Amalek: A Persistent Adversary of Israel
Introduction:
Amalek, a figure emerging from the lineage of Esau, stands out as a persistent and malevolent adversary of Israel. This study aims to explore the biblical accounts of Amalek, examining his origins, his actions against Israel, and the divine judgments pronounced upon him.
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1. Lineage and Origins:
• Genesis 36:12: "And Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau’s son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these are the sons of Adah, Esau’s wife."
◦ This verse establishes Amalek's lineage. He is a grandson of Esau, through Eliphaz and Timna. This connection to Esau, Jacob's brother, sets the stage for a recurring theme of conflict between their descendants.
• Genesis 14:7: This verse describes the Amalekites already existing in the time of Abraham. This means that the Amalek mentioned in Gen 36:12 was likely the progenitor of a tribe that already existed. This highlights the long history of this people.
2. The Attack on Israel and Divine Condemnation:
• Exodus 17:8-16: "Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim."
◦ This passage records the first encounter between Israel and Amalek after the Exodus from Egypt. Amalek attacked the weary Israelites from behind, targeting the vulnerable.
◦ God commanded Moses to write this event in a book as a memorial and to "utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven." This divine decree signifies the severity of Amalek's actions and God's determination to punish them.
• Deuteronomy 25:17-19: "Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God. Therefore it shall be, when the Lord thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it."
◦ This passage reiterates the severity of Amalek's attack, emphasizing their lack of fear of God and their targeting of the weak. It also reinforces the divine mandate to completely destroy Amalek.
• Numbers 13:29, 14:43, 24:20: these verses help to show that the Amalekites were a strong and established people, and were known to be a threat to the region.
• Judges 5:14, 6:3, 6:33, 12:15: These verses in Judges show that the Amalekites continued to be a problem for Isreal through out the time of the Judges. They would join with other nations to raid and plunder the lands of Israel.
3. The Battles and Judgments:
• 1 Samuel 15: This chapter recounts God's command to Saul to completely destroy Amalek. Saul's partial obedience resulted in God's rejection of him as king.
◦ 1 Samuel 15:3: "Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass." This verse shows the complete nature of the judgement against Amalek.
◦ 1 Samuel 28:18: Samuel, through the witch of Endor, tells Saul that his disobedience in not destroying all of Amalek is part of the reason for his down fall.
• 1 Samuel 30:1: David deals with Amalek after they raid Ziklag.
• 2 Samuel 1:1: David is told of Saul and Jonathans death by an Amalekite.
• 1 Chronicles 4:43: "And they smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day."
• Psalm 83:7: Amalek is listed among the nations that conspire against Israel, highlighting their enduring enmity.
4. Theological Implications:
• Amalek represents a persistent, unprovoked, and malicious enemy of God's people.
• The divine command to "blot out" Amalek underscores the seriousness of their actions and God's justice.
• The narrative serves as a reminder that God protects His people and judges those who oppose them.
• Amalek serves as a picture of the flesh, that constantly wars against the spirit.
- Preaching on Adam: Image, Fall, and Redemption
- Preaching on Nadab and Abihu: Strange Fire
- Preaching on Cain and Abel: Conflict of Worship (Genesis 4:1-8)
Conclusion:
The story of Amalek is a stark reminder of the enduring conflict between good and evil. Amalek's relentless hostility toward Israel serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating the consequences of opposing God and His people. The biblical accounts of Amalek highlight God's justice, His protection of His people, and the importance of obedience.
