Drawing parallels between “Gazens and Amalekites”

ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently in a televised message refered to the Biblical Amalek narrative while discussing the conflict between Gaza and Israel.

- By Sudeera Yapa

The narrative was employed to justify the military actions against Gaza, in which the ongoing hostilities had led to over 1,200 Israeli deaths and nearly 60,000 deaths in Gaza. Netanyahu stated, “You must remember what Amalek had done to you as per our Holy Bible. “The public’s response to the Israeli Prime Minister’s remarks regarding the Amalek narrative and the Gaza fatalities was predominantly negative. Following this televised speech of the Israeli PM, which was originally delivered in Hebrew language, I wanted to delve into the historical backdrop of the Amalekites and God’s directive to “now go and smite Amalek. And utterly destroy all that they have and spare them not; but slay both men and women and infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.”

In the vast tapestry of ancient civilisation and the people mentioned in the Holy Bible, the Amalekites hold a unique and often contentious position. My exploration of the Amalekites aims to foster a new understanding of this Biblical group, their historical context, and its portrayal in religious texts. The narrative of Amalekites is intertwined with themes of conflicts, divine commands, and moral questions that arise from these elements. In today’s world where the interplay of history and belief continue to shape societal dynamics, revisiting Biblical narratives such as that of the Amalekites offers an opportunity for reflection and discussion.

Historical context of Amalekites