Bible Dictionary
Amalekites
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe inhabiting the Sinai region and the southern borders of Canaan. They lived by herds and raiding, fought Israel at Rephidim and Hormah, and were later weakened and destroyed by Saul and David.
Definition
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe occupying the Sinai peninsula, the wilderness south of Palestine, and the border of Egypt. Their wealth consisted chiefly of flocks and herds, and their settlements could be stations or nomadic enclosures.
Biblical Usage
They first fought Israel at Rephidim and were defeated. They later attacked Israel near Hormah. Saul broke their power, and David completed their destruction in the account preserved in Samuel.
Historical Background
After Saul’s campaign, the Amalekites degenerated into a horde of raiders or bandits. Their exact origin is described as uncertain.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
a nomadic tribe of uncertain origin, which occupied the peninsula of Sinai and the wilderness intervening between the southern hill-ranges of Palestine and the border of Egypt. (Numbers 13:29; 1 Samuel 15:7; 27:8) Their wealth consisted in flocks and herds. Mention is made of a “town” (1 Samuel 15:5) but their towns could have been little more than stations or nomadic enclosures. The Amalekites first came in contact with the Israelites at Rephidim, but were signally defeated. (Exodus 17:8-16) In union with the Canaanites they again attacked the Israelites on the borders of Palestine, and defeated them near Hormah. (Numbers 14:45) Saul undertook an expedition against them. (1 Samuel 14:48) Their power was thenceforth broken, and they degenerated into a horde of banditti. Their destruction was completed by David. (1 Samuel 30:1-17)