Amalek was a grandson of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, from whom the Israelites descended. As Israel headed for the promised land here is what they were told.
(Deuteronomy 2:4, 5) And give this command to the people: “You will pass by the border of your brothers, the descendants of Eʹsau, who are dwelling in Seʹir, and they will be afraid of you, and you must be very careful. Do not engage in hostilities with them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even the space of a footprint, because I have given Mount Seʹir to Eʹsau as his possession.
Instead of displaying brotherly love as Israel were told to, the Amalekites showed a deeply ingrained hatred that led to them attacking Israel at a time when they were especially vulnerable. As a consequence here is what Jehovah decreed.
(Deuteronomy 25:17-19) “Remember what Amʹa·lek did to you on the way as you were coming out of Egypt, how he met you along the way and attacked all those straggling behind you when you were exhausted and weary. He did not fear God. When Jehovah your God has given you rest from all your enemies around you in the land that Jehovah your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, you should wipe out the mention of Amʹa·lek from under the heavens. You must not forget.
The Israelites often applied the pub test to instructions given and as a result suffered ongoing consequences. Saul chose to preserve some alive and to keep the animals as booty. He too thought he knew best.
Haman, was referred to as the Agagite which was a title given to royalty of the Amalekites. He plotted to annihilate Israel in the time of queen Esther around 1,000 years later. Time and again Jehovah intervened to protect the lineage leading to the Messiah. Anyone stubbornly opposed to God's purpose should reflect on how things eventually turned out for the Amalekites.
