Deuteronomy 25:17-19
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The emphasis here isn't just on Amalek's attack, but on when it happened: right after Israel’s devastating escape from slavery. This detail highlights Amalek's cruelty wasn't just aggression, but a brutal assault on a vulnerable, traumatized people, demonstrating a profound lack of basic humanity and defiance of God's evident power.
“Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary, and cut off your tail, those who were lagging behind you, and he did not fear God. Therefore when the LORD your God has given you rest from all your enemies around you, in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven; you shall not forget.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes right after laws about personal fairness and justice between Israelites. Moses is reminding them of a brutal act of violence from the Amalekites, who attacked the vulnerable and lagging behind as Israel journeyed from Egypt. This memory is presented not just as a historical grievance, but as the reason for a future command to completely wipe out the Amalekites.
Have you ever felt unfairly targeted when you were at your weakest? The Amalekites didn't just fight; they attacked the weakest among Israel when they were most vulnerable.
This verse begins a solemn command to remember the actions of Amalek. It wasn't a fair fight or a conflict over land.
A Sin Against Humanity
Amalek attacked Israel as they were traveling, specifically targeting those who had fallen behind – the elderly, the sick, and the weak. This wasn't an act of war between nations, but a brutal, unprovoked assault on defenseless people who were simply trying to journey.
Defiance of God
This cruelty was also a direct challenge to God. Israel had just witnessed His mighty acts in Egypt and the Red Sea. For Amalek to attack them then showed a deliberate disregard for God's power and His chosen people. It was an act of barbarity against Israel and a defiant stand against the Almighty.
Why does God command Israel to 'remember' this horrific event? It wasn't just about recalling a past wrong, but about preparing for future justice.
The command to 'remember' here is not passive nostalgia; it's an active, intentional recall meant to fuel a future response.
More Than Just a Memory
This wasn't about dwelling on past pain, but about engraving the injustice into the national memory. It served as a constant reminder of the deep-seated hostility Amalek represented – a hostility rooted in a rejection of God and humanity.
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A Foundation for Justice
This memory was the basis for a perpetual divine command: Amalek was to be utterly blotted out. This wasn't about revenge for its own sake, but about establishing a righteous order. God, who is perfectly just, mandated that such profound wickedness, especially when directed against His people and defying Him, must ultimately be addressed. This command wasn't driven by human anger but by divine justice.
Understand the original words
yare · Hebrew Verb
Refers to a state of reverential awe, obedience, and submission toward God; it is the beginning of wisdom and the proper response to His sovereignty and holiness.
nuach · Hebrew Noun
A state of tranquility, peace, or security granted by God after victory over enemies, often signifying the realization of the promise of the Promised Land.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
A portion or property received by legal right or divine promise; specifically, the land of Canaan given by God to the descendants of Abraham.
machah · Hebrew Verb
To destroy, erase, or wipe away completely; here used in the context of divine judgment against a nation that opposed God's people.
This passage describes the initial conflict with Amalek at Rephidim, detailing their unprovoked attack on the Israelites, which is the event being remembered in Deuteronomy.
1 Samuel 15:1-3This shows God's command to Saul to remember and completely destroy Amalek for what they did, highlighting the long-standing divine judgment against them.
Judges 3:12-13This passage describes Amalek allied with Moab and the Ammonites, oppressing Israel, demonstrating their persistent enmity against God's people.
Esther 9:1-18This narrative of Haman the Agagite (a descendant of Amalek) plotting to destroy the Jews in Persia culminates in their judgment and destruction, fulfilling the ancient decree.
pooleDeuteronomy 25:17: "Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt;"
Which circumstance greatly aggravates their sin, that they should do thus to a people, who had been long exercised with sore afflictions, to whom pity and help was due by the laws of nature and humanity, and for whose rescue God had in so glorious a manner appeared, which they could not be ignorant of. So this was barbarousness to Israel, and setting the great Jehovah at defiance.
calvinDeuteronomy 25:17-19: "Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt;"
Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.
Erit ergo quum dederit requiem Jehova Deus tuus tibi ab omnibus inimicis tuis per circuitum, in terra…
The emphasis here isn't just on Amalek's attack, but on when it happened: right after Israel’s devastating escape from slavery. This detail highlights Amalek's cruelty wasn't just aggression, but a brutal assault on a vulnerable, traumatized people, demonstrating a profound lack of basic humanity and defiance of God's evident power.
This passage comes right after laws about personal fairness and justice between Israelites. Moses is reminding them of a brutal act of violence from the Amalekites, who attacked the vulnerable and lagging behind as Israel journeyed from Egypt. This memory is presented not just as a historical grievance, but as the reason for a future command to completely wipe out the Amalekites.
This passage comes right after laws about personal fairness and justice between Israelites. Moses is reminding them of a brutal act of violence from the Amalekites, who attacked the vulnerable and lagging behind as Israel journeyed from Egypt. This memory is presented not just as a historical grievance, but as the reason for a future command to completely wipe out the Amalekites.
"“Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary, and cut off your tail, those who were lagging behind you, and he did not fear God. Therefore when the LORD…" — The emphasis here isn't just on Amalek's attack, but on when it happened: right after Israel’s devastating escape from slavery. This detail highlights Amalek's cruelty wasn't just aggression, but…
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Last reviewed October 2026
