“Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.”
Deuteronomy 25:19 addresses the topic of the Amalekites and their remembrance. To fully understand this verse, it is helpful to provide some context from the preceding verses. In Deuteronomy 25:17-18, the passage recounts the events of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness when they were attacked by the Amalekites. The Amalekites, descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:12), became adversaries of the Israelites and sought to harm them.
Verse 19 begins by setting a condition: “when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it.” This condition implies a future time when the Israelites have settled in the Promised Land and have experienced victory over their enemies, establishing a period of peace and rest.
The verse then continues by instructing the Israelites to “blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.” This command suggests that, after their enemies have been subdued, the Israelites are to eliminate all traces and memory of the Amalekites. This act of blotting out their remembrance signifies a complete erasure or annihilation of their existence. It emphasizes the severity of the Amalekites’ aggression against the Israelites and the importance of eliminating any potential threat they may pose to the Israelites’ well-being.
The verse concludes with a powerful statement: “thou shalt not forget it.” Despite the command to blot out the Amalekites, the Israelites are instructed not to forget what the Amalekites did to them. This reminder serves as a cautionary message, reminding the Israelites of the evil and harm inflicted upon them by their enemies. It also serves as a reminder of God’s justice and the consequences faced by those who rise against His chosen people.
In a broader theological sense, this verse can be seen as a call to remember and learn from past events, both the victories and the sufferings, to guide future actions and decisions. The Israelites were to remember the Amalekites’ hostility and the faithfulness of God in delivering them from their enemies, while also recognizing the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared for any future challenges.
Overall, Deuteronomy 25:19 underscores the significance of remembering the past, not for the sake of fostering bitterness or hatred, but to cultivate wisdom, faithfulness, and a reliance on God’s guidance as the Israelites moved forward in their journey.
