The Amalekites were a notorious faction of Nephite apostates who resided within the Lamanite territory, recognized for their exceptional wickedness and adherence to the teachings of Nehor. They were instrumental in the founding and development of the city of Jerusalem around 90 BC, which they shared with the Lamanites and the Amulonites (Alma 21:2). Their religious practices revolved around synagogues they constructed according to the order of the Nehors, which signifies their organized dissent from traditional Nephite beliefs (Alma 21:4).
Known for their obstinate nature and aggressive opposition to Christian doctrines, the Amalekites were markedly more hardened in their ways than their Lamanite allies, often exacerbating the spiritual hardness of the Lamanites (Alma 21:3). Aaron, the missionary son of King Mosiah, attempted to convert them but succeeded in bringing only one individual to the faith, as the majority rejected the message of the coming of Christ and clung to the belief that all men would be saved without the necessity of an atonement (Alma 21:6-8, Alma 23:14).
Their notoriety extended to their influence in warfare, where because of their “more wicked and murderous disposition” (Alma 43:6), they were designated as chief captains over the Lamanites during the conflicts with the Nephites. This strategic appointment by Zerahemnah was intended to invigorate the Lamanite military with hatred and ferocity (Alma 43:44). The Amalekites, distinct from the less-armored Lamanite soldiers, were better equipped for battle, hinting at a cultural divergence from their Lamanite counterparts (Alma 43:20).
The Amalekites serve as a cautionary example within the narrative, illustrating the profound spiritual decline that can occur when a people, once enlightened by divine knowledge, fall away into sin and transgression, leading to a state described as worse than ignorance of divine truths (Alma 24:30).