Bible Figure
Amalek
Biblical people, enemies of the Israelites
Amalek was a grandson of Esau and ancestor of the Amalekites; the name also becomes a collective designation for the people who repeatedly opposed Israel.
Biography
Genesis 36 identifies Amalek as a son of Eliphaz by his concubine Timna and therefore a grandson of Esau. Later biblical narratives focus much more heavily on the Amalekites as a people. They attacked vulnerable Israelites after the Exodus, leading to Joshua's battle while Moses interceded. Amalekites appear repeatedly during the judges and monarchy, and Saul's failure to carry out the commanded judgment against them becomes central to his rejection. David also fought Amalekites. Because the database record blends an individual ancestor with the people bearing his name, those senses should be distinguished.
Biblical Significance
Amalek is important both genealogically and as the name associated with a persistent enemy of Israel. This entry should crosslink to any separate treatment of the Amalekites rather than treating every later reference as the individual Amalek.