Amalekites

Amalekites, [N]

a nomadic tribe of uncertain origin, which occupied the peninsula of Sinai and the wilderness intervening between the southern hill-ranges of Palestine and the border of Egypt. ( Numbers 13:29 ; 1 Samuel 15:7 ; 27:8 ) Their wealth consisted in flocks and herds. Mention is made of a "town" ( 1 Samuel 15:5 ) but their towns could have been little more than stations or nomadic enclosures. The Amalekites first came in contact with the Israelites at Rephidim, but were signally defeated. ( Exodus 17:8-16 ) In union with the Canaanites they again attacked the Israelites on the borders of Palestine, and defeated them near Hormah. ( Numbers 14:45 ) Saul undertook an expedition against them. ( 1 Samuel 14:48 ) Their power was thenceforth broken, and they degenerated into a horde of banditti. Their destruction was completed by David. ( 1 Samuel 30:1-17 )


[N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible

Bibliography Information

Smith, William, Dr. "Entry for 'Amalekites,'". "Smith's Bible Dictionary". . 1901.