The Amalekites
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(1 Sam. 15:6) — a powerful people, occupying the country between Palestine and Egypt, called in the Book of Numbers (24:20) “the first of the nations.” They were heavily defeated in battle with the children of Israel at Rephidim, and for their sin in opposing the well-being of God’s people, they came under His terrible judgment. Afterward they were struck and defeated by Gideon (Judg. 7:12–25), by Saul (1 Sam. 15), and by David (1 Sam. 30). At last the word of the Lord was fulfilled upon them, and their name vanished from the face of the earth (1 Sam. 30:17; 1 Chron. 4:43).