Am'alekites, The. A nomadic tribe of uncertain origin, which occupied the peninsula of Sinai and the wilderness intervening between the southern hill-ranges of Palestine and the border of Egypt. Num_13:29; 1Sa_15:7; 1Sa_27:8. Their wealth consisted in flocks and herds.
Mention is made of a "town" 1Sa_15:5, but their towns could have been little more than stations or nomadic enclosures. The Amalekites first came in contact with the Israelites at Rephidim, but were singally defeated. Exo_17:8-16.
In union with the Canaanites, they again attacked the Israelites on the borders of Palestine, and defeated them near Hormah. Num_14:45. Saul undertook an expedition against them. 1Sa_14:48. Their power was thenceforth broken, and they degenerated into a horde of banditti. Their destruction was completed by David. 1Sa_30:1-17.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863