Deuteronomy 25:19

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore it shall be, when the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath given thee rest {H5117} from all thine enemies {H341} round about {H5439}, in the land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee for an inheritance {H5159} to possess {H3423} it, that thou shalt blot out {H4229} the remembrance {H2143} of Amalek {H6002} from under heaven {H8064}; thou shalt not forget {H7911} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, when ADONAI your God has given you rest from all your surrounding enemies in the land ADONAI your God is giving you as your inheritance to possess, you are to blot out all memory of 'Amalek from under heaven. Don't forget!

Berean Standard Bible

When the LORD your God gives you rest from the enemies around you in the land that He is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you are to blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!

American Standard Version

Therefore it shall be, when Jehovah thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which Jehovah 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 25:19 issues a profound and severe divine command to the nation of Israel. Once the Lord has granted them peace and established them securely in the Promised Land, they are to utterly eradicate the memory and very existence of Amalek from under heaven. This command is not merely a military directive but a perpetual injunction, emphasizing that Israel must never forget the solemn duty to execute this judgment, underscoring God's righteous indignation against Amalek's unprovoked and cruel aggression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This command appears at the conclusion of a lengthy section in Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) dedicated to various laws and statutes that Moses delivers to Israel on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. Specifically, it follows immediately after a detailed recounting of Amalek's treacherous attack on the weary and vulnerable Israelites during their exodus from Egypt ([Deuteronomy 25:17-18](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-18 - Amalek's Attack Recounted")). This placement highlights the severity of Amalek's offense and provides the direct historical justification for the extreme measure commanded. The preceding laws cover diverse aspects of Israelite life, from judicial fairness to social ethics, making the command against Amalek a stark contrast, emphasizing God's unique and uncompromising judgment against a specific, persistent enemy of His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Amalekites' unprovoked assault on the Israelites at Rephidim, as recorded in [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Battle with Amalek at Rephidim"). This attack was particularly heinous because it targeted the weakest, most vulnerable members of the Israelite camp—the stragglers and the infirm—who were lagging behind the main body. This act demonstrated a profound lack of fear of God and a cruel disregard for human life, violating ancient Near Eastern codes of conduct regarding the treatment of travelers. The Amalekites were descendants of Esau ([Genesis 36:12](/genesis/36-12 "Genesis 36:12 - Lineage of Amalek")), making them distant relatives of Israel, which perhaps intensified the betrayal. Their nomadic lifestyle meant they were a constant threat on the fringes of settled lands, and their persistent hostility marked them as a unique and existential enemy, prompting a divine decree of perpetual warfare against them ([Exodus 17:16](/exodus/17-16 "Exodus 17:16 - God's Oath Against Amalek")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, showcasing God's righteous wrath against unprovoked cruelty and persistent evil that opposes His covenant people and His divine plan. The command is contingent upon God granting Israel "rest from all thine enemies" and establishing them in the "land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance," thereby reinforcing the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises** and Israel's responsibility once those promises are fulfilled. Furthermore, Amalek embodies the theme of **Persistent Opposition to God's People**, representing a spiritual enemy that seeks to hinder God's purposes. The paradoxical command to "blot out the remembrance" yet "not forget it" introduces the theme of **Memory and Oblivion**, highlighting that while Amalek's physical presence and name are to be erased, the *reason* for their eradication and the *command* itself must be perpetually remembered by Israel as a lesson in divine justice and the consequences of defying the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blot out (Hebrew, _machah_):** This strong verb (מָחָה) signifies a complete and utter erasure, obliteration, or wiping away. It is used elsewhere in scripture to describe wiping away tears ([Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - Wiping Away Tears")), blotting out sin ([Psalm 51:1](/psalm/51-1 "Psalm 51:1 - Blot Out My Transgressions")), or erasing a name from a book ([Exodus 32:32-33](/exodus/32-32 "Exodus 32:32-33 - Blotting Out of the Book")). In the context of Amalek, it implies not just a military defeat but a total destruction of their identity, their lineage, and their very memory from existence "under heaven."
* **Remembrance (Hebrew, _zekher_):** The noun (זֵכֶר) refers to a memorial, a name, or anything by which something is remembered. The command is to eliminate anything that would cause Amalek to be recalled or honored. This goes beyond mere physical annihilation; it is a command to erase their historical footprint, their legacy, and any potential for their name to persist or be revered.
* **Not forget (Hebrew, _lo tishkach_):** This negative command (לֹא תִּשְׁכָּח) is crucial. While the previous phrase commands the blotting out of Amalek's remembrance, this phrase commands Israel *not* to forget the divine injunction to do so. It creates a powerful **paradox**: Israel is to erase Amalek's memory, but they must perpetually remember the *command* to erase that memory and the *reason* for it. This ensures that the lesson of God's justice and Amalek's perfidy remains etched in Israel's national consciousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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":** This opening clause establishes the precise condition under which the command against Amalek is to be executed. It is not to be done immediately in the wilderness, but only after God has faithfully fulfilled His covenant promises to Israel—granting them peace and security from all their surrounding adversaries, and establishing them fully in the land promised as their inheritance. This highlights God's sovereign timing and His prior commitment to Israel's well-being and settlement, making the subsequent command an act of righteous judgment in a context of divine provision and rest.
* **"[that] thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven":** This is the core, severe command. It mandates a complete and total eradication of Amalek, not just militarily, but existentially. "Blot out the remembrance" implies a wiping away of their name, their lineage, and any trace of their existence from human memory and historical record. "From under heaven" emphasizes the totality and divine scope of this judgment, indicating a comprehensive removal from the face of the earth, a complete and irreversible end to their presence and legacy.
* **"thou shalt not forget [it].":** This concluding phrase introduces a profound and intentional paradox. While the previous clause commands the erasure of Amalek's memory, this clause commands Israel to *never forget* the divine imperative to carry out this judgment. It is a perpetual reminder of God's justice, the severity of Amalek's offense, and Israel's ongoing responsibility to uphold God's righteous decrees. This ensures that the lesson of Amalek's fate and the nature of their sin remains a permanent part of Israel's collective consciousness, serving as a warning and a testament to God's character.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 25:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its weighty message. The most prominent is **Paradox**, evident in the juxtaposition of "thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek" and "thou shalt not forget it." This creates a tension that compels the reader to consider the deeper meaning: the physical eradication of Amalek is tied to the perpetual remembrance of the divine command and the reasons behind it. This is not a contradiction but a sophisticated way of emphasizing the lasting significance of God's judgment. **Hyperbole** is also present in the phrase "blot out the remembrance... from under heaven," which is an exaggerated expression to convey the absolute and total nature of the desired eradication, signifying a complete removal of their very identity and legacy. Furthermore, the passage uses **Covenant Language** by framing the command within the context of God's fulfillment of His promise to give Israel "rest" and "inheritance," thereby reinforcing the conditional nature of their blessings and responsibilities within the covenant. Finally, Amalek functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just a historical enemy, but a type of persistent, insidious evil that relentlessly opposes God's people and His purposes, necessitating a decisive and uncompromising response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 25:19 is a stark testament to God's absolute holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that while God is merciful and long-suffering, there are limits to His patience, especially when faced with unprovoked, malicious evil that directly assaults His covenant people and, by extension, His divine plan. Amalek's attack was not merely a military skirmish; it was an act of profound spiritual rebellion, demonstrating a complete disregard for God's presence and protection over Israel. The command to "blot out" signifies a divine judgment against a people whose actions were so antithetical to God's character and purposes that their very existence became an affront. This passage underscores that God is not indifferent to injustice and that His ultimate sovereignty includes the right to remove those who persistently set themselves against Him and His kingdom. It serves as a powerful reminder that there are spiritual enemies, both external and internal, that must be dealt with decisively to maintain spiritual purity and secure the inheritance God provides.

* [Exodus 17:14-16](/exodus/17-14 "Exodus 17:14-16 - God's Oath Against Amalek")
* [1 Samuel 15:2-3](/1_samuel/15-2 "1 Samuel 15:2-3 - Saul's Command to Destroy Amalek")
* [Numbers 24:20](/numbers/24-20 "Numbers 24:20 - Balaam's Prophecy Against Amalek")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal command to eradicate Amalek was specific to ancient Israel and their historical context, its spiritual and theological implications resonate deeply for believers today. We are not called to engage in physical warfare against ethnic groups, but the principle of decisive action against spiritual enemies remains profoundly relevant. Amalek can be understood as a symbol of persistent, insidious sin, spiritual complacency, or any unholy influence that seeks to wear down and destroy our faith, much like Amalek attacked the weary and vulnerable. Just as Israel was commanded to give no quarter to Amalek, we are called to be uncompromising in dealing with sin in our lives, not allowing it to linger, regain strength, or subtly undermine our walk with God. This requires constant vigilance, especially in times of "rest" or spiritual comfort, when we might be tempted to let down our guard. The passage also reminds us of God's absolute holiness and His ultimate judgment against all unrighteousness, encouraging us to align our lives with His perfect will and to trust in His justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Amalekites" (persistent sins, negative thought patterns, or spiritual strongholds) do I need to decisively "blot out" from my life?**
* **How does the command to "not forget" the reason for blotting out Amalek apply to my remembrance of God's past deliverances and His commands regarding sin?**
* **In what areas of my life am I prone to spiritual complacency, and how can I cultivate greater vigilance against the subtle attacks of the enemy?**
* **How does understanding God's justice in this passage deepen my appreciation for His mercy and grace in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Q: Is Deuteronomy 25:19 a command for ethnic cleansing?**

Answer: Interpreting Deuteronomy 25:19 as a literal command for ethnic cleansing in a modern context is a misapplication of the text. The command was specific to ancient Israel and directed against a particular people, Amalek, due to their unique and egregious actions against God's chosen people at a critical moment in their history ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Battle with Amalek at Rephidim")). The Amalekites were not just any enemy; they were singled out by God for their unprovoked, cowardly attack on the most vulnerable, demonstrating a profound lack of fear of God. The command is situated within a specific covenantal context where God was establishing a holy nation and judging those who actively opposed His divine purposes. Theologically, it is understood as a unique divine judgment on a specific people who represented a persistent spiritual threat to God's covenant and His people's existence, rather than a universal principle for warfare or inter-ethnic relations. For the New Testament believer, the "warfare" is spiritual, not physical ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")).

**Q: Why was the command against Amalek so severe?**

Answer: The severity of the command against Amalek stems from the nature of their offense and their persistent opposition to God's purposes. Their attack on Israel at Rephidim was not a typical battle but a predatory assault on the weakest and most vulnerable of God's people, demonstrating a profound moral depravity and a direct defiance of God's protective presence. This act earned them a unique divine curse and a perpetual enmity from the Lord ([Exodus 17:16](/exodus/17-16 "Exodus 17:16 - God's Oath Against Amalek")). Throughout Israel's history, Amalek continued to be a relentless adversary, symbolizing a persistent, insidious evil that sought to hinder God's plan for His people. The command to "blot out their remembrance" signifies a total, uncompromising judgment against a people whose very existence became an affront to God's holiness and justice, serving as a powerful object lesson for Israel about the consequences of opposing the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 25:19, with its command to utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in physical genocide, but in the decisive spiritual victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Amalek, as a persistent and insidious enemy, symbolizes the forces of sin, death, and spiritual evil that relentlessly assail humanity and God's people. Just as Israel was given "rest" before executing judgment, Christ, through His finished work on the cross, has secured ultimate rest and victory for believers, enabling us to overcome our spiritual adversaries. The "blotting out" of Amalek foreshadows Christ's complete and final triumph over all spiritual enemies. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true King who decisively deals with all that opposes God's kingdom, ultimately bringing to nothing the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). The command "thou shalt not forget it" takes on new meaning in Christ: we are to perpetually remember and proclaim the decisive victory of our Lord over sin and death, knowing that through Him, we too can conquer the "Amalekites" of our own lives, for "greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world" ([1_john/4-4](/1_john/4-4 "1 John 4:4 - Greater is He in You")). Ultimately, Christ's work ensures that all evil will be blotted out from under heaven, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2_peter/3-13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 17:14

And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this [for] a memorial in a book, and rehearse [it] in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

1 Samuel 14:48

And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them.

Exodus 17:16

For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn [that] the LORD [will have] war with Amalek from generation to generation.

Deuteronomy 9:14

Let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they.

1 Chronicles 4:43

And they smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day.

Esther 9:7

And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,

Esther 9:10

The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.