Amalek

Amalek (Hebrew: עֲמָלֵק, Modern Amalek, Tiberian ʻĂmālēq) occurs in the Hebrew Bible and may refer to the grandson of Esau, the descendant nation of Amalekites, and the territories of Amalek which they inhabited.

There is no archaeological or epigraphic evidence for the existence of the Amalekites; all sources mentioning them are either directly based on the Hebrew Bible, or of a far later date than the presumed time of their existence.

According to the Book of Genesis and 1 Chronicles, Amalek was the son of Eliphaz and the concubine Timna. Timna was a Horite and sister of Lotan. Amalek appears in the genealogy of Esau (Gen. 36:12; 1 Chr. 1:36) who was the chief of an Edomite tribe (Gen. 36:16). Amalek is described as the "chief of Amalek" in Genesis 36:16, in which it is surmised that he ruled a clan or territory named after him. In the chant of Balaam at Numbers, 24:20, Amalek was called the 'first of the nations', attesting to high antiquity.Rashi states: He was the first of all of them (the other nations) to war against Israel (when they came out of Egypt).Josephus refers to Amalek as a 'bastard' (νόθος), though in a derogative sense.

Amalekites (Book of Mormon)

First mentioned in the missionary chapters of the sons of Mosiah, the Amalekites(/əˈmæl.ə.kaɪts/) of the Book of Mormon are described as a group of dissenters from the Nephites (Book of Mormon index, Alma 43:13). They are credited with building the city of Jerusalem in the land of Jerusalem within the land of Nephi, alongside Lamanites and Amulonites (Alma 21:2).

The character of the Amalekites is described as "more hardened than the Lamanites" (Alma 21:3). In the various wars, the Amalekites are appointed captains because of their murderous dispositions (Alma 43:6).

Religiously, the Amalekites are after the order of Nehor (Alma 21:4). When Aaron, the son of Mosiah, enters their land, the Amalekites are among those who contend with him. Though they confess to believe in God, only one Amalekite is converted (Alma 21:5-14).

Because of them, the Lamanites are spurred on to kill their own people, the Anti-Nephi-Lehies (Alma 24:1). During the various wars between the Nephites and Lamanites, they are described as being better armed and continually inspire the Lamanites to fight (Alma 43:20,44).