Why Scripture Blots Out Esau and Amalek Alone

Rabbi Levi opened his discourse with the verse (Psalms 9:6): "You have rebuked the nations; you have destroyed the wicked one; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever." "You have rebuked the nations" — this refers to Amalek, as it is written (Numbers 24:20): "First among the nations was Amalek." "You have destroyed the wicked one" — this refers to Esau, as it is said (Malachi 1:4): "And they shall call them a country of wickedness." If a person should say to you that Jacob too is included in the count, say to him: It is not written here "You have destroyed the wicked ones" (in the plural), but rather "You have destroyed the wicked one" (in the singular) — this refers to Esau the Wicked. "You have blotted out their name for ever and ever" (Psalms 9:6); "You shall blot out the remembrance of Amalek" (Deuteronomy 25:19).