The Amalekites _ Their Origin and Role in the Bible

A nation born from Esau's grandson. A people who attacked the weak and weary stragglers of Israel's exodus. A commandment to erase their memory from under heaven. Who were the Amalekites, and why did God call for their total destruction?The Amalekites first appear in Exodus 17, where they attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses held up his hands, Joshua fought, and Israel prevailed—but the battle was not over. God swore: I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Centuries later, King Saul was commanded to destroy them completely, sparing no one and nothing. He disobeyed, sparing King Agag and the best livestock. The prophet Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the Lord, and Saul lost his kingdom. Mordecai and Haman in the book of Esther were descendants of this ancient blood feud. Haman the Agagite plotted to annihilate the Jews. Esther foiled him, and the feast of Purim celebrates the survival of a people whom Amalek had sworn to destroy.Turn down the lights, put on your headphones, and press play because the war against Amalek never ended. It just changed its face.