Deuteronomy 25:17
Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt;
Original Language Analysis
זָכ֕וֹר
Remember
H2142
זָכ֕וֹר
Remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אֵ֛ת
H853
אֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֥ה
did
H6213
עָשָׂ֥ה
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עֲמָלֵ֑ק
what Amalek
H6002
עֲמָלֵ֑ק
what Amalek
Strong's:
H6002
Word #:
6 of 9
amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ
unto thee by the way
H1870
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ
unto thee by the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
7 of 9
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Historical Context
Spoken circa 1406 BC, forty years after Amalek's attack (circa 1446 BC). The Amalekites were nomadic descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:12) inhabiting the Negev and Sinai regions. Their attack at Rephidim occurred during Israel's early wilderness journey, when the nation was disorganized, unarmed, and exhausted. Later interactions (Numbers 14:45, Judges 3:13, 6:3) showed Amalek's persistent hostility. Saul's incomplete obedience to this command (1 Samuel 15) cost him the kingdom; Haman the Agagite (Esther 3:1) descended from Amalekite royalty.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God command perpetual remembrance of Amalek's sin? What does this reveal about divine justice?
- How does Amalek symbolically represent opposition to God's purposes and persecution of His people?
- What does Saul's failure to fully obey this command (1 Samuel 15) teach about partial obedience?
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Analysis & Commentary
Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt—referring to Exodus 17:8-16, when Amalekites attacked Israel at Rephidim shortly after the Red Sea crossing. This begins the three-verse command (25:17-19) requiring Amalek's eventual destruction. Remember (zachor, זָכוֹר) isn't passive recollection but active, purposeful memorial leading to action. The command demands perpetual enmity toward Amalek, Israel's first enemy after liberation.
Amalek's attack wasn't territorial dispute or resource competition but unprovoked assault on vulnerable refugees. The timing—immediately after Egypt's defeat and during Israel's wilderness vulnerability—revealed Amalek's character: opportunistic predation on the weak. God took Amalek's attack personally (Exodus 17:16): 'The LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.' Israel's memory of Amalek embodied remembrance of those who oppose God's redemptive purposes.