Amalek's attack on Israel was not a matter of geography or convenience. Rabbi Yehudah teaches that Amalek actually bypassed five other nations to reach the Israelites. He had to cross through the territories of the Hittites, the Hivites, the Jebusites, the Emorites, and the Canaanites before he could engage Israel in battle.
The proof comes from a later description of the land's inhabitants: "Amalek dwells in the southland; the Hittites, the Hivites, the Jebusites, and the Emorites dwell in the mountain; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea" (Numbers 13:29). Amalek was the most distant — the "innermost" of the nations. He had to skip past everyone else to reach the Israelite camp.
Rabbi Nathan makes the journey even more dramatic. Amalek came from the mountains of Seir, crossing four hundred parasangs — an enormous distance — specifically to wage war against Israel. This was no border skirmish or territorial dispute. Amalek traveled hundreds of miles with a single purpose: to attack <strong>God's</strong> chosen people.
The Mekhilta uses these details to establish that Amalek's hatred was unique among the nations. Other enemies fought Israel when Israel entered their territory. Amalek went looking for the fight. He crossed half a continent, passed five nations that posed no threat to him, and struck at the one people he was determined to destroy. That is why the Torah singles out Amalek for eternal remembrance.