### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĂmâlêqîy**, represented by `{{H6003}}`, is a patronymic term identifying **an Amalekite** or, collectively, the Amalekites as the descendants of **ʻĂmâlêq** `{{H6002}}`. It appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses**, designating a specific and recurring people group that plays a significant role in the Old Testament narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the Amalekites are consistently portrayed as adversaries in conflict with Israel. They are first mentioned when their country is **smote** `{{H5221}}` [[Genesis 14:7]]. During the period of the Exodus, the **Amalekites** `{{H6003}}` and the **Canaanites** `{{H3669}}` are described as dwelling in the hill country and the valleys, where they attacked and defeated the Israelites ([[Numbers 14:25]], [[Numbers 14:45]]). This conflict continues into the eras of the Judges and the monarchy, with the Amalekites launching an invasion of Ziklag [[1 Samuel 30:1]] and David, in turn, invading their territory [[1 Samuel 27:8]]. The term is also used to establish personal identity, as when individuals identify themselves simply as "an **Amalekite**" ([[2 Samuel 1:8]], [[1 Samuel 30:13]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a deeper context for the role of the Amalekites:
* `{{H6002}}` **ʻĂmâlêq**: This is the foundational name from which **ʻĂmâlêqîy** is derived. It refers to **Amalek, a descendant of Esau**, as well as his posterity and their country. The narrative concerning **ʻĂmâlêq** establishes the basis for the conflict, including God's vow to "blot out the remembrance of **Amalek** from under heaven" [[Deuteronomy 25:19]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh**: This primitive root, meaning **to strike** or **smite**, is repeatedly used to describe the violent interactions with the Amalekites. They were **smote** in the time of the patriarchs [[Genesis 14:7]], they **smote** Israel after the Exodus [[Numbers 14:45]], and they **smote** the city of Ziklag [[1 Samuel 30:1]].
* `{{H3669}}` **Kᵉnaʻanîy**: This term for a **Canaanite** frequently appears alongside `{{H6003}}`, establishing them as neighbors and occasional allies against Israel. The Bible notes that "the **Amalekites** and the **Canaanites** dwelt in the valley" [[Numbers 14:25]] and came down from the hills together to attack Israel [[Numbers 14:45]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6003}}` is significant, representing a people group subject to a unique divine judgment.
* **Persistent Adversaries:** The Amalekites are presented as a hostile force whose opposition to Israel began when they "laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt" [[1 Samuel 15:2]]. Their recurring aggression establishes them as a foundational enemy of God's people.
* **Object of Divine Judgment:** The Amalekites are specifically marked for destruction under the principle of **châram** `{{H2763}}`, which means **to devote to religious uses (especially destruction)**. Saul was commanded to "smite **Amalek** `{{H6002}}`, and utterly destroy all that they have" [[1 Samuel 15:3]].
* **A Test of Obedience:** The commands concerning the Amalekites serve as a critical test of obedience. Saul's decision to spare the best of the livestock belonging to the **Amalekites** `{{H6003}}`, rather than utterly destroying everything as commanded, becomes a pivotal moment of disobedience leading to his rejection as king [[1 Samuel 15:15]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʻĂmâlêqîy** `{{H6003}}` is far more than a simple ethnic identifier. It designates a descendant of **Amalek** `{{H6002}}`, a people group consistently portrayed as a key adversary of Israel. Their history is defined by violent conflict, including invasions and battles. The biblical narrative frames the Amalekites as a people under a divine sentence, making the conflict with them a matter of holy war and a crucial test of Israel's faithfulness to God's commands.
TRV