Log inSign up

Deuteronomy 25 · a question people ask

Why was Amalek singled out?

In the text

The chapter gives its reasons in one verse. Amalek "met you by the way, and struck the rearmost of you, all who were feeble behind you, when you were faint and weary; and he didn’t fear God" (25:18). It happened "as you came out of Egypt" (25:17). Exodus says, "Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim" (Exodus 17:8), and after the battle the LORD said, "I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under the sky" (Exodus 17:14). Deuteronomy gives the command a time: "when the LORD your God has given you rest from all your enemies all around" (25:19).

The verses

“Remember what Amalek did to you by the way as you came out of Egypt, how he met you by the way, and struck the rearmost of you, all who were feeble behind you, when you were faint and weary; and he didn’t fear God. Therefore it shall be, when the LORD your God has given you rest from all your enemies all around, in the land which the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance to possess it, that you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under the sky. You shall not forget.”
Deuteronomy 25:17-19 · World English Bible
“Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.”
Exodus 17:8 · World English Bible
“The LORD said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under the sky.””
Exodus 17:14 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Deuteronomy 25

Deuteronomy 25: That his name not be blotted out

One verb runs through Deuteronomy 25: a dead brother's name must not be "blotted out of Israel" (25:6), and Amalek's memory is to be blotted out (25:19). And when Sadducees used the brother's duty to argue against the resurrection, Jesus answered, "in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage" (Matthew 22:30).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekDeuteronomy 25 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Deuteronomy 25

All questions about Deuteronomy →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions