Amalek was a nation near the land of Canaan. It is also customary to recite Deuteronomy 25:1718 (see below) on the Shabbat before Purim. Judg 12:15 and remarks earlier). They reject discussion and other opinions. - Amalek & Israel - Land & People - The Amalekites & the Kenites - In the Aggadah Amalek and Israel This is why they will say that abortion and homosexuality, actions that detract from life, are moral imperatives. The Amalekites harassed the Hebrews during their Exodus from Egypt and attacked them at Rephidim near Mount Sinai, where they were defeated by Joshua. There are sixty-six books, but only five naming strategies. The shepherd boy who doesnt see an angel also doesnt compose a song about it. They are leading a meaningless existence. Abraham was given the strength to conquer Amalek through the test of offering up Isaac, by putting aside his emotions to do the will of God. [22] However, the modern biblical scholar David Freedman uses textual analysis to glean that the use of Amalekite in Genesis 14:7 is actually an anachronism,[13] and in the early 19th century, Richard Watson enumerated several speculative reasons for having a "more ancient Amalek" than Abraham. Thus, we must be strong and alert in order to prevail. After Rephidim, the next major encounter with Amalek came following the report of the spies to Israel that the enemy to the N of Kadesh-barnea in the wilderness of Paran in S Canaan, including the Amalekite forces which dwelt in the land of the Negeb, were too strong to conquer, despite the pleadings of Caleb and Joshua to the contrary (Num 13:25-33; 14:38). Some have made the connection that Sadaam Hussein and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran (modern Persia), are also descendants of Agog and Amalek and given what they want(ed) to do to the Jews and where they come from, it would come as no surprise if there was ever biological evidence to support this. Thus, abruptly, ends the story of Amalek in Scripture; we never see them again. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. Prophecy from the Bible is revealing itself as we speak. The rioters are antifa andBlack Lives Matterand they are inherently anti-Semitic. So Saul gathers 210,000 soldiers and crushes Amalek and captures their king, Agag. More metaphorically, to some Hasidic rabbis (particularly the Baal Shem Tov), Amalek represents atheism or the rejection of God. Jews are confusing genuine justice with social justice. It is a time of dressing up in costume, eating lots of delicious food, and, depending on how you read the text, getting rather drunk. Consequently, America is presently in a battle, not only for its physical well-being but also for its spiritual values. Amalek resides in our society. After Saul dies, David kills the Amalekite who killed him (2 Samuel 1:1516) and conquers the Amalekites along with many other nations (1 Samuel 30; 2 Samuel 8:1112; 1 Chronicles 18:11). When Moses holds his hands up, Joshua wins; when Moses gets tired and lets his hands down, Joshua loses. Saul fought a war with King Agog, a descendant of Amalek, and was commanded to kill him, but didnt, out of pity. After the attacks on synagogues in Fairfax, the major Modern Orthodox synagogues in nearby Beverlywood, the more modern counterpart of the community, conducted Black Lives Matter sessions. 22 They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, lived. Im not a scholar, but I can think of three possible reasons. Marilyn Wind, President, MERCAZ USA; Sheila Katz, CEO, National Council of Jewish Women; Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, Chief Executive, Rabbinical Assembly; Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President, Union of Reform Judaism; Leslie Lichter, Interim CEO, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism; Rabbi Marla Feldman, Executive Director, Women of Reform Judaism; Rabbi Hara Person, Chief Executive, Central Conference of American Rabbis; and, Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, Executive Director, Women's League for Conservative Judaism, Moreover, in 2017 progressive Jews released an open letter in defense of anti-Semite Linda Sarsour this, despite Sarsour's praise for Nation of Islam leader and rabid anti-Semite Louis Farrakhan, and the claim that "sharia law is reasonable.". [20], Alternatively, during the Islamic Golden Age, certain Arabic writings claimed that the Amalekites existed long before Abraham. [20][21] It is, however, possible that the name Amalek may have been given to two different nations. He was the son of the 86-year-old Abraham from Hagar, the personal handmaid of Sarah, Abraham's wife. Elams king has an amazing name: Chedorlaomer., Youre not expected to know what an Abiezrite is or where Ophrah is. Amalek was one of the sons of Eliphaz and a grandson of Esau ( Gen 36:15, 16; 1 Chron 1:36 ). There had previously been an agreement between the king of Elam and these five other kings, and the other kings were sick of it, so they rebelled. This can be the United Nations or even movements like BDS (Boycott Divest Sanctions). That is because Amalek in gematria (Hebrew numerology) is 240, equal to the word, (doubt); they want you to doubt what you know is clearly the word of God., Amalek puts emotions over the intellect. Zogby's initiatives promoted Jews as privileged 'whites.' Who Was Amalek Eliphaz, son of Esau (the patriarch Jacob 's brother and sworn enemy), and his concubine Timna had a child named Amalek. Rabbi Dayan played a central role in so-called death curse ceremonies, or Pulsa diNura, aimed at Yitzhak Rabin and Ariel Sharon as a punishment for their giving up portions of Israel and dealing with murderers of Jews. This demonstrates again Israels strong antipathy to Amalek. During the Purim festival, the Book of Esther is read in the commemoration of the saving of the Jewish people from Haman who plotted to kill all Jews in Persian Empire. They lived north of Kadesh-barnea in the Negeb desert in the southern part of Palestine, with their tributary camps radiating out into the Sinai Peninsula and northern Arabia. To obey is better than sacrifice, he says, and, Because you [Saul] have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you form being king (1 Samuel 15:2223). However, this will most certainly be the beginning of the end, if Jews stoop to the level of Amalek and attack those weaker than us, without the pretext and rules of war. Without direct divine guidance, it is impossible to say with certainty who is Amalek, Berger told, . 25:19 Not to forget Amalek's atrocities and ambush on our journey from Egypt in the desert, Some commentators have discussed the ethical deficiency of the commandment to exterminate all the Amalekites, especially including the command to kill children, and the presumption of collective punishment. But wait, if this war happened while Abraham and Lot were still alive this was two generations before Jacob and Esau, which means it was four generations before Amalek was even born! They made a god, imbued him with powers, so that under his rule, they could do what they want., They dont hate life; they have no idea what life is. On the other, the five kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Zoar). The Left admires the godless quality of communism and yearns for the conquest of America. But great for God, whose goal is glory for Himself, not glory for Gideon. This is not a normal occurrence. Instablogs.com A Dr Prem Guides Magazines Site. But God does not forget! Rabbi Dayan played a. central role in so-called death curse ceremonies, or Pulsa diNura, aimed at Yitzhak Rabin and Ariel Sharon as a punishment for their giving up portions of Israel and dealing with murderers of Jews. Theyve gotten hangry, so God has sent them quail and manna from heaven (Exodus 16:4) and water from a rock (Exodus 17:56). The angel touches it with his staff and fire consumes the whole meal, at which point Gideon believes. If youve read this far, Im sure youd like to know how this ancient Biblical story relate to our lives today! Caroline Glick exposes the hypocrisy of far-Left Jewish organizations who deliberately choose to ignore the hatred and anti-Semitism of Black Lives Matter. The Amalekites presumably return to their homeland, embarrassed, to lick their wounds. Israel rebelled. Centenary year of the Scouting movement. C. David drove the Amalekites out of Negev into transjordan Edomite territory at Mt. Corrections? Not just defeat them, but destroy every man, woman, child, infant, ox, sheep, camel, and donkey (1 Samuel 15:13). Girl Child -Still a Burden for Indian Wives? He was born to Eliphaz by his concubine Timna (Gen 36:12) was one of the tribal chiefs (, H477) of Edom (Gen 36:16, 17). The Amalekites seem to have been descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12). Much of liberalism today is like that. But theres a slight twist here that changes the course of Israels history. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. The Amalekites refer to a shifting collection of tribes throughout Biblical history, so they never had enough cultural identity to leave records. The birthright (bekorah) that Esau forfeited and Jacob procured, involves both position and inheritance. ", They are in lockstep with Hillary Clinton to uproot American culture. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The story we remind ourselves of each year, by reading Parshah Zachor, is that of the attack of the Amalekites, who are the descendants of Eliphaz, son of Esau (the patriarch Jacob's brother and sworn enemy) and his concubine Timna. Thats the spirit! Observing this connection, there is no need, as some have attempted, to emend the text of Judges 1:16 from the people (Heb. The Amalekites seem to have been descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12).They separated themselves off from the other Edomites at an early date, and became the predominant tribe in the more northern parts of the Sinaitic peninsula, claiming and exercising a sovereignty over the whole of the desert country between the borders of Palestine . Gideon and Purah overhear some soldiers talking about a dream, and the soldiers correctly interpret the dream to mean Gideon will destroy them. "And the children of Lotan were Hori and Hemam and Lotan's sister was Timna." 1. Saul not only fails to kill Agag, but he also keeps all the best livestock alive and takes it for himself. This is seen by observing the Kenites who lived with the Amalekites at the city of Amalek (1 Sam 15:5, 6) and that they earlier had taken up this residence with the people in the region of the Negeb near Arad (Judg 1:16), which was only about twenty m. S of Hebron. They reject discussion and other opinions. "Timna was a concubine to Elifaz, son of Esau, and she bore Amalek to Elifaz." Some verses later, we are told more about Timna's background. The Amalekites (/mlkats/[6]) were considered to be Amalek's descendants through the genealogy of Esau. Therefore, it is forbidden to perform the commandment. Hes still not getting the whole God of Angel Armies thing. In Numbers 24:20 Balaam prophesied, Amalek was the first of the nations, but in the end he shall come to destruction. This reference does not suggest that the early Genesis 14:7 reference to Amalek is in conflict with the Genesis 36:16 statement regarding Amalek, the grandson of Esau. The Bible tells us that when the Israelites left Egypt, they were attacked from behind by Amalek and his people. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Amalekites, JewishEncyclopedia.com - Amalek, Amalekites, Amalekites - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Rashi explains the third commandment: From man unto woman, from infant unto suckling, from ox unto sheep, so that the name of Amalek not be mentioned even with reference to an animal by saying "This animal belonged to Amalek". Ishmael was the elder brother of Isaac. Rabbi Yosef Berger, the rabbi of King Davids Tomb on Mount Zion, believes that Amalek exists in the world today, in individuals and also in nations. 4 [Dec., 1969], 104-111). get answers to your Bible questions from 50+ resources ($2,400+ value! Amalek, on the other hand, despises the moral values in our Constitution, loathes the protections of the individual and seeks to destroy the opportunities that create our well-being and wealth. We know both his mother's name (Timna, a concubine of his father Eliphaz) and his grandmother's name (Adah, wife of his grandfather Esau) (Genesis 36:9-12; 1 Chronicles 1:34-36). Astonishingly, even those allegedly versed in Judaism are in denial about BLM. The district over which they ranged was south of Judah and probably extended into northern Arabia. Hakirah: The Flatbush Journal of Jewish Law and Thought, Volume 28, Spring 2020, pp. Gideon still needs more signs. In Genesis 36:12 , we are introduced to Amalek 's parents. In Judaism, the Amalekites came to represent the archetypal enemy of the Jews. Rather in Numbers 24:20 Amalek as first is to be understood as its being the first among the nations to attack Israel in her Exodus experiences (cf. and only as a remnant whom some of the Simeonites defeated at Mount Seir (i.e., Edom; Gen 32:3; 1 Chron 4:41-43). It is a time of merriment, celebration, and partying. I want it becomes more important than anything. They didnt merely go to war with the Israelites. Deuteronomy 25:19. Origen of Alexandria is sometimes cited as having viewed the herem passages allegorically; Hofreiter argues that although Origen viewed a spiritual interpretation as having primary importance to Christians, he did not deny that the herem passages described historical events.[54]. While the Jews were still in Rephidim, the Amalekites, a mightily and fierce people, descendants of Esau, and well-trained in the art of warfare, suddenly attacked the people of Israel. Finally they flee, and Gideon, with his tiny little force, pursues. For less than $5/mo. Evidently the Amalekites had some cities, as this one, in which they sometimes settled, and possibly fulfilled religious obligations as has been shown was the case of nomadic tribes in the Trans-Jordan in connection with a 15th cent. New International Version (NIV). The name "Amalek" can refer to the nation's founder, a grandson of Esau; his descendants, the Amalekites; or the territories of Amalek, which they inhabited. Hamas is clearly this way. Different people can embody that concept. Who are the descendants of Ishmael? Deuteronomy 25:19 ESV. Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, also known as Reuel, was "the priest of Midian " and a Kenite ( Judges 1:16 ). According to the Bible, the Amalekites inhabited the Negev. Streicher assumed that the origin of the Aryan race was in Persia, with a connection to the descendants of the Amalekites, who were the worst enemies of the Jewish people. 599 Deut. Exodus 17:14-16 ESV. They separated themselves off from the other Edomites at an early date, and became the predominant tribe in the more northern parts of the Sinaitic peninsula, claiming and exercising a sovereignty over the whole of the desert country between the . Intifada Realism is becoming more clear each day when radical Islam allies itself with the radical Left. . In it, he referred to Hamas as the seed of Amalek., your God grants you safety from all your enemies around you, in the land that, your God is giving you as a hereditary portion, you shall blot out the memory of, Rabbi Ben Artzi stated that, as the seed of Amalek, this commandment applied to. Agag was the king of Amalek (1 Sam. In the annals of Jewish history, "[t]he Amalekites, descendants ofAmalek, were an ancient biblical nation living near the land ofCanaan. Gideon calls together an armynot just from Manasseh, but from the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali and Asher, too. The Midianites and Amalekites pull out their swords and swipe at anything that moveswhich is mostly their comrades. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there. Like Ben Artzi, many rabbis throughout Jewish history have conjectured as to the identity of Amalek with the title frequently being placed on the worst enemies of the Jews. This can be Jews or non-Jews. The narrative of wiping out the remembrance of Amalek is so important that women, who are normally not obligated in the weekly Torah reading, are obligated to come . Not surprisingly, many rabbis and scholars identified the Nazis with Amalek beginning in the 1930s. M. Weippert, Semitische Nomaden des zweiten Jahrtausends. Instead, this is the part of the story where Israel gets angry with God for taking them out of Egypt, and God declares that nobody who left Egypt will make it to the Promised Land. He asks for another sign the next night: dew on the ground, but not on the fleece. Verse 16 mentions that Amalek became a chief among the Edomites. They came to stop the Jews from entering Israel. 7 speaks of Amalekites, in southern Palestine, in the time of Abraham. Further, in their song (Judg 5:14) Deborah (who was from Ephraim, 4:5) and Barak speak of how Ephraim had shown strength in rooting out those of the Amalekites who were in its midst (cf. In the wilderness wanderings. Judaism, which is based on the chesed (loving kindness) of Abraham, is intellect over emotions., Amalek: Leading the Nations to Hate Israel. It is clear from the text that Haman, the villain in the Book of Esther was a direct descendant of Agog. Their radical Islamic allies never stop in their all-consuming desire to create a global caliphate. Apparently most of them just dunked their heads to drink, because Gideon sends 9,700 men home, leaving him with less than one percent of his original force. I want it becomes more important than anything. 25:17 Remember what Amalek did to the Israelites How did he defeat Israel? Gideon, not convinced by an angel, this second miracle, and a dream from God, wants more. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Like Ben Artzi, many rabbis throughout Jewish history have conjectured as to the identity of Amalek with the title frequently being placed on the worst enemies of the Jews. An ancient marauding people in the S of Canaan and the Negeb who were fierce enemies of Israel particularly in the earlier part of her history. That Amaleks unrelenting and destructive spirit and action against God and the cause of His people Israel was heinous to the Lord is seen later in the reminder to Saul concerning these wilderness incidents and in Gods command that the king is to destroy these God-defying Amalekites (1 Sam 15:2, 3; cf. The answer is NO. But it scares me to know that there are Jews prepared to act in Amaleks name as well. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. Sign up to our free daily newsletter today to get all the most important stories directly to your inbox. Israeli-born philanthropist and activist Adam Milstein, who lives in Los Angeles, said '[t]he Jewish community is in denial. Those who stick their heads straight in the water go home; those who cup their hands and lap at it stay. In fact, "[s]peaking to the 2015 Women in the World Summit, Clinton declared that 'deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed. The police are warning that this week marks 40 days after Mugniyah was killed in Syria an event that Hizbollah attributes to Israel and are on high alert for revenge attacks on Israel. Which must have been a weird dream for them, and an even weirder interpretation, but their conversation encourages Gideon. [45] According to Haggahot Maimuniyyot, the commandment applies only in the future messianic era and not in present times; this limitation is almost a consensus among medieval authorities. For Amalekites in the Book of Mormon, see, Commandment to exterminate the Amalekites, Religious and modern scholarly discussion. 25:19 Wipe out the descendants of Amalek [26][27], According to the Midrash, the Amalekites were sorcerers who could transform themselves to resemble animals, in order to avoid capture. [10] First-century Roman-Jewish scholar and historian Flavius Josephus refers to Amalek as a 'bastard' () in a derogatory sense.[11]. The commandment to kill Amalekites is not practised by contemporary Jews, based on the argument that Sennacherib deported and mixed the nations, so it is no longer possible to determine who is an Amalekite. And weve seen the Ammonite capital Rabbah also tied up with King Davidits where his army was when he committed adultery with Bathsheba. This cycle repeated at regular intervals. [36][37][38][39] It has also been described as genocidal, according to genocide scholars like Norman Naimark.[40][41][42][43]. They were among the nomadic raiders defeated by Gideon and were condemned to annihilation by Samuel. Iran is willing to destroy their economy, they are willing to destroy their own country, just to convince the other Arab nations to attack Israel. Fortunately, this conundrum has a simple answer, although Im not sure anybody can confirm it. First, God has Gideon invite anyone who is afraid to take off, no questions asked. defeats enemies before Israels army even gets there, How the Books of the Bible Got Their Names, A List of Books In the Bible By Number of Chapters. Now go in this strength of yours and defeat Midian. 1 Samuel 30:1, 2 points to the Amalekite heavy raiding activity in the area of the Negeb, and Judges 6:3, 33 in speaking of the Amalekite association with the kings of the E in their raiding parties suggests that they may have lived sometime together in the Arabian territory toward the E. The Amalekites also extended their influence farther N into the Philistine country and the region of Ephraim. Later, Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah, and Hagar and Ishmael were driven away because of Ishmael's attitude toward Isaac ( Genesis 21:9-10, 14 ). God has made His point, so Gideon calls out the Ephraimites to join his pursuit. Eventually, Mosess brother Aaron and a man named Hur hold Mosess hands up for him, and Israel wins the day. The third reason is my favorite, because God did in fact command the absolute destruction of the AmalekitesHe says He will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven (Exodus 17:14)and sure enough, theyre gone! Alongside this story, we read a portion from the Writings (part of the larger cannon of the Bible, but not part of the Five Books of Moses) about King Saul. [13] This is probably based on the association of this tribal group with the steppe region of ancient Israel and the area of Kadesh (Genesis 14:7). In Judaism, three of the 613 mitzvot (commandments) involve Amalek: to remember what the Amalekites did to the Israelites, not to forget what the Amalekites did to Israelites, and to destroy the Amalekites utterly. Saul then made a statement of repentance and obtained some public reconciliation with the prophet Samuel, following which the prophet then killed Agag, the Amalekite king (15:24-33). 2. An expression denoting heat and cold (). Many prosperous people will join in for the greatest jealousy is of virtue, and even the rich and famous are infested with it. When they cry ceasefire, it is just like in the Ten Plagues when Pharaoh was stubborn until he got a plague, relented, and then returned to being stubborn until the next plague. He marches the army out to meet the enemy, at which point God decides to give a sign of His own. According to the Bible, Amalek was the son of Eliphaz (himself the son of Esau, ancestor of the Edomites) and Eliphaz's concubine Timna. God promised that Amalek will be wiped out. However, in 1 Samuel 15:2 this people were still flourishing. Nur Masalha, Elliot Horowitz, and Josef Stern suggest that Amalekites have come to represent an "eternally irreconcilable enemy" that wants to murder Jews, that Jews in post-biblical times sometimes associate contemporary enemies with Haman or Amalekites, and that some Jews believe that pre-emptive violence is acceptable against such enemies. Perhaps the greatest lesson of the stories of Israel and Amalek is that Gods commands are followed even by sand and storm and time itself. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! In the light of Amaleks past harassment of Israel the Lord commanded Saul to exterminate this enemy (1 Sam 15:1-3). Now this story is long, but Im telling the whole tale here because its a great story. [25], According to a midrash, Amalek's mother Timna was a princess who had tried to convert to Judaism but had been rejected by Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In the same way, you might say that the Algonquians inhabited Virginia, long before Virginia was a Commonwealth or the US was a country or Queen Elizabeth I was called the Virgin Queen. According to the Bible, Sarah and Abraham who were then called Sarai and Abram were aging and childless. The Amalekites, like many other people groups, ceased to exist or completely mingled with other nations sufficiently long ago that they left no distinct records. Without direct divine guidance, it is impossible to say with certainty who is Amalek, Berger told Breaking Israel News. [1] Buchman, Asher Benzio. 1 Sam 31:3-5; 2 Sam 1:4-10) was killed by David because he had slain the Lords anointed king (1:14-16), and also had confessed he was an Amalekite (1:8, 13). Moses sits on a hill overlooking the battlefield, holding his staff (the one God turned into a snake). No archaeological records have ever been found that can be definitively linked to Amalek. . According to the, (homiletic teachings), after killing Jewish men, Amalek cut off the, (circumcision) of the male Jewish casualties and threw them up at heaven. At this place, following the Amalekite attack, Israel defeated her enemy (Exod 17:8-16). This can even be left-wing Jews in Israel.. It means the Lord is peace.). Then the future king, through the help of an abandoned Egyp. So God sets about decimating Gideons army to make sure nobody can claim they did it on their own without Gods help. Among the victims of the four kings during this war was all the country of the Amalekites (Genesis 14:17). And they were at war. Jealousy and its precipitous hatred for the Jews and Judeo-Christian America unite them. Home Rabbis Weigh In: Who Is Amalek Today? In Esther, the Jew-hating Haman is called "the Agagite" (Esther 3:1). In Vayishlach, the Torah writes about the descendants of Esav. God sends the enemy into disarray. There is no further Biblical reference. So as soon as Moses tells them to go around the enemy armies, they immediately want to go through the land and fight. King Jehoshaphats Prayer: A Scriptural Response to Fear, From Sodom and Gomorrah to Jesus: The Story of the Moabites, Sitting In the Shadows of History: The Story of the Ammonites, Everywhere and Nowhere: The Story of the Amalekites you are here. Early history. How can that be? Gods call was (as usual) timely, because the Amalekites and Midianites are on the move. The rabbis derived these from Deuteronomy 25:1718, Exodus 17:14 and 1 Samuel 15:3. The Marxist Left has vowed to destroy America. ", Rabbi Buchman cites the book Why the Jews authored by Prager and Telushkin which has a chapter on "Non-Jewish" Jews, from Marx to Chomsky. Anyway, God has work for Gideon. It is also a concept and a spiritual reality. Hadar Susskind, President and CEO, Americans for Peace Now; Rabbi Bennett Miller, National Chair, ARZA; Stuart Applebaum, President, Jewish Labor Committee; Meredith Jacobs, CEO, Jewish Women International; Janet Gurvitch, President, Na'amat USA;