patronymically from עֲמָלֵק; an Amalekite (or collectively the Amalekites) or descendants of Amalek; Amalekite(-s).
Transliteration:ʻĂmâlêqîy
Pronunciation:am-aw-lay-kee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6003, עֲמָלֵקִי (ʻĂmâlêqîy), is a gentilic noun derived patronymically from `{{H6002}}` (עֲמָלֵק, ʻĂmâlêq), the name of the eponymous ancestor. It designates an "Amalekite" or, collectively, "the Amalekites," referring to the descendants of Amalek. This term identifies a specific ethnic group, a nation known for its persistent and hostile relationship with ancient Israel. The suffix -î functions to denote origin or affiliation, similar to other gentilic forms in Hebrew. While the precise etymology of `{{H6002}}` is debated, possibly relating to "dweller in a valley" or "laborious," the primary semantic range of H6003 is strictly ethno-geographical, identifying the people themselves.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Amalekites feature prominently throughout the Old Testament, almost exclusively in contexts of conflict and enmity with Israel. Their first appearance is in [[Genesis 36:12]], where Amalek is identified as a grandson of Esau, born to Eliphaz by his concubine Timna. This lineage establishes them as distant relatives of the Israelites (descendants of Jacob), yet their relationship quickly devolves into one of profound animosity.
Their first significant encounter with Israel occurs shortly after the Exodus at Rephidim, as recorded in [[Exodus 17:8-16]]. Here, the Amalekites launch an unprovoked attack on the weary and vulnerable Israelites. This event is pivotal, leading to God's solemn declaration of perpetual war against Amalek ([[Exodus 17:16]]) and a divine command to "blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven" ([[Deuteronomy 25:17-19]]). This command underscores the unique severity of their offense in God's eyes.
Throughout the wilderness wanderings, Amalekites are mentioned among the inhabitants of the Negeb ([[Numbers 13:29]]) and are instrumental in defeating Israel after their rebellion at Kadesh Barnea ([[Numbers 14:25, 43, 45]]). Balaam's oracle in [[Numbers 24:20]] starkly prophesies their ultimate destruction: "Amalek was the first of the nations, but its end will be utter destruction."
During the period of the Judges, Amalekites are depicted as oppressors of Israel, often allied with other hostile groups like the Midianites ([[Judges 3:13]], [[Judges 6:3, 33]]). The most dramatic confrontation involves King Saul's divine commission to utterly destroy the Amalekites, including their livestock, as retribution for their historical aggression ([[1 Samuel 15:1-3]]). Saul's partial obedience in sparing King Agag and the best of the livestock leads directly to his rejection as king ([[1 Samuel 15:10-23]]). This narrative profoundly illustrates the seriousness of God's command concerning Amalek.
David also engages with the Amalekites, raiding their territory ([[1 Samuel 27:8]]) and later pursuing and recovering his family and possessions after an Amalekite raid on Ziklag ([[1 Samuel 30:1-20]]). Their presence diminishes in later biblical history, with a final mention of their remnant being destroyed by Simeonites during the reign of Hezekiah ([[1 Chronicles 4:43]]). The enmity resurfaces symbolically in the book of Esther, where Haman, the antagonist, is identified as an Agagite ([[Esther 3:1]]), likely a descendant of the Amalekite royal line, perpetuating the ancient hatred.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H6003 is enriched by understanding its connection to several key terms and concepts:
* **`{{H6002}}` (עֲמָלֵק, ʻĂmâlêq):** The direct root, referring to the ancestor and the nation itself. The gentilic H6003 is simply the people of `{{H6002}}`.
* **`{{H90}}` (אֲגַג, Agag):** The name of the Amalekite king spared by Saul, and later a likely lineage for Haman. This name becomes synonymous with the Amalekite royal line.
* **`{{H2764}}` (חֶרֶם, ḥerem):** The concept of "devotion to destruction" or "utter destruction." This is the specific command given by God regarding the Amalekites, signifying their absolute condemnation and the necessity of their complete eradication.
* **"First of the nations" ([[Numbers 24:20]]):** This phrase, applied to Amalek by Balaam, suggests their early prominence or perhaps their being the first to openly defy God's people after the Exodus.
* **"Blot out their memory" ([[Deuteronomy 25:19]]):** A powerful divine imperative reflecting the depth of God's judgment against them for their unprovoked cruelty.
* **Adversary/Enmity:** The Amalekites embody an archetypal enemy, representing a persistent and insidious force opposing God's chosen people and His divine purposes. Their hostility is not merely political but carries significant spiritual weight.
### Theological Significance
The Amalekites hold profound theological significance, serving as more than just a historical adversary of Israel.
1. **Archetype of Persistent Opposition:** The Amalekites represent a relentless and insidious enemy of God's people. Their unprovoked attack on the weakest and most vulnerable of Israel in the wilderness ([[Deuteronomy 25:18]]) immediately after the miraculous Red Sea crossing demonstrated a profound lack of fear of God and a direct challenge to His providential care. This makes them a symbol of spiritual forces that consistently seek to undermine God's plan and attack His covenant people.
2. **Divine Judgment and Retribution:** God's command to "blot out the remembrance of Amalek" ([[Deuteronomy 25:19]]) is one of the most severe divine judgments in the Old Testament. It is not arbitrary but a just response to their cruelty and persistent defiance. This highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice and His defense of His chosen people. The "war with Amalek from generation to generation" ([[Exodus 17:16]]) signifies God's enduring opposition to those who oppose Him and His redemptive purposes.
3. **Test of Obedience:** Saul's failure to completely obey the divine command regarding the Amalekites ([[1 Samuel 15]]) serves as a critical theological lesson. It underscores the importance of absolute obedience to God's specific instructions, even when they appear harsh, and illustrates the severe consequences of partial obedience or human reasoning overriding divine command. This narrative emphasizes God's sovereignty and the necessity of complete devotion.
4. **Spiritual Warfare:** The battle against Amalek at Rephidim, where Moses' raised hands were crucial for Israel's victory ([[Exodus 17:11]]), is often interpreted as an early paradigm of spiritual warfare. It emphasizes the need for divine intervention, persistent prayer, and communal support (Aaron and Hur holding up Moses' hands) in overcoming spiritual adversaries. The ongoing nature of the conflict suggests that believers will always face spiritual opposition.
### Summary
The term H6003, ʻĂmâlêqîy, denotes the Amalekite people, descendants of Amalek, a grandson of Esau. Throughout biblical history, they are consistently portrayed as a formidable and persistent enemy of Israel, from their initial unprovoked attack in the wilderness to their symbolic presence in the book of Esther. The Amalekites incurred a unique and severe divine decree of perpetual war and ultimate eradication due to their cruelty and defiance. Theologically, they serve as a profound archetype of persistent spiritual opposition to God's chosen people and His divine plan. Their narrative underscores crucial themes of divine judgment, the necessity of complete obedience to God's commands, and the ongoing nature of spiritual conflict. The divine imperative to "blot out their memory" signifies the depth of their hostility and God's unwavering commitment to justice for His covenant people.
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