The Evil Behavior of Amalek

“It highlights the significance of justice and righteousness and emphasizes the evil nature of unprovoked aggression and violence.”

The story of Amalek is a significant narrative in the Torah and Parashat Ki Tetzeh ends with a reference to Amalek. “Remember what Amalek did to you on your way out of Egypt. When they encountered you on the way, and you were tired and exhausted, they cut off those lagging to your rear, and they did not fear HaShem.” Devarim (Deuteronomy) 25:17–19. The Torah tells us that the Amalekites were a tribe descended from Esav, the twin brother of Yaakov and the grandson of Avraham. The Amalekites became known for their hostile and aggressive behavior towards the Israelites.

The first encounter between the Israelites and the Amalekites occurred shortly after the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness toward the Promised Land, the Amalekites attacked them from behind, targeting the weak and weary who were lagging behind the main group. This unprovoked and vicious assault on a vulnerable population demonstrated the evil behavior of the Amalekites.

Moshe, the leader of the Israelites, instructed Yehoshua (Joshua) to select men to lead the Israelite army and engage the Amalekites in battle. As the battle ensued, Moshe stood on a hill overlooking the battlefield, holding…