### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĂmâlêq**, represented by `{{H6002}}`, refers to **Amalek**, a descendant of Esau, as well as his posterity and their country. Appearing **39 times** across **37 unique verses**, this term consistently denotes a persistent and hostile enemy of Israel, establishing a theme of generational conflict from the time of the Exodus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Amalek is introduced as the son of Eliphaz and grandson of Esau [[Genesis 36:12]]. The Amalekites are the first nation to attack Israel after they came out of Egypt, fighting with them in Rephidim [[Exodus 17:8]]. This initial act of aggression led the LORD to declare that He would have **war** `{{H4421}}` with Amalek from **generation** `{{H1755}}` to **generation** `{{H1755}}` [[Exodus 17:16]]. God commanded that the **remembrance** `{{H2143}}` of Amalek be utterly blotted out from under heaven ([[Exodus 17:14]], [[Deuteronomy 25:19]]). Later, King Saul was specifically commanded to **smite** `{{H5221}}` Amalek and **utterly destroy** `{{H2763}}` them for laying wait for Israel in the way [[1 Samuel 15:2-3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the identity and fate of Amalek:
* `{{H6215}}` **ʻÊsâv** (Esau): The progenitor of the Amalekites, as Amalek was his grandson [[Genesis 36:12]].
* `{{H123}}` **ʼĔdôm** (Edom): The land where Duke Amalek, a descendant of Eliphaz, was a chieftain [[Genesis 36:16]]. This connects the Amalekites to the broader Edomite people.
* `{{H90}}` **ʼĂgag** (Agag): A title used for the king of the Amalekites, whom Saul captured alive against God's command [[1 Samuel 15:8]].
* `{{H2763}}` **châram** (utterly destroy): This term describes the severe judgment decreed upon Amalek, meaning to devote them to complete destruction [[1 Samuel 15:3]].
* `{{H4229}}` **mâchâh** (blot out): This word is used to describe God's promise to erase the memory of Amalek, signifying total annihilation [[Deuteronomy 25:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6002}}` is significant, representing a model of enduring opposition to God and His people.
* **Archetypal Enemy:** As the first nation to attack Israel after their deliverance from Egypt, Amalek embodies unprovoked hostility towards God's redemptive plan ([[Exodus 17:8]], [[1 Samuel 15:2]]).
* **Divine Judgment:** The command to **blot out** `{{H4229}}` the **remembrance** `{{H2143}}` of Amalek is a divine decree of permanent judgment, establishing a principle that opposition to God's people will ultimately lead to destruction [[Exodus 17:14]].
* **A Test of Obedience:** Saul's failure to **utterly destroy** `{{H2763}}` the Amalekites and their king, **Agag** `{{H90}}`, was a direct violation of God's command and the reason for his rejection as king [[1 Samuel 28:18]]. This demonstrates that dealing with God's decreed enemies requires complete obedience.
* **Prophetic Condemnation:** In Balaam's parable, Amalek is called the **first** `{{H7225}}` of the **nations** `{{H1471}}`, yet his **latter end** `{{H319}}` is to **perish** `{{H8}}` for ever [[Numbers 24:20]], sealing his fate as an example of a power that rises against God only to be brought to ruin.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6002}}` **ʻĂmâlêq** represents more than just an ancient tribe; it is a symbol of persistent, divinely-judged enmity against Israel. From their first attack at Rephidim to their prophesied destruction, the Amalekites serve as a foundational scriptural example of a people set in perpetual opposition to God's covenant purposes, illustrating the gravity of such rebellion and the necessity of absolute obedience to God's commands.
TRV