The title of this post is self-explanatory. I don't think that there is any extra-Biblical evidence for Amalek. Do you know of any? (Arab traditions cite Amalek as an extremely powerful group, but I'm thinking more of archaeology than other people's mesorahs.)
Possibilities:
1. Amalek existed as described in Tanach
2. Amalek existed, but was nothing like what the Torah describes
3. Amalek never existed
Ideas:
In Ages in Chaos, Immanuel Velikovsky identified the Amalekites with the Hyksos. If this is true it royally screws with those who believe that Hyksos = Jews in Egypt.
Apologetic view: The Jews followed God's commandment, wiping out Amalek and leavinging behind no evidence that they ever existed.
If anyone here reads and understands German, I found this reference which possibly addresses this question: "Nöldeke, Ueber die Amalekiter und einige andere Nachbarvölker der Israeliten, Göttingen, 1864."
So two questions: Did Amalek actually exist? Do you have any extra-Biblical evidence to back up the contention that they did?
I am so temped to Qoute one of Queen Victoria's relative and British commissioned officer who claimed he was a descendent of the Amelikites---Kaiser Wheheim I of Germany...which makes sence when you look at it.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, Rabbi Israel answered this question by answering my question about the endlessly unnamed Pharoes of Abe, Moses, Jacob & David that no self respecting Egyptianologist believed interacted with same ( let alone the Pharoe and his mighty army being taught swimming lessons by Moses) "The TORA/Old Testament is not a History Book!!! It is designed to teach Universal truths, not Historical ones. Depressing, ain't it!!! The were no Ameliks as there was no Moses, Abraham or Adam & Eve but there is an Eddie & Steve!!! It's all Bullsh*t!!! If the Old Testament is all made up, what does that do for the New Testament?!!! I feel gypped!!!