Deuteronomy 25:18
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights Amalek's cruel attack specifically on the weakest and most vulnerable – those lagging behind, already exhausted. This wasn't a direct confrontation but a cowardly ambush, revealing a profound disregard not just for human life, but for God Himself, who was visibly leading His people.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses is reminding the Israelites to remember the treacherous attack by the Amalekites as they journeyed out of Egypt. This brutal assault targeted the weakest and most vulnerable, who were already exhausted from their travels, demonstrating a complete lack of compassion or fear of God. The memory of this cowardly act is meant to fuel their future obedience and commitment to blotting out the remembrance of Amalek.
Why would a powerful enemy target those already struggling at the back of the line? This verse reveals a chilling strategy that speaks volumes about character.
The Amalekites didn't attack Israel head-on in a fair fight. Instead, they waited until the Israelites were exhausted from their journey out of Egypt.
A Sneak Attack
They specifically targeted the 'hindmost' – those lagging behind, the 'feeble,' the weak, the women, and children. This wasn't a battle; it was a brutal ambush designed to inflict maximum pain and terror with minimal risk.
Ruthless Strategy
This cowardly tactic highlights Amalek's utter disregard for basic humanity. They preyed on vulnerability, showing no mercy or fear towards God or man.
What does it truly mean to 'not fear God'? This phrase in Deuteronomy points to a deep-seated rebellion that fuels inhumane actions.
The verse concludes with a stark declaration: 'he did not fear God.' This wasn't just a statement of atheism; it described a profound moral and spiritual void.
A Moral Compass Gone Haywire
To 'fear God' in the biblical sense means to reverence Him, respect His authority, and live according to His commands. Amalek's actions demonstrate a complete absence of this reverence.
The Root of Cruelty
Ask a follow-up
When people disregard God, they often disregard the image of God in others. Their cruelty stems from a place of rebellion, not just against people, but against the Creator Himself. This lack of godly fear led them to commit atrocities without remorse.
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.
This passage describes the initial attack of the Amalekites on the Israelites just after their exodus from Egypt, setting the historical context for God's command in Deuteronomy.
1 Samuel 15:2-3This passage shows God's direct command to Saul to remember and destroy Amalek for what they did to Israel, reiterating the severe judgment against them.
The fulfillment of God's command to blot out the remembrance of Amalek is seen here, with the destruction of Haman and his sons, who were descendants of Agag, king of Amalek.
This verse lists 'hatred of God' as a characteristic of those who are disobedient, paralleling the description of Amalek's action as 'he did not fear God'.
clarkeDeuteronomy 25:18: "How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God."
Smote the hindmost of thee - See the note on Exodus 17:8 . It is supposed that this command had its final accomplishment in the death of Haman and his ten sons, Esther 3 . vii., ix., as from this time the memory and name of Amalek was blotted out from under heaven, for through every period of their history it might be trul…
pooleDeuteronomy 25:18: "How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God."
Smote the hindmost of thee; which God permitted, both for the punishment of Israel’s sins, and to harden and prepare them for the difficulties of their expedition.
The verse highlights Amalek's cruel attack specifically on the weakest and most vulnerable – those lagging behind, already exhausted. This wasn't a direct confrontation but a cowardly ambush, revealing a profound disregard not just for human life, but for God Himself, who was visibly leading His people.
Moses is reminding the Israelites to remember the treacherous attack by the Amalekites as they journeyed out of Egypt. This brutal assault targeted the weakest and most vulnerable, who were already exhausted from their travels, demonstrating a complete lack of compassion or fear of God. The memory of this cowardly act is meant to fuel their future obedience and commitment to blotting out the remembrance of Amalek.
Moses is reminding the Israelites to remember the treacherous attack by the Amalekites as they journeyed out of Egypt. This brutal assault targeted the weakest and most vulnerable, who were already exhausted from their travels, demonstrating a complete lack of compassion or fear of God. The memory of this cowardly act is meant to fuel their future obedience and commitment to blotting out the remembrance of Amalek.
"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." — The verse highlights Amalek's cruel attack specifically on the weakest and most vulnerable – those lagging behind, already exhausted. This wasn't a direct confrontation but a cowardly ambush, reveali…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
