israel's victory, symbolizing divine support. The Lord declares, "I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" (Exodus 17:14), establishing a perpetual enmity between the two nations. The Command to Destroy Amalek: In Deuteronomy 25:17-19, God commands the Israelites to remember the treachery of Amalek and to "blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven." This command is reiterated during the reign of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul is instructed by the prophet Samuel to completely destroy the Amalekites. However, Saul disobeys by sparing King Agag and the best of the livestock, leading to his rejection as king by God. The Amalekites in the Time of David: The Amalekites continue to be a thorn in Israel's side during the reign of King David. In 1 Samuel 30, they raid the town of Ziklag, capturing the families of David and his men. David pursues and defeats the Amalekites, recovering all that was taken. This victory further diminishes the power of the Amalekites. The Final Defeat of Amalek: The ultimate defeat of the Amalekites is recorded in the book of Esther. Haman, a descendant of Agag, the Amalekite king spared by Saul, plots to destroy the Jews. However, through the intervention of Queen Esther and Mordecai, Haman's plan is thwarted, and he is executed. This event is seen as the final fulfillment of God's judgment against Amalek. Symbolism and Legacy: Throughout the Bible, Amalek represents the archetypal enemy of God's people. The Amalekites' persistent opposition to Israel serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles faced by believers. The command to remember and blot out Amalek underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the ultimate triumph of divine justice. Conclusion: The narrative of Amalek and the Amalekites is woven throughout the biblical text, illustrating themes of enmity, divine judgment, and the faithfulness of God to His promises. The account of Amalek serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of opposing God's will and the assurance of His ultimate victory over evil. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary AmalekSmith's Bible Dictionary Amalek(dweller in a valley), a son of Eliphaz by his concubine Timnah grandson of Esau, and chieftain ("duke," Authorized Version) of Edom. (Genesis 36:12,16; 1 Chronicles 1:36) (B.C. about 1700.) ATS Bible Dictionary AmalekSon of Eliphaz, and grandson of Esau, Genesis 36:12. It is not certain that any distinct mention is made in the Bible of his posterity, people called Amalekites being in existence long before, Genesis 14:7; Numbers 24:20. Easton's Bible Dictionary Dweller in a valley, the son of Eliphaz and grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12; 1 Chronicles 1:36); the chief of an Idumean tribe (Genesis 36:16). His mother was a Horite, a tribe whose territory the descendants of Esau had seized. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AMALEKam'-a-lek (`amaleq): The son, by his concubine Timna, of Eliphaz, the eldest son of Esau. He was one of the chiefs (the King James Version dukes) of Edom (Genesis 36:12, 16). See AMALEKITE. AMALEK; AMALEKITE am'-a-lek, a-mal'-e-kit, am'-a-lek-it (`amaleq, `amaleqi): A tribe dwelling originally in the region south of Judah, the wilderness of et-Tih where the Israelites came into conflict with them. They were nomads as a people dwelling in that tract would naturally be. When they joined the Midianites to invade Israel they came "with their cattle and their tents" (Judges 6:3-5). They are not to be identified with the descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:12, 16) because they are mentioned earlier, in the account of the invasion of Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:7) and in Balaam's prophecy (Numbers 24:20) Amalek is called "the first of the nations," which seems to refer to an early existence. We are uncertain of their origin, for they do not appear in the list of nations found in Genesis 10. They do not seem to have had any relationship with the tribes of Israel, save as, we may surmise, some of the descendants of Esau were incorporated into the tribe. It is probable that they were of Semitic stock though we have no proof of it. Strong's Hebrew 6003. Amaleqi -- descendant of Amalek... 6002, 6003. Amaleqi. 6004 . descendant of Amalek. Transliteration: Amaleqi Phonetic Spelling: (am-aw-lay-kee') Short Definition: Amalekites. ... /hebrew/6003.htm - 6k 90. Agag -- king of Amalek 6002. Amaleq -- a descendant of Esau, also his posterity Library Moses and Amalek Types of the Death of Christ Isaac; Joseph; Jacob against Simeon ... That in the Passion and the Sign of the Cross is all virtue and ... That we must Press on and Persevere in Faith and virtue, and in ... The History of David To those who Object that Elijah Has not yet Come, He Replies that ... Sowing and Reaping Jehovah Nissi How Much More Faithful to God the Gentiles are who are Converted ... Chapter xxxvi Thesaurus Amalek (35 Occurrences)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AMALEK. am'-a-lek (`amaleq): The son, by his concubine Timna, of Eliphaz, the eldest son of Esau. ... See AMALEKITE. AMALEK; AMALEKITE. ... /a/amalek.htm - 22k Am'alek (21 Occurrences) Amalekites (36 Occurrences) Amalekite (12 Occurrences) Eliphaz (14 Occurrences) Timna (6 Occurrences) Eglon (13 Occurrences) Devoted (72 Occurrences) Judges (117 Occurrences) Goyim (7 Occurrences) Resources Who were the Amalekites? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Joshua in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Adah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Amalek (35 Occurrences)Genesis 36:12 Genesis 36:16 Exodus 17:8 Exodus 17:9 Exodus 17:10 Exodus 17:11 Exodus 17:13 Exodus 17:14 Exodus 17:16 Numbers 13:29 Numbers 24:20 Deuteronomy 25:17 Deuteronomy 25:19 Judges 3:13 Judges 5:14 Judges 6:3 Judges 6:33 Judges 7:12 Judges 10:12 1 Samuel 14:48 1 Samuel 15:2 1 Samuel 15:3 1 Samuel 15:5 1 Samuel 15:6 1 Samuel 15:7 1 Samuel 15:8 1 Samuel 15:15 1 Samuel 15:20 1 Samuel 15:32 1 Samuel 28:18 2 Samuel 8:12 1 Chronicles 1:36 1 Chronicles 4:43 1 Chronicles 18:11 Psalms 83:7 Subtopics Amalek: Probably not the Ancestor of the Amalekites Mentioned in Time of Abraham Related Terms |