The Amalek’s may have learned a lesson that day when they attacked God’s people. Or they just went home defeated. In case you don’t know, the Amalekites were descendants of Amalek, grandson of Esau (brother of Jacob). So, there were common bloodlines going back to the Israelites own forefather, Jacob. I understand they were fierce nomads who took pleasure in attacking and plundering. Little did they know that what appeared a weak (yet large) group of Israelite slaves would not be an easy win.
The Israelites had God’s protection around them thanks to Moses, Aaron, and Hur. We also meet Joshua for the first time. Moses chose him to lead their own army. Joshua will play an important role in the future (he even has his own book of the Bible). For now, with God’s power, the Israelites were saved from the Amalekites. There could be no doubt that this victory was God’s.
I loved how the staff was again used to call on God’s power. Like a prayer stick with a direct connection to God. And, I loved the teamwork between Moses, Aaron, and Hur. If you’ve ever held your hands up over your head for an extended time, like to change a light bulb or paint a ceiling, you know the pain, the agony, the weakness that sets in. When Moses’ own strength was failing, the other two held his arms up for him so the victory could be won.
We should take a lesson from this and be sure that we are holding up the leaders in our own circles. Weakness, fatigue, and struggle can often plague leadership. So be mindful of that and ready to support those leaders in your life. If you are in a leadership role yourself, it is a good reminder to have encouragers surrounding you.
It wasn’t just a victory for the day, God proclaimed he would erase the memory of Amalek, and in another version, blot out every trace of Amalek. God wanted Moses to write that down and also announce it to Joshua. Lest anyone think the victory was theirs, God spoke the truth. An altar was built to memorialize this day of victory.
I wonder what the people thought. Did they know what was happening? Did they realize the power of God that had saved them yet again?
Let’s pray. Lord, sometimes we are blinded to your goodness and how your hand is saving us. Help me to keep my eyes and heart open so I don’t miss seeing you in action. May I never take you and your protection for granted. Bring peace to my heart as I am walking through some challenging days. May your grace fill me to overflowing so I can continue to encourage and be your light in this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
