When the LORD your God gives you rest from the enemies around you in the land that He is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you are to blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget! When the LORD your God gives you restThis phrase emphasizes the divine source of peace and security. The Hebrew word for "rest" is "נוח" (nuach), which implies not just physical rest but a state of peace and stability. In the historical context, this rest is a divine gift, a fulfillment of God's promise to Israel. It signifies a time when the Israelites would no longer be oppressed by their enemies, reflecting God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. from all the enemies around you
The phrase highlights the comprehensive nature of the peace God promises. The Hebrew word for "enemies" is "אויב" (oyev), which refers to adversaries or those who oppose. Historically, Israel was surrounded by hostile nations, and this promise of rest from all enemies underscores God's power to protect and deliver His people from any threat, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty and protection. in the land the LORD your God is giving you
This phrase points to the Promised Land, a central theme in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for "land" is "ארץ" (eretz), which signifies not just a physical territory but a place of divine promise and blessing. The land is a gift from God, a tangible expression of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. to possess as an inheritance
The concept of inheritance is crucial in biblical theology. The Hebrew word "נחלה" (nachalah) refers to a possession or heritage passed down through generations. This inheritance is not earned but given by God's grace, symbolizing the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people and their special relationship with Him. It also foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive through Christ. you shall blot out the memory of Amalek
This command is a direct response to the Amalekites' attack on Israel (Exodus 17:8-16). The Hebrew word for "blot out" is "מחה" (machah), meaning to erase or obliterate. This reflects the seriousness of Amalek's sin against God's people and serves as a divine mandate for justice. It underscores the principle that God will not tolerate evil and will ultimately judge those who oppose His purposes. from under heaven
This phrase indicates the totality of the command. The Hebrew expression "מתחת השמים" (mitachat hashamayim) suggests a complete and utter removal, leaving no trace. It emphasizes the thoroughness of God's justice and the finality of His judgment against those who defy Him. Do not forget!
The imperative to remember is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy. The Hebrew word "שכח" (shakach) means to forget, and the command here is to actively remember. This serves as a warning against complacency and a call to remain vigilant in obedience to God's commands. It highlights the importance of memory in maintaining faithfulness to God and His covenant, reminding believers of the need to remember God's past acts of deliverance and justice. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises to give His people rest from their enemies. 2. IsraelThe chosen people of God, who are to inherit the Promised Land and obey God's commands. 3. AmalekA nation that opposed Israel during their journey from Egypt, representing persistent opposition to God's people. 4. The Promised LandThe land given by God to the Israelites as an inheritance, symbolizing God's faithfulness and provision. 5. Rest from EnemiesA state of peace and security promised by God, contingent upon Israel's obedience. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness and JusticeGod is faithful to His promises, including the promise of rest and justice against those who oppose His people. The Importance of ObedienceIsrael's task to blot out Amalek underscores the necessity of complete obedience to God's commands. Spiritual WarfareAmalek represents spiritual opposition; believers are called to be vigilant and proactive in spiritual battles. Remembering God's DeliveranceThe command to "not forget" serves as a reminder to recall God's past deliverance and faithfulness. Inheritance and RestThe inheritance of the land and rest from enemies foreshadows the eternal rest and inheritance believers have in Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the command to "blot out the memory of Amalek" reflect God's justice and holiness? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of "not forgetting" God's past deliverance in our daily lives? 3. How does the concept of rest in Deuteronomy 25:19 relate to the spiritual rest promised in Hebrews 4? 4. What lessons can we learn from Israel's encounters with Amalek about dealing with persistent spiritual opposition? 5. How does the failure of King Saul in 1 Samuel 15 serve as a warning for us regarding partial obedience to God's commands? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 17:8-16This passage recounts the initial encounter between Israel and Amalek, where God promises to blot out Amalek's memory. 1 Samuel 15King Saul's failure to completely destroy the Amalekites as commanded by God, highlighting the importance of obedience. Psalm 83:4A reference to nations conspiring against Israel, similar to Amalek's opposition. Hebrews 4:9-11Discusses the concept of rest for God's people, drawing a parallel to the rest promised in the Promised Land. People Amalek, Amalekites, Ephah, MosesPlaces Amalek, Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Amalek, Am'alek, Blot, Cut, Enemies, Forget, Gives, Giveth, Giving, God's, Heaven, Heavens, Heritage, Inheritance, Memory, Mind, Possess, Rememberance, Remembrance, Rest, Round, Sides, Sky, SurroundingDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 25:19 8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah Library Therefore at that Time, when the Law Also...
27. Therefore at that time, when the Law also, following upon the days of the Patriarchs, [2010] pronounced accursed, whoso raised not up seed in Israel, even he, who could, put it not forth, but yet possessed it. But from the period that the fullness of time hath come, [2011] that it should be said, "Whoso can receive, let him receive," [2012] from that period even unto this present, and from henceforth even unto the end, whoso hath, worketh: whoso shall be unwilling to work, let him not falsely …
St. Augustine—On the Good of MarriageThe Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered.
"But the Righteousness which is of Faith speaketh on this wise,--Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into Heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep?' (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth; and in thine heart:' that is, the word of Faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from …
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation Nor, Because I Called Ruth Blessed, Anna More Blessed...
10. Nor, because I called Ruth blessed, Anna more blessed, in that the former married twice, the latter, being soon widowed of her one husband, so lived long, do you straightway also think that you are better than Ruth. Forsooth different in the times of the Prophets was the dispensation of holy females, whom obedience, not lust, forced to marry, for the propagation of the people of God, [2242] that in them Prophets of Christ might be sent beforehand; whereas the People itself also, by those things …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood. Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Of those who are Able to Profit Others by virtuous Example in Supreme Rule, but Fly from it in Pursuit of their Own Ease.
For there are some who are eminently endowed with virtues, and for the training of others are exalted by great gifts, who are pure in zeal for chastity, strong in the might of abstinence, filled with the feasts of doctrine, humble in the long-suffering of patience, erect in the fortitude of authority, tender in the grace of loving-kindness, strict in the severity of justice. Truly such as these, if when called they refuse to undertake offices of supreme rule, for the most part deprive themselves …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew.
^A Matt. I. 1-17. ^a 1 The book of the generation [or genealogy] of Jesus Christ, the son of David [the Messiah was promised to David--II. Sam. vii. 16; John vii. 42], the son of Abraham. [Messiah was also promised to Abraham--Gen. xxii. 18; Gal. iii. 16.] 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren [mentioned here because they were the heads of the tribes for whom especially Matthew wrote his Gospel]; 3 and Judah begat Perez and Zerah [these two were twins] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The True Manner of Keeping Holy the Lord's Day.
Now the sanctifying of the Sabbath consists in two things--First, In resting from all servile and common business pertaining to our natural life; Secondly, In consecrating that rest wholly to the service of God, and the use of those holy means which belong to our spiritual life. For the First. 1. The servile and common works from which we are to cease are, generally, all civil works, from the least to the greatest (Exod. xxxi. 12, 13, 15, &c.) More particularly-- First, From all the works of our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
(Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision B. Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection. ^A Matt. XXII. 23-33; ^B Mark XII. 18-27; ^C Luke XX. 27-39. ^a 23 On that day there came { ^b come} unto him ^c certain of the the Sadducees, they that { ^b who} say there is no resurrection [As to the Sadducees, see p. 71. We may regard their attitude toward Christ as expressed by their leader Caiaphas, see p. 528]; and they asked him, saying, 19 Teacher, Moses wrote unto us [See Deut. xxv. 5, …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Preaching (iii. ).
Eternal Fulness, overflow to me Till I, Thy vessel, overflow for Thee; For sure the streams that make Thy garden grow Are never fed but by an overflow: Not till Thy prophets with Thyself run o'er Are Israel's watercourses full once more. Again I treat of the sermon. We have looked, my younger Brother and I, at some main secrets and prescriptions for attractive preaching. What shall I more say on the subject of the pulpit? In the first place I will offer a few miscellaneous suggestions, and then …
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren Second Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Condemned by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.
(Palace of Caiaphas. Friday.) ^A Matt. XXVI. 57, 59-68; ^B Mark XIV. 53, 55-65; ^C Luke XXII. 54, 63-65; ^D John XVIII. 24. ^d 24 Annas therefore sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. [Foiled in his attempted examination of Jesus, Annas sends him to trial.] ^b and there come together with him all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. ^a 57 And they that had taken Jesus led him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, ^c and brought him into the high priest's house. ^a where …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 25:19 NIVDeuteronomy 25:19 NLTDeuteronomy 25:19 ESVDeuteronomy 25:19 NASBDeuteronomy 25:19 KJV
Deuteronomy 25:19 Commentaries
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