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. Numbers 13:29; 1 Samuel 15:7; 1 Samuel 27:8. Their wealth consisted in flocks and herds.

Mention is made of a "town" 1 Samuel 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. Exodus 17:8-16.

In union with the Canaanites, they again attacked the Israelites on the borders of Palestine, and defeated them near Hormah. Numbers 14:45. Saul undertook an expedition against them. 1 Samuel 14:48. Their power was thenceforth broken, and they degenerated into a horde of banditti. Their destruction was completed by David. 1 Samuel 30:1-17.