Amalek and the amalekites in the ancient christian literature

Abstract

This research shed light upon the problem of Amalek and the Amalekites in the Patristic tradition. The Christian lecture shows the biblical background but also the rabbinic literature treated systematically this figure. Amalek is „the enemy” and Israel will always be fighting against him. Josephus’ account of the attack of the Amalekites upon the Israelites is so much more extensive than the accounts in the Pentateuch. Philo of Alexandria has totally omitted the divine injunction to eradicate the Amalekites. The role of the Messiah – Christ is still obscure in the rabbis. Amalek may not appear in the New Testament as a proper name, but the possible reading on Christian Literature alongside the rabbinic texts is suggestive. Origen of Alexandria does bring in a new idea, that of the attacks from Amalek coming as a result of holy – living and not as a result of sin. The Post–Nicene traditions developed the specific typology of Amalek.