Biblical explanation
Amalek attacked Israel after the Exodus. Moses recorded: "Amalek... smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee." Deuteronomy 25:17-18 God announced judgment: "I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven." Exodus 17:14 Generations later, Saul was commanded to execute this judgment. 1 Samuel 15. Importantly, the Bible does not present this as a general moral permission for individuals to destroy people they consider wicked. It was a specific command concerning a specific nation within Israel's theocratic historical setting. The Amalekite judgment is presented as God's judicial act. Scripture does not authorize Christians today to imitate it by using violence against people they regard as enemies.
Key takeaway
The great controversy reveals God's character as Christ ministers as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. The dead await the resurrection, Christ's return will be visible and personal, and prophecy calls believers to faithful mission rather than date-setting or fear.