(2) The injunction "Remember" does not enjoin us to recall the evil actions of others but rather our own. Even so, people like to treat the term symbolically, as a stand-in for an implacable Jew-hater. were ever a strap of chastisement for Israel. But instead, they chose to fight against Gods chosen people (Numbers 14:39-45). Exo 17:8 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. In regard to them it is written, Whoso hath sinned against me, him will I blot out Amalek is stirring up hatred. Moses was feeling the spiritual effect of the demonic principality of Amalek that operated through this tribe. Haman was an Agagite and the son of Hammedatha. 2 See how Your foes rear their heads. 17:6, 7, 816; 18:5), is in the neighborhood of Horeb; if the locality Massah and Meribah (17:7) is to be found in the region of Kadesh-Barnea or is identical with it (Num. During the period of the Judges, the Amalekites participated with other nations in attacks on the Israelite tribes. Required fields are marked *. Rabin (19602), 176; Jos., Ant., 3:40). Amalek is now at work in America. Joshua's Hebrew name is Yehoshua, which is the long version of the name Yeshua or Joshua in English. 2023 SpiritualDesk | All Rights Reserved. Amalek was the grandson of the infamous Esau, Jacobs brother, Isaacs son. the house of Nithza in Lydda18 that in every [other] law of the Torah, if a man is throne of God and God's Name are, as it were, incomplete. The Amalekites were known for their ferocity and brutality, and they continued to be a thorn in Israels side throughout their history. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 13:13 ff. 15:10; and perhaps also Judg. However, Saul did not completely obey Gods command; instead of killing every last Amalekite, he spared Agag, the king of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:8-9). 1 cor 9:27; Gal 5:24; Col 3:3, The Flesh will Never be Reformed it Must be Crucified [podcast]. It should be noted that even the deuteronomic erem, though it does not allow for the sparing of persons (such as Agag), except for particular ones (like Rahab) specified in advance, permits the taking of booty (e.g., Deut. XXIV, 18); whilst the other nations were filled with fear and The spiritual meaning of Amalekites can be seen in their relationship with God and His people.They represent those who oppose God and seek to harm His people. Schreiber, Mordecai (ed.). The reason was that Moses in his wisdom XXV, 19): it was they who Lev. specific insight as his persecution of Israel. The Amalekites are first mentioned in connection with their defeat of the Israelites at Rephidim. All Rights Reserved Bridger, David. (, study of Torah is the antidote to this doubt. *They are enemies that way-lay or set ambush. As such we prayerfully rely on the support of our readers/listeners. Why to him, who was then but a youth (Ex. Amalek was a grandson of Jacob's brother Esav. They first appear in the book of Exodus, when they attacked the Israelites as they were fleeing from Egypt.The Israelites were victorious in that battle, but the Amalekites continued to harass them throughout their journey to the Promised Land. In other cases, it is permitted to sin if In days of old and in modern times, many have been tempted to abandon their faith, but the spiritual meaning of Amalekites serves as a beacon of hope to all who trust in the one true God. above. The Amalekites represent Satan and the flesh and their war against God's people and all that is right. ass. Moses, as it is written, And the sons of the Kenite the father-in-law of Moses The Book of Exodus relates that Joshua fought against Amalek under the inspiration of Moses, who was supported by Aaron and Hur, and that he mowed them down with the sword. Exo 17:16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. Butterfly Smashing on Windshield Spiritual, Butterfly Messages & Their Spiritual Meaning Wishing Moonwishing Moon, Butterfly Spiritual Meaning Native American. thee. Said R. Simeon: At the moment when Joshua, the young The Amalekites are a people mentioned a number of times in the Hebrew Bible. Not only that, but the Amalekites continued to be a thorn in Israels side throughout their history.They were always raiding and plundering whenever they had an opportunity. From this impurity side of the demons and evil spirits; and there is none so cursed among them as Amalek, who When G-d brought Israel forth out of the land of Egypt, He did so in the sight of the nations. We must also put on the full armor of God so that we can be protected from all his schemes (Ephesians 6:11-17).Prayer is another vital part of overcoming the spirit of Amalek. against him and prevail, and therefore he said unto him: go and fight against Moses motive in converting them was good, as has been said, therefore God said to This was the first fight, battle against the Israelites upon leaving Egypt/the world and the ongoing battle which is the same for every believer a perpetual test as to whom we love most, God or self (Romans 6:16). SAID TO JOSHUA. Moses, in order to screen the reproach of his father-in-law, sought to convert the 4. Though the Amalekites are not mentioned in the table of nations in Genesis 10, in Numbers 24:20 they are referred to as "first among the nations.". Instead, David had him put to death for killing Gods anointed king. They are the things that we try to ignore or push away, but which keep coming back to haunt us. XX, 8); it was they The spirit of the Jebusite represents a spirit that puts people down, humiliate them or makes them feel small. UNTO JOSHUA, CHOOSE US OUT MEN, AND GO OUT, FIGHT WITH AMALEK. We begin with a short citation from the Midrash on Numbers: Midrash Rabbah - Numbers XIX:20 - The Amalekites generation to generation) mean? The Amalekites and the people of the East joined the Midianite raids on the Israelites in the time of Gideon, and, like true desert tribes, undoubtedly participated in the destruction of the crops, as related in the Book of Judges (6:17). insolent than all of them. Not so; only the text signifies that so long as Israel Soncino Zohar, Shemoth, Section 2, Page 65b-66a caused the two tablets of the Law to be broken. For this So why was this such a big deal to God?Well, according to biblical scholar Matthew Henry, The Amalekites were probably descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:12), and so enemies of Isaacs family. In other words, they were enemies of Gods chosen people from the very beginning. by H.S. There is no help for the flesh found in the Scriptures. are neither cold nor hot. In the aftermath of that first battle we are told that until Amalek is ultimately The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe that inhabited the southern part of Canaan. 15:8) the Amalekite king (Jos., Ant., 11:209). Perhaps the author merely wishes to define the normal range of the nomadic Amalekites in the time of Saul. Numbers 24:20 NIV 20 Then Balaam saw Amalek and spoke his message: "Amalek was first among the nations, but their end will be utter destruction." . So the human flesh is at enmity with GOD. This powerful weapon will enable us to stand firm in our faith and defeat every lie of the enemy. Think with me here .. When Amalek attacked the Israelites, their desire was to steal the wealth that they had gotten from Egypt as payment for centuries of slavery ( Ex. 15:4; Ezek. [9] After warning Israel's allies, the Kenites, to leave the area (v. 6), Saul attacks, and deals Amalek a crushing blow: Victory over the Amalekites. They were also known as the Lickers . Haman was likely a descendent of Agag, king of the Amalekites, long-time enemies of the Jewish people. Why did Moses abstain from These ideas of doubt and lukewarmness, as connected to Amalek, are said Amalek was the grandson of the infamous Esau, Jacob's brother, Isaac's son. Amalekites A people inhabiting the country south of idumea and east of the red sea. Amalek means warlike. We should also ask God to reveal any areas in our lives where we may be vulnerable to attack. to generation (Ex. Joshua the valiant warrior defeated the Amalekites militarily, while at the same time Moses was perched on a hill overlooking the battlefield with his arms raised to heaven. 3 With cunning they conspire against Your people; they plot against those You cherish. 10). war above, and thou, Joshua, prepare thyself for the war below. This is the meaning According to the biblical account, the war began as a result of a divine command of the Lord to Saul through Samuel to smite Amalek and destroy it, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass" (I Sam. The Midrash explains that the name "Refidim" is a It is as if we walk along a path, and wherever we can fall or deviate from it, thorns appear and send us a "Keep away!" warning signal. He is Holy, holy, holy. (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8), For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. When you are bombarded with negatives -start rejoicing. Also, the sword here represents the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). When the Hebrew people doubt this is the meaning of the words, blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that Well, first and foremost, we need to be aware that there are forces at work in this world both seen and unseen that seek to destroy us.This includes not only physical enemies but also spiritual ones. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:13-14. R. 26:3). In Biblical Names the meaning of the name Amalek is: A people that licks up. (See Revelation 9:21 which adds "theft" to these others.). An Amalekite is a name for a member of the Amalekite nation. The Amalekites represent Satan and the flesh and their war against Gods people and all that is right. by Chaim Kramer April 10, 2022. The Amalekites were nomadic people who inhabited the southern part of the land of Canaan. In the annals of Jewish history, " [t]he Amalekites, descendants of Amalek, were an ancient biblical nation living near the land of Canaan. While there are various translations of the aforementioned verse, the Grounded daily in the Word. 25:18; Josh. What is the Spiritual Meaning of Amalekites? Amalek with faith on the part of Israel (and conversely, the lowering of his hands with But the meaning is that Amalek was That is how Amalek stands guard to guide us in the right direction. It is a spirit of hatred and destruction that seeks to annihilate anything and everything that represents God.In order to overcome the spirit of Amalek, we must first understand who our true enemy is. As mentioned throughout this study, the cure for Israel's woes is the The Amalekites hold an exceptional place in the Old Testament. us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt (Num. The Amalekites were the first ones to attack the Israelites upon their exodus from Egypt, the world. 47:19), then this battle was waged in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula. He was born to Eliphaz by his concubine Timna ( Gen 36:12) was one of the tribal chiefs . That which is born of the flesh remains flesh. This brought a curse of ultimate annihilation from Moses (Ex 17:14-16, Deut 25:19) and Balaam (Num 24:20). The following passage associates the coming of Amalek with the union of Those among the Amalekites who lived in the border regions maintained a relationship to the Kenites, who certainly lived near the permanent settlements (I Sam. up earlier in John's vision: Revelation 3:15-16 - I know your works, that you XXII, The symbol of the destruction In the Hebrew Bible, the Amalekites were nomadic people who inhabited the southern part of Canaan. Download our mobile app for on-the-go access to the Jewish Virtual Library, 1998 - 2023 American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise. Exo 17:13 And Joshua discomfited (wasted!) XIV, 4), Then the Amalakite and the Some believe that this Amalekite patronage of the Kenites is also mentioned in Judges 1:16, reading (in accordance with a few Septuagint manuscripts and the Latin Vulgate version) "and they settled with the Amalekite" instead of "and they settled with the people." Numbers 14:25. Amalek may be fairly well-to-do, because he has at least two indentured servants working for him, Daniel and Simon. He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and He will always give us victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). The most outstanding example is "Haman the Agagite" (Esth. Thousands reached daily, worldwide 24/7/365. God, Amalek strikes. King Agag, king of the Amalekites, was spared by Saul. What Is The Spiritual Meaning Of Yom Kippur? Amalek, "the first of the nations" (Num. It is, however, a problem that is resource-dependent. Amalek being the state of mindset - which turns the people who are supposed to be united, into fault finders, gossipers, nagging characteristics etc, towards their own protocol of leadership or leadership structure. Moses commanded Joshua to select men to fight, and the Israelites met the Amalekites in battle. Indeed the name Amalek ( ) begins with the letter Ayin (symbolizing the eye) and equals 240 in gematria -- the same value for safek ( ), meaning "doubt," and for rahm ( ), meaning "haughty." XIV, 12). The Amalekites, descendants of Amalek, were an ancient biblical nation living near the land of Canaan. Second, God inhabits the praises of His people and the spirit of dread and fear cannot stay in that environment. The Amalekites, throughout their history, were aggressive to the Israelites. Easy. 1:36); the chief of an Edomite tribe (Gen. 36:16 . Your email address will not be published. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob Matthew 1:1-2. There are a few possible reasons:1) The Amalekites worshipped idols and false gods. The word Amalek appears in the Bible only in reference to a people, not to an individual. 4. They are relentless in their opposition and will not give up easily. Establishing and confirming divine truth (Gods written Word) in His saints, for their edification and equipping, and preaching the convicting Law and saving Gospel to lost souls. In I Chronicles 4:4243, some obscure information has been preserved about the remnant of Amalek. Amalek is directly associated with Samael, the archangel of evil. Esau is a type of the flesh, and Amalek is also a type of the flesh which has no place in the economy of GOD. and in the world to come. However, when considering the Torah's own recounting of the Amalekite attack on the Israelites in the book of Deuteronomy, we find that one of the defining characteristics of Amalek's wickedness is, curiously, the very happenstance nature of its encounter with Israel: who brought him to this. 15:3). Both Moses in Exodus 17 and Mordechai in the scroll of Esther understood that prayer and fasting were needed tools to combat this evil spirit of antisemitism. Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass, namely, the two Crowns of The Bible records 33 verses which include the names of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob of which Jesus was a descendant in His human capacity. The dispute between Samuel and Saul with regard to the erem was not over the command itself, but the extent to which it had been put into effect. (Gen. 25:18). Sources: Encyclopaedia Judaica. So then, because ; Josh. (3) The verse "Remember" is meant to remind all men of "the rule which holds good for all generations, namely, that the scourge [the staff of God's indignation] with which Israel is smitten will itself finally be smitten" (Mekhilta, 181). trembling before Israel at the time of the Exodus, as it says: The peoples heard and 25:17). Inasmuch as contemporary archaeology has convinced most biblicists that the biblical traditions of enslavement in Egypt, wilderness wandering, and conquest of the land are unhistorical, traditions about Amalek and Israel in the pre-settlement period probably reflect later realities. The Israelites were able to defeat them, but the Amalekites continued to harass and attack them throughout their journey to the Promised Land.In the book of Deuteronomy, God commands Moses to lead a military campaign against the Amalekites and wipe them out completely. He is The Amalekites were nomadic people who inhabited the southern part of Canaan. The matter was, therefore, a war of rescue as were the wars of the Judges, and it seems that because of its difficulty Saul vowed that in the event of success he would devote the spoil to the Lord by erem. It is possible that this tradition is based on abortive attempts by Israel to expand its holdings in the South during the premonarchic period (see Num. In 1834, a ruthless and unrelenting campaign was begun against Reb Noson to prevent. And Joshua discomfited (wasted!) Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). 3 /5. Throughout Scripture, we see that the Amalekites were considered enemies of God and His people.They serve as a reminder that disobedience has consequences and that we are to obey God no matter what the cost. ass) are united, the inhabitants of the world cannot stand up against them. Exodus 17:14 (c) Amalek was to be kept in subjection by Israel, and this is a type of our flesh which is to be kept in subjection by the people of GOD. Emanations: In-depth analysis of the Jewish holidays through the prism of What is the spiritual meaning of seeing a kingfisher? How to Write an Algorithm? A similar expression occurs in the description of the much wider range of the Ishmaelites: "From Havilah, by Shur, which is east of (or close to) Egypt, etc." Repentance, The cross! The command imposed on Saul to subject the Amalekites to the ban (erem), however, conforms to the version in Deuteronomy. 3) The Amalekites refused to repent even after repeated chances from God. Lord in our midst or not? Behold, I will deliver you to the dog!, and by the enemy to prevent the "completion" of the Temple/Throne of God and the it was launched against all the attributes of the Holy One, blessed be He. AND MOSES On the analogy of the genealogies of the sons of Nahor by concubinage (Gen. 22:24) and of Abraham's sons by Keturah and Hagar it may be surmised that Amalek's genealogy was intended to imply his special status as a nomad as distinct from the sedentary Edomites, in the same way as the Ishmaelites or the children of Keturah were distinct from the sedentary descendants of Abraham. In describing the actual battle with Amalek, the Torah says: "When Moses raised his hand, Israel was stronger. He was outside the family of GOD, and no effort was ever made to bring him into the family of GOD. Amalek was not completely eliminated at this time. HIM AND HE SAT THEREON: to participate in the distress of Israel. represents God's throne on earth; Amalek represents the attack on the throne. Were there not many tribes, ever.. Esau walked in the flesh and so he and his lineage are a type of the flesh, a type of sin, under Satans dominion, influence. Moses wage war or crush the enemy? The spiritual meaning of Amalekites is a reminder to remain committed to the one true God, in the face of any opposition. After he defeated the Amalekites, Joshua refrained from the common practice of abusing the bodies of the slain and instead "treated them with mercy" (Mekhilta, 181). This implies that Israel is commanded to wage a holy war of extermination against Amalek (Deut. withal redemption will not be complete until Amalek will be exterminated, for against In Jewish tradition, Amalek represents pure evil, or those who have "given themselves over" to Sitra Achra, the dark side of impurity. Finally, we must always remember that no matter how strong our enemies may seem God is stronger still. fact, apart from Amalek there was no nation that was not awestruck before the mighty works This showed their stubbornness and unwillingness to change which earned Jehovahs wrath. The LORD will love us into hell if we choose to become and remain separated from Him in sin. By his sin, Esau forfeited the birthright to his brother Jacob. When thinking of the Jewish people, the root from which they sprang forth into history, we are to always remember Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Numbers 13:29. Those in the flesh cannot please God and will forever be Satans children, bound in sin, until submitted to God (James 4:7). In fact, its very existence is not without some serious questions. are not all equal, but this side of the serpent is accursed above all of them. We need to pray for strength and courage as we face this adversary. In Israel, by birthright, thefirstborn son inherited the leadershipof the family and the judicial authority of his father. However, such an interpretation contradicts the meaning of the chapter whose purpose is to relate how various tribes and families became annexed to Judah, i.e., "the people." 9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. Refidim" (Exodus 17:8). 25:1219), for in the early days "the wars of Israel" and the "wars of the Lord" were synonymous expressions (cf., e.g., Judg. In no case did the Amalekites as a whole suffer decisive defeat at this time and their center in the Negev was not harmed. It seems probable that the wanderings of the Amalekites, or of a particular part of them, extended as far as Transjordan in the neighborhood of Moab or Ammon. etc. [Book], Cross Triple Package 20% Discount [BOOKS], Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us [book]. (13 votes) Very easy. Spirit of Amalek. What is the Spiritual Meaning of a Mourning Dove? Amalek's power is traced directly to the serpent, the master of planting Amalekites are presented as descendants of Amalek, a grandson of Esau. the first nation who feared not to proclaim war against Israel, as it says, and he 4 The entire world had heard of the great plagues that had struck Egypt. Warfare in the Old Testament was a very cruel thing in our modern eyes, even when Israel fought. the ox and the But ultimately, they will be defeated by those who follow God faithfully. As Christians, we need to be on guard against both. The Amalekites were a biblical people and enemy of the Israelites. was aware that it was not going to be merely a battle against flesh and blood, but against This was an abomination to Jehovah and He demanded that His people have no dealings with them (Exodus 34:12-16). They are considered to be descended from an ancestry Amalek. However, the meaning of Amalek in the Bible is actually much more significant. reason it is prohibited to plough with an ox and an ass together (Deut. 6. Every believer will choose sin and self or the Savior. In Jewish tradition, Amalek is pure evil. It seeks to destroy anything that is good or righteous, and it rejoices in chaos and suffering. Later the name Amalek becomes the name of a grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12) who becomes a chief of Edom (36:16). When it comes to spiritual warfare, there is no enemy more fierce or determined than the spirit of Amalek. impurities are mingled in the composition of Israel, like animals among men. 20:114, 24; Ezek. 15:6). Despite the "pre-deuteronomic" literary framework of chapter 15 and its prophetic-ideological aim, embedded in it is an ancient historical tradition about a war of extermination that reflects Saul's war against Amalek. Amalek is a sub-tribe of Edom, and speaks prophetically of the love of money. They are said to be such an infectious curse that the Bible records God's call to eradicate them from the earth. Those who reject Jesus Christ for their own temporal agenda will also forfeit the birthright. They were the first nation to attack the Jewish people after the Exodus from Egypt, and they are seen as the archetypal enemy of the Jews. English translation by Avi Weinstein, Altamira Press, London, 1994, p. 320. The Hebrew root is "amal" which means: to toil; wearing effect; pain; wickedness; sorrow; wearisome; trouble; mischief; etc. 45). 15:5 Then Saul advanced as far as the city of Amalek and lay in wait in the wadi. two evil spiritual forces coming together. But as soon as Jewish study became lax, they were in danger. The term "city of Amalek" is not to be understood literally, and it is possible that it means a fortified camp. Jesus Christ had to address this spirit many times, even within one of his very own disciples. 5. 6. came forth Cain, who killed Abel. From Cain was descended Jethro, the father-in-law of in the study of the Torah, as we have explained on another occasion. AND MOSES SAID Very difficult. Together with the Ammonites, they joined Moab against Israel and were among those who captured "the city of palms" apparently Jericho or the pasture lands of Jericho (Judg. - Amalek & Israel - Land & People - The Amalekites & the Kenites - In the Aggadah Amalek and Israel Among these traditions we find that Amalekites attacked the Israelites in a pitched battle at Rephidim, which, to judge by the Bible (Ex. God maintains a war against Amalek from generation to generation." (Exodus 17:16) Now what is striking here is the facts that while the war seemed to be directed at the Jewish people, the reason for the command is that the Amelekites were really waging war against God. In the biblical genealogical system, Amalek is the son of Esau's son Eliphaz by Eliphaz's concubine Timna (Gen. 36:12). According to the Book of Exodus, they were descendants of Ham, and thus enemies of the Israelites. from the creation of the world until then, and since then till the coming of the Messiah,
characteristics of amalekites
