Shoulder To Shoulder #1308 -- 9/5/22 ----"Seeking The Ancient Paths (Pt 16) -- The Pathway That Warriors Walk: Amalek"
Posted by: rtolliver49 <rtolliver49@...>
"Standing Together, Shoulder To Shoulder, As We Fight the Good Fight of Faith"
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER is a weekly letter of encouragement Bob has written since 1997, covering many topics selected to
motivate people to be strong students of the Word and courageous witnesses of Jesus Christ. It is a personal letter of
encouragement to you, written solely to help "lift up hands that hang down".
"The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything." -- Albert Einstein
“There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have -- a cheap Christianity which offends nobody,
and requires no sacrifice, which costs nothing, -- and is worth nothing.” – J. C. Ryle
Shoulder To Shoulder #1308 -- 9/5/22
Title: "Seeking The Ancient Paths (Pt 16) -- The Pathway That Warriors Walk: Amalek"
My Dear Friend and Pilgrim Partner:
What a challenging week this has been! In spite of wonderful services, great fellowship, and the long-anticipated arrival of our daughter and son-in-law (Cheri and Bob), I've met myself several times coming and going through a very busy week.
On top of all that, I have had extraordinary problems with fonts, font sizes, and other inexplicable issues with my software just to write this letter in the first place. Don't be surprise by anything you see. Even in proofing the letter I see font changes and other things that I am unable to change I'm sure you'll detect them quickly.
So, here we are late again in writing to you. I don't remember ever sending on a Friday so late in the week. With my apologies again (it seems to be habitual these days), let's cut the small talk, and get right to the point. Today I want to visit an event long ago when, not long after they were liberated from Egyptian bondage and on their way to the long-awaited land God had promised their ancestor Abraham, the Children of Israel were confront during one of the numerous weak moments with an arch-enemy, "Amalek".
And, we'll do that right after you peruse . . .
THIS 'N' THAT:
+ Good Counsel: If you are a parent or someone else who cares about children, here's some good counsel about how you might help. Go to https://washingtonstand.com/commentary/disciple-your-kids-and-run-for-school-board-
+ Global Persecution of Christians:
> In Nigeria -- http://give.globalreligiousfreedom.org/nigeria
> Chinese Christians -- https://www.theblaze.com/news/chinese-christians-internationally-stalked-by-communist-regime
> In Egypt -- https://www.worldwatchmonitor.org/2022/09/egypt-copt-and-son-killed-in-is-attack/
> In Sudan -- http://give.globalreligiousfreedom.org/nada-and-hamouda
> In Ireland -- https://www.charismanews.com/world/90077-evangelical-irish-teacher-suspended-and-imprisoned
> In Turkey -- http://give.globalreligiousfreedom.org/david-byle
QUOTES FOR THE WEEK:
> "'Amalek was the first of the nations, but his end shall be destruction-." -- Prophet Baalam (Num 24:20)
> "[The spirit of Amalek] is a major demonic principality that we cannot ignore. It’s strategy is still the same: create passivity – to wear down and wear out the people of God until they lose their posture of prayer and faith in the Spirit, and then subsequently make wrong decisions and choices . . . ." -- Axel Sippach
> ""Remember what Amalek did to you along the way when you came out from Egypt, . . ." -- Moses (Deut 25:17)
> "Amalek in our day does the same thing he did when Joshua fought against him. First, he appeared after the Israelites had complained and doubted God. Second, he attacked at a place of God's blessings at Rephidim. Next, he attempted to wear God's people down through prolonged battling. Fourth, he kept showing up for centuries to come whenever God's people were not alert or when they failed to follow through. Amalek still prowls around today looking for vulnerable targets." -- T. Allen Robburts
> "[Amalek] contains no element of good that can be salvaged by means of the divine service of humans. The 'rectification' of the evil of Amalek is its utter eradication and destruction." -- AskNoah.org
> "'Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; . . ." -- The Prophet Samuel (I Sam 15:3)
> "We should not ignore that Amalek represents a spirit which has operated throughout history. Both Moses in Exodus 17 and Mordechai in the scroll of Esther understood that prayer and fasting were needed tools to combat this evil spirit." -- ICEJ (International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem)
> "Amalek is the supreme force of evil, above all the other evil forces. One of the first and most important tasks that the Messiah will accomplish once he is revealed to the world (speedily and in our days!) will be to destroy the spiritual force of Amalek. This will automatically remove the strength from all the other evil forces, so that the Messianic Era can begin." -- AskNoah.org
> ""When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you." -- Moses (Deut 20:1)
SETTING THE STAGE:
The journey of our Christian heritage is over 6,000 years old, -- from the Garden of Eden to ancient Chaldea, -- to the land of Canaan, -- to Egypt, -- back to Canaan, -- west to Rome, -- then to Britannia, -- and finally to our land we call America. It is a storied journey filled with struggle and strife along an ancient spiritual pathway that, by God’s grace, reached you and me. Ultimate victory was won long before you and I were born and even before we even knew the battle had been fought that day the journey led along a rocky pathway from Jerusalem to a hilltop where the eternal debt was paid for our inherited sin and rebellious independence from God.
The "Ancient Paths" about which I've been writing for so many weeks are not always enjoyable -- beneficial, yes, but always easy and happy, no. Today we will look at one of those difficult occasions in the life of the Children of Israel as they struck out on one of the earliest of those paths. But, we need to journey it with them in order to learn some important truths.
In every generation that has followed that pathway of faith, there has been opposition. Many times the battles have been varied and intense, but the enemy of the soul has always been the same. From his earliest existence in the heavenly realm before man ever existed all the way to our modern world today, the agenda has been the same -- do anything necessary to force God's people off the Ancient Paths. He will use everything from "rabbit trails" to massive highways to well-paved boulevards to glittering broadways to deter, deceive, and ultimate destroy that strange creature called "mankind".
Just as the country of Ukraine today is strewn with craters and carnage caused by the army of a wicked and demonic tyrant, so is the case of many a follower of Christ who was ill prepared to face the predicted life-long attacks from God's greatest hater. Both secular and sacred history have their pages smelling of infernal suffering and spattered with the blood of many who "endured to the end". The story of Israel’s multi-generation battle with Amalek and his descendants is one of those examples; it illustrates a very important truth – followers of Christ experience life-long battles with God’s enemies.
"Then Came Amalek!"
This is a war that started long before man was created, but has now concentrated its efforts on Christ-followers. God's arch enemy -- and ours -- has never changed his strategy to "steal, kill, and destroy" (Jn 10:10a). You and I may not like having been drawn into the war, but here we are.
Choosing to walk the Ancient Paths is wonderful, but it is not always just a walk in the park. There are battles. Jesus told us that all His followers would be hated (Jn 15:18) and we will have tribulation (Jn 16:33), so rather than being surprised, we should be prepared. The reality of the spirit world is more real than the reality of the visible world.
To more fully understand the reality of the battle in the spirit world, we can draw five fundamental truths from this story in the life of Israel. We see them embedded in the following account Moses penned:
"1. Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel journeyed by stages from the wilderness of Sin, according to the command of the LORD, and camped at Rephidim, and there was no water for the people to drink. 2. Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, 'Give us water that we may drink.' And Moses said to them, 'Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?'
"3. But the people thirsted there for water; and they grumbled against Moses and said, 'Why, now, have you brought us up from Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?' 4. So Moses cried out to the LORD, saying, 'What shall I do to this people? A little more and they will stone me!'
"5. Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Pass before the people and take with you some of the elders of Israel; and take in your hand your staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.' And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
"7. He named the place Massah and Meribah because of the quarrel of the sons of Israel, and because they tested the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us, or not?" 8. Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim.
"9. So Moses said to Joshua, 'Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.' 10. Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
"11. So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. 12. But Moses' hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.
"13. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
"14. Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.". 15. Moses built an altar and named it The LORD is My Banner; 16. and he said, 'The LORD has sworn; the LORD will have war against Amalek from generation to generation'."
Without exception, every time I read this story my mind is flooded with "pictures" of the event and profound truths of the Christian's journey. I believe a multi-volume book could be written about the principles found in this story. While the actual battle recorded lasted only hours, the principles have lasted for thousands of generations. For now, I want to consider five such principles. First, we must . . .
I. RECOGNIZE THE ADVERSARY OF THE BATTLE: -- (17:8)
“Then Amalek came and fought against Israel…”
The name, "Amalek" appears 25 times in the Bible, all in the Old Testament, -- and, interestingly, all of them before the end of the Book of Psalms. The word used for Amalek's descendants -- Amalekite and Amalekites -- appear another 26 times. The name is found in the list of the five major nations David defeated during his reign as king of Israel. Its final reference is then made in Psalm 83:7, a song composed by a musician/priest, Asaph.
Frankly, I have never taken the time to seriously study the significant role of the Amalekites in the biblical story of redemption. However, as I prepared a number of weeks ago to preach on this subject, and again as I began writing to you today, I have become convinced that the principles lying behind Amalek and his descendants are of profound importance to us, even in the 22nd Century. Amalek is a "type" or "symbol" of a vast ongoing war you and I have with everything they represent in the spiritual realm. What he and his descendants did to Israel has been set in perpetuity against all who follow the Mighty Conqueror, our Lord Jesus Christ.
So, just who, then, IS this Amalek who gave the people of God such headaches for so many generations? The name itself is the Hebrew word, עֲמָלֵק, written ‛ămâlêq and pronounced, "am-aw-lake' in English. The meanings of the word are varied. It is a foreign word that does not originate in the Hebrew language of the Children of Israel, but rather comes from the strange language of the Edomites -- the land where Esau went when he and Jacob parted ways.
Easton's Bible Dictionary defines the name as meaning, "dweller in a valley". Smith's Bible Dictionary defines it the same way, as do others. The assumption is that these people were not mountain -- or even foothills -- people, but lived in areas easy to navigate and flat places where it was easy to fight.
But then Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary sheds more light on it by defining the word in terms for which the people were known -- "a people that licks up". These were a warring and vicious people who, when they invaded an area, were so ferocious that the people under attack were often "swallowed up" under their bloodthirsty violence. Other scholars and secular historians have defined the word as meaning, "the lickers of blood". Hitchcock is one who translates it that way.
Whatever the case may be, we know that the Amalekites were an intimidating force because when the twelve spies returned from scouting out the land God had promised them, they summarized their otherwise positive report by declaring that they absolutely should not proceed because the Amalekites were there, and there were "giants" so big that the ten spies saw themselves as "grasshoppers in OUR sight". In their day they had a reputation akin to that of the Scythians who marauded as bloodthirsty invaders into ancient Ukrainian lands -- unkempt, smelly, ragged, wandering, vicious, and "drunk on blood".
The first thing we need to recognize is that Amalek was the grandson of Esau, Jacob's twin brother born to Rachel and Isaac, Abraham's son. After Esau had gone his own way and "broken ranks" with Abraham's lineage, he had a son named Eliphaz. We don't know a lot about Eliphaz except that he had a son by his concubine, Timna. His name means, "my god is fine gold". That should tell us something. Timna gave birth to Amalek. Timna was a Horite, a descendant of of the people who anciently inhabited Mount Seir, before their supersedure by the Edomites. In this genealogical record we discover how easy it is for bitterness to be passed down from one generation to the next. Clearly, Amalek had a tainted and troubled history in his bloodline.
Even though Esau and Jacob had experienced some kind of reconciliation -- at Jacob's initiative, it seems (see Gen 33), -- it is evident that Esau never got over the fact that he had wantonly yielded his birthright to Jacob at a time of moral weakness and physical hunger. It appears that since then Esau's bitterness had never subsided, and it showed up in the mind of his grandson, Amalek. You know how grandfathers tend to tell stories to their grandchildren. Doubtless Esau told grandson Amalek the story of how Jacob had "stolen" his birthright -- and about his own escapades in conquering the Edomites and others whose land he took.
So, from as early as Esau's day some 500 years prior to the events in this text, Amalek's descendants have been bitter rivals toward God's people. In fact, they were not only rivals, but deepest enemies. Studying extra-biblical material on Amalek paints an even more adversarial relationship than does the biblical text. In essence, Amalek from earliest mention to the final time it is mentioned in scripture, is a perpetual enemy to God's people. You might even go further to say that just as Satan became God's enemy leading to his fall from heaven before time began, Amalek was likewise Israel's infernal enemy from the time Jacob was renamed Israel.
Consider just a few of the many times the Amalektes and Israel crashed:
+ The Amalekites were a powerful and frightening nomadic tribe who lived in the Negev, the south part of Canaan between Mount Seir and the Egyptian border (see Num 13:29). The Babylonians called them the Sute; Egyptians called them the Sittiu. The Amarna tablets identified them as the Khabbati -- "the plunderers". They were distantly related to but distinct from the Edomites. The Amalekites were such vehement enemies to the Children of Israel -- (remember Esau vs Jacob) -- that God even called His people to exterminate an entire tribe of people.
+ The unrelenting brutality of the Amalekites toward the Israelites began with our focus today -- their attack at Rephidim (Exod 17:8-13). This was no "happenstance" encounter. This was the beginning of centuries of conflict between the descendants of Esau and the descendants of Jacob (Israel). It was such a pivotal moment that Moses admonished Israel to never forget that day. He wrote, . . .
“Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind [typically women and children]: they had no fear of God. When the LORD your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!” (Deut 25:17-19)
If we can garner any insight from scripture and secular records of what the Amalekites were like, it appears that they were stalkers who would wait until their targets were tired, weak, and inattentive. Then they would use stealth to pick off those lagging behind, especially the vulnerable and innocent. They were hardened, calloused, and fearless against both man and God. They were persistent and tireless, and when they finally attacked their victims, they did so with vengeance and a heartless commitment to kill everyone, destroy everything, and steal what was left.
This was the plan the Amalekites had when they confronted them at Rephidim. They saw a tired, weary, complaining, stubborn people whom they saw as a mass of slaves coming their direction to move in on their territory. They had no idea these people had a God Who was leading them.
The level of brutality and violence by the Amalekites was beyond adequate description. It was not just inhumane -- it was "un-human". Clearly their savagery was "other-worldly". There was clearly a demonic force behind human action -- much like what we saw in the early weeks of Putin's invasion of Ukraine as played out in places like Bucha, Irpin, Mariopol and other cities. Even this week more bodies were discovered in those places where citizens were randomly killed, women were raped, pregnant mothers were split open, . . .
+ Later, the Amalekites and Canaanites attacked the Israelites at Hormah (Num 14:45).
+ In Judges they banded with the Moabites (Jdg 3:13) and the Midianites (Jdg 6:3) and waged war on the Israelites, during which occasions repeatedly destroyed the Israelites’ land and food supply.
+ Under King Saul's reign, God told him, “I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them, put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.” (I Sam 15:2-3).
+ After Saul first warned the Kenites who were Israel's friends to leave the area, he attacked the Amalekites but didn't complete the task by killing hem all. Instead, he allowed the Amalekite King Agag to live, takes some of the booty for himself and his army, and then lied to Samuel about his reason for doing it. Saul’s rebellion against God and His commands was so serious and displeasing to God that he was rejected by God as Israel's king. (I Samuel 15:23).
+ Those Amalekites who escaped Saul's grasp continued to attack, plunder, and harass the Children of Israel for many generations spanning many centuries.
+ The Amalekites raided Ziklag where David owned property, burned the village, and took all the women and children captive including two of David's wives. David and his men defeated them and rescued the hostages, but a few hundred Amalekites escaped. (I Sam 30).
+ However, during the reign of King Hezekiah, a group of Simeonites "killed the remaining Amalekites" who had been living in the hill country near Mt. Seir. (I Chron 442-43).
+ The final time the Amalekites are mentioned in the Bible is in the book of Esther where Haman the Agagite, a descendant of the Amalekite king Agag, schemes to have all the Jews in Persia annihilated by order of King Xerxes. Thanks to the sacrificial and courageous intervention of Esther, God saved the Jews in Persia, but Haman, his sons, and the rest of Israel’s enemies were destroyed instead. (Est 9:5–10).
While Israel's descendants were blessed, even in Egypt, Esau's descendants went the way of the pagan and immoral polytheistic practices of the Edomites and Horites. While the Children of Israel battled the Egyptian culture and still ended up in slavery, the children of Amalek succumbed to Edom. Then, when God delivered Israel out of Egyptian bondage and began the process of purging them of Egypt's worship and culture, the Amalekites remained bound in paganism and polytheism.
After the Israelites had finally entered their promised land some 38 or 39 years after their first encounter with the Amalekites as described in this story, there were two great commandments God gave them. First, don't EVER follow after other gods or give in to the culture that surrounds you and second, make certain that you drive out all the pagan cultures around you.
Israel did just the opposite -- even as we have seen in the Book of Jeremiah, the basis of this entire series on "Seeking Ancient Paths". These sins plagued them for centuries, -- generation after generation, -- both of which gave room for their perpetual enemy of the distant past, the Amalekites. These two sins -- sins of abject disobedience -- opened the door for Amalek's descendants to attack, destroy, and plunder the land and the people for centuries.--
1. They "did evil in the sight of the Lord." -- stated an amazing 38 times in the Old Testament regarding Israel.
2. They "did not drive out the inhabitants . . ." -- stated a shocking nine times in the Book of Judges.
Both of these sins were blatant violations of God's command to remain true and holy to Him alone, and to drive out all of the inhabitants of the land He had given them. The principle is still true today -- if you continue to habitually sin, and if you do not deal with the issues in your life that attack you, distract you, or try to hold you captive, then you have left the door wide open for your "Amalek" to enter and do his dirty work. It is a hard and firm principle leaving no exceptions.
So what, then, is this "Amalek" like today? Well, there are literally scores of names used to identify and/or describe Satan. For example, . . .
1. Lucifer-- Isa 14:12
2. Angel of light -- Isa 14:12; II Cor 11:4
3. Cherub that covers God's throne -- Ezek 28:14
4. Deceiver -- II Jn 1:7
5. Liar and father of all lies -- Jn 8:44
6. Beelzebub -- Lk 11:15
7. Murderer -- Jn 8:44
8. Roaring lion -- I Pet 5:8;
9. Adversary -- I Pet 5:8
10. Prince of the powers of the air -- Eph 2:1
11. Ruler of this world -- Jn 12:31
12. Accuser of the brethren -- Rev 12:10
And the list goes on . . . .
There is an interesting scripture that reveals something about "Amalek" and how he operates:
"Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary, and cut off your tail, those who were lagging behind you, and he did not fear God.” (Deut 25:17-18)
As you and I walk the Ancient Pathway that warriors walk, our greatest challenges will be to not grow weary, to remain alert, to not lag behind, and to stop fearing God.
The bottom line is this -- your adversary and mine today is the spirit of Amalek, and his agenda has never changed since the moment he determined to turn against his Creator in the heavenlies, set up his own kingdom, exert his own power, and destroy everything that is precious to God.
Never forget that.
That being the case, then it is equally important that we need to . . .
II. IDENTIFY THE ARENAS OF THE BATTLE: -- (17:8)
". . . at Rephidim."
Taking a little time for some word studies is usually helpful to our fully understanding the core issues of a particular Bible passage. The ancient languages of the Middle East almost always "say more than they say". Just as in the case of native American tribes, primitive tribes in Africa, or the practice of the Eskimo people to the north, the deeper significance of people, places, and events in the Bible are often found in the words themselves. Such is the case here. This is why I try to point out the importance of names like "Amalek" -- and now "Rephidim".
In this moment in Hebrew history, the name, "Rephidim" is exceptionally important to our understanding. "Rephidim" must be understood in juxtaposition to another place, "Meribah". If you remember, "Meribah" was the place where Israel first complained about not having water. After a tiresome and dusty journey, the Children of Israel began to complain to Moses and accuse him of making a big mistake taking them out of Egypt, and they balked and stopped at Meribah.
The word, "Meribah", means "a place of strife" in direct relation to "bitter water", which is what the Hebrews found. They complained about no water, and then they argued about bitter water. A lesson to be learned here is that when we strive with God, we never win, and bitterness can quickly enter our hearts. At the same time, we see that bitterness is almost always ultimately expressed toward God -- and we will blame either God's servant -- or God Himself -- for our misery and misfortune.
Perhaps an even more important truth is to note that it was only a short distance between Meribah and Rephidim. Clearly the Children of Israel let their complaining get the best of them, and they balked and griped -- simply too soon. If they had kept going, Meribah would have been irrelevant and Rephidim would have been refreshing and trouble free. They were almost at the place where God would meet their needs with fresh water from a rock, when they stopped and refused to go on. This is so much like we sometimes do -- just about the time God is going to answer our prayers or meet our needs in a miraculous way, we stamp our foot, sit down, pout, and refuse to go on in faith.
I sometimes wonder what the story would have been like if Israel had kept moving and had arrived at Rephidim without hesitation, doubting, or complaining. Would Amalek have even shown up? What if they hadn't griped and complain? Could it have been their stubbornness and disobedience at Meribah that the Amalekites heard about and decided to attack them when they were at their leisure being refreshed at Rephidim? Obviously, we'll never know -- but it is an interesting thought, isn't it.
One thing is certain -- when we stop at "Meribah" instead of traveling on in joyous faith, we're a perfect set-up for an attack at "Rephidim". Memories run deep -- especially if one party has been hurt by another.
Now, then -- what about "Rephidim"? The word literally means, "a Balluster" -- that is, "a vertical supporting column, pole, or rock." It almost always refers to a permanent support upon which all within its proximity rests and depends. How interesting that the Children of Israel stopped short of Rephidim at Maribah when if they had just pressed on just a short distance further, they would have found what they needed -- and more.
The majority consensus among Bible scholars is that Rephidim was actually the rock that God commanded Moses to strike, and that it was a dominant feature of the landscape. Exploratory research by various groups who have been trying to identify the actual route of the Exodus and the location of Mt. Sinai have discovered an enormous towering rock with a great split right down the middle, located in Saudi Arabia on the eastern side of the Gulf of Aqaba. It is far from the traditional assumption that this all happened in the Sinai Peninsula.
I won't go into detail as to why I believe both Rephidim and Mt. Sinai (the mountain of Moses, as it is known by the locals) are across the Gulf of Aqaba in southern Saudi Arabia, but the preponderance of evidence is convincing. There were three major travel routes through the mountains and desert of the Sinai Peninsula -- north along the Mediterranean coast, directly east through a maze of gorges and stream beds, and south to the tip of the Peninsula and then back north.
Almost all of the archaeological and cultural indicators you need are found along the second route. Whichever is true, the topography of the area needed for a Rephedim event lends itself perfectly to the ideas of an enormous group of people being able to gather in one place, and a great battle being able to be waged.
So, in that place is the "balluster" -- a great vertical rock from which God provided water to tens of thousands of people. Upon their arrival and observing the miracle of the "smitten rock", all complaining ended, they had repented of their unbelief and disobedience, God had proven Himself once again to be faithful, their thirst had been quenched, they were at peace, they were enjoying a leisurely rest, and life was good. -- "and then came Amalek!"
It seems he always does.
At the highest moment of blessing is often the time when Satan attacks. When he does, the attacks almost always come from one or more of three "arenas". I've written about this before on numerous occasions, but it is appropriate here because you and I usually don't even detect the attack, and if we recognize it we don't understand the strategy.
Below is a schematic that I designed many years ago while a missionary in Ukraine. It contains lots of concepts that can be considered for extended periods of time -- I would recommend that you do. Just ponder each element of the schematic and what it tells us.
Just as World War II -- and most modern wars, as a matter of fact, -- took place in three areas or "theaters" as they were called (European, North African, and South Pacific) -- spiritual warfare is the same. Not only that, but World War II was fought in three "arenas" -- land, sea, and air. It is the same spiritually. We are often attacked physically, emotionally/mentally, or spiritually. We need to be able to discern the difference.
When the Amalekites attacked the Children of Israel at Rephidim, they did the same thing. I call it "Satan's Triangular Battle Scheme". There is a direct interconnection and interactive partnership between those three "theaters" -- the world, the flesh, and the devil. The World tantalizes the flesh and is ruled by the Devil. The Flesh magnifies the world and yields to the Devil. The Devil dominates the world and stimulates the Flesh. If we can identify the "theaters" and "arenas" of our battles, then we will better . . .
III. UNDERSTAND THE AGENDA OF THE BATTLE -- (17:8-9)
When the Amalekites arrived in the scene, they came with the memories of centuries of stories about how Jacob tricked Esau, how Jacob's descendants had prospered in Egypt, and how they had then been enslaved. The assumption probably was that, even though many in number, the Israelites would be a push over for the Amalekites. So, the text states that they . . .
“. . . fought against Israel.”
I wonder sometimes if the Amalekites actually expected the Children of Israel to put up a fight. They may have thought this whole thing was going to be another mighty and bloody massacre, and they'd go home with all the booty Israel brought with them from Egypt. Instead, Moses commands that they . . .
“. . . go out, fight against Amalek.”
My friend, the Amalekites in your life have an agenda. If you are to survive -- and Thrive! -- you must have an agenda as well. No battle has ever been won in the spiritual war from a position of passivity.
We cannot take time to dig into this very deeply, but we must understand that Satan's agenda has never chanced from the moment he rebelled against God in the heavenlies (See Ezek 28 and Isa 14). Since the moment that Lucifer determined in his heart, . . .
"I will ascend to heaven;
"I will raise my throne above the stars of God,
"I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north.
"I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
"I will make myself like the Most High.' (Isa 14:13-14)
Since the creation of mankind in the Garden of Eden, the battle for the soul of mankind has raged. If you understand Satan's rage, then it makes sense that he will try every tactic available to defeat you at your Rephidim. After all, if he can catch you off guard as you bask in God's goodness and blessing, then he will launch an assault that can only be repulsed by God's way of battling His arch enemy. We'll get to that momentarily.
Can you imagine Satan's rage and hatred toward God? -- and toward YOU, a part of God's most prized creation? Psalm 8 gives us a peak behind the curtain to discover Satan's real motivation. Compare Psalm 8:3-8, Genesis 1:28-31, and Genesis 2:4-25 to Isa 14:12-14 (see above) and you soon discover that what God had entrusted to Lucifer was taken from him when he rebelled against God in the heavenlies and then endowed upon man -- "made lower than the angels". How humiliating! How infuriating! No wonder Satan despises you so!
When you begin researching the history of the Amalekites from both scripture and secular literature, it doesn't take long to discover that this marauding nomadic people group was a violent, vicious, destructive, and bloodthirsty culture -- perhaps the most vulgar and violent in the entire area. The very first mention in the Bible is in Genesis 17 when a confederation of several kings in the region took the Amalekite territory in a massive sweeping campaign. Generally, though, the Amalekites were always the aggressors, destroying everything in their path. We'll examine their methods and tactics a bit later.
So, then, what is "Amalek's" specific agenda for you and me? Two scriptures, out of many, give us a hint.
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." -- Jesus (John 10:10)
Look at three key words: . . .
1) Steal! -- This word specifically describes the act of thievery like a burglar in the darkness of night, robbery like a stick-up in the light of day, or stealing like the secrecy of stealth. By whatever means necessary, "Amalek" -- or the "thief" -- or Satan -- will use whatever tactic works to steal your joy -- your peace -- your confidence -- your courage -- your faith -- your hope -- your assurance.
Whatever is your weakest point in your Christian life will be the primary target of his thievery. Then he will go after the next most vulnerable In essence, he will steal whatever he can -- like a burglar ransacking your house and grabbing whatever he suspects of value to you.
2) Kill! -- This word shows us the depth of your "Amalek's" determination. It literally means to quickly rush to "sacrifice" -- to "immolate" -- to "slaughter" -- for no apparent reason other than hatred. Immediately Putin's invasion of Ukraine comes to mind. Every single day of the week I receive reports of atrocities committed by Russian troops, often shared by phone with their loved ones at home who, in response, laugh with glee and urge them on to do more.
Amalek's agenda is the same -- "Kill for the sake of carnage!" This is what awaits every follower of Christ who chooses to walk the Pathway that warriors walk. Amalek will be there. But, he doesn't know just how near his defeat is. He doesn't know about the guys on top, nor the troops in Rephidim's valley floor.
3) Destroy! -- Your "Amalek's" agenda remains that of Satan himself. Again, it is illustrated in Russia's war with Ukraine. One of the most common subjects in the many reports I get about the war, the idea of random and wanton destruction is dominant. The cities of Bucha, Irpin, Obolon, and beautiful Mariopol gracing the shores of the Black Sea like a giant arboretum illustrate this agenda.
The word used for "destroy" means to "fully cause to perish, to eradicate, to demolish" until nothing is left but rubble. Certainly you have seen such imagery on the news about glistening cities, quiet villages, and serene landscapes throughout Ukraine. The word describes Amalek's intent to completely abolish that which he despises. And he despises nothing more than your blessings that have flowed from God's grace into your life. In fact, this word when applied to its fullest extent clearly reveals the intent to destroy so thoroughly that it destroys very life itself -- not just what you have, or what you love, but actually who you are.
Then we consider the second descriptive text of Satan's agenda --
"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." -- Peter (I Pet 5:8)
The one key word here to which I want to call your attention is the word, . . .
1. Devour! -- It is a simple word with immense implications. It literally means that your "Amalek" on your militant march of victory has every intent to “overwhelm, swallow, drown and destroy” you.
So, between these words -- steal, kill, destroy, devour, -- it is clear the agenda Amalek has is to constantly wipe you out and make you into nothing. This shows just how much Satan (Amalek) hates mankind. Of all of God's amazing creation, mankind is the only one that is made in God's image (to be like Him in character), in His likeness (to be like Him in purpose), and to have dominion (to demonstrate His power). The rights and privileges you have as a follower of Christ are those that once belonged only to him.
We should not be surprised, then, just how viciously the "Amaleks" in our lives show up at special places like Rephidim to do their work of destroying God's most prized creation. This has been his agenda from the start, it is his agenda now, and it will always be his agenda until Christ comes to drive the final nail in the coffin and send him once and for all back to the eternal darkness from which he came.
This, then brings us to a critical issue -- how do we handle such an adversary? To answer that, we will need to . . .
IV. SCRUTINIZE THE AGENTS OF THE BATTLE: -- (17:9-10)
This part of the study perhaps excites me more than any part, because we will see the kind of person and provision that is necessary to not only fight Amalek, but also see him defeated on those occasions when he launches an attack. There are six elements -- five if you combine Aaron and Hur together -- the scriptures tell us were engaged in the battle against Amalek. It was a coordinated effort, a consolidated effort, and a cooperative effort. If you're going to be victorious in warring against the powers of darkness, you will need all three. Here's what scripture says:
“. . . Moses said to Joshua . . ."
". . . Choose men for us. . .”
“. . . I will station myself. . . “
“. . . with the staff of God in my hand."
“. . . and Aaron and Hur. . .” (Exod 17:9).
Notice the list Moses compiles as he assesses the situation with the Amalekites spread out before him. We don't know how many Amalekites there were, but based on their history, we can assume they were a marauding and massive group of fighters and killers. We don't know whether or not they were taunting the Children of Israel, or much of anything else regarding the situation other than what Moses reminded Israel of the event nearly forty years later (see Deut 27:17-19). All we know is that in this one verse we have the list of those who would do battle with the Amalekites -- and win!
Each of these five or six characters represent five important principles that must be implemented IF our battles with Amalek are to be won. I'll leave the "digging" to you, but note at least the symbolism and significance of their presence.
+ First is Moses, the law giver. He identifies himself as "myself" indicating that he will be personally involved, and there will be no other substitute. Here Moses represents the principles and laws of God that give us the foundation for any possible battles we may face. We have a “Moses” in the form of God's Word, the Bible.
+ Then is Joshua, the military commander. He is the fighter, the conqueror, the victor. "Joshua" is the word for "Yeshua" which is the Hebrew word for the Greek word, "Jesus". Throughout the Old Testament Joshua consistently represents a "type" for the person and work of Jesus, our Messiah, Savior, Redeemer, and Liberator. We have our "Joshua" in the person of Jesus Christ.
+ Next are "Men": These are those willing to accept the responsibility to join in the battle -- the "grunt force" -- who get in the trenches of intercession and warfare praying. They are characterized by courage, commitment, unwavering determination, and inexhaustible endurance. We have those "two or three gathered" and those "two or more agree" people who will join us in doing battle against Amalek.
+ Then there is Aaron: Aaron was not only Moses' kinsmen -- his brother -- but he was the nation's high priest. Success in spiritual warfare is virtually impossible apart from a mediator who stands between God and us in our struggles. We have our “Aaron”, also represented in Jesus Christ as "our Great High Priest" Who is "ever making intercession for the saints." It is He who upholds and supports Moses and His Laws, and also that special and unique rod.
+ We cannot forget Hur: We know almost nothing about Hur. His name appears only sixteen times in the Bible, and only eight of them in reference to this specific individual. Six of those are in the Book of Exodus. The meaning of his name and its use those six times in Exodus are all we have to understand the significance of his presence. First is the meaning of his name -- "whiteness, liberty, hole". Hur was a man with a pure heart, a man of integrity unencumbered by a past that would haunt him and hold him down. In reading the accounts where he is named in Exodus, we first find him in a position of judicial authority with Aaron as high priest, guiding the people and making national decisions while Moses is with God on the mountain. Later we find that Hur's grandson, Bezalel, is a key figure in the creation of the tabernacle. With Aaron in his priestly role, Hur stood alongside Moses in his role of discernment and judgment. I would propose that we have our "Hur" in the person of the Holy Spirit who gives us discernment, understanding, and insight as we fight our "Amaleks".
+ We can't forget that Rod: This is the rod that was known as "Moses' rod" -- the rod he had used shepherding Jethro's sheep in Midian. It was nothing special. In fact, it was something with the potential of danger, for when Moses followed God's directive to "throw it down", it turned into a poisonous shake. But when Moses picked it up -- by the tail, of all things! -- it was forever changed. It became known as "the rod of God" (or similar terms) and was repeatedly used both in Egypt and in the wilderness as God delivered them and then led them.
In Egypt the Pharaoh had a "rod" -- a scepter that symbolized his absolute and unquestioned authority over his land and his people. He was the human representative of all the gods of Egypt, and as that representative, he commanded and decreed laws and enactments over all the land. Moses' rod became God's rod symbolizing God's absolute authority throughout all of Israel's wilderness journey. When he lifted that rod up over his head, Joshua, all his soldiers, and all the people saw it and remembered what it had done in Egypt, AND what it had just done in bringing water from that enormous rock -- the "balluster" -- just hours or short days earlier.
The rod clearly represents God's kingly sovereign ruling authority, and it is in that authority that we must stand if we are to ever win our battles with the "Amaleks" that come our way as we traverse the "Ancient Paths" God has ordered for us.
So, let's review our agents for battle -- the absoluteness of God's law as represented by Moses the lawgiver, our victorious commander Jesus as represented by Joshua, our fellow partner-believers standing with us as represented by "the men", our "Great High Priest" Jesus as illustrated by Aaron, the discerning and guiding Holy Spirit as represented in Hur, and our absolute authority to do battle as illustrated in "the rod of God".
Since these are the agents of power and authority by which we confront our "Amaleks", it is important that, finally, we . . .
V. Inventory Our Advantages For Victory: -- (17:9-13)
While I won't take time or space to scrutinize these phrases individually, but clearly we have the advantage in spiritual war. Picture yourself at Rephidim and consider the scene at . .
“. . . the top of the hill. . .” with . . .
“. . . the staff of God. . .” firmly held . . .
“. . . in my hand.” in view of a life-giving, life-sustaining, "balluster", . . .
“. . . a stone. . .” (rock, cornerstone), and in my hand, . . .
“. . . the sword.”
You see, dear friend, when you are attacked by an "Amalek" along the "Ancient Paths", you not only possess the agents of God's Word as truth, a Victorious Commander, fellow soldiers alongside you, your Great High Priest and mediator representing you before God, the personal Holy Spirit within you guiding you, and absolute delegated authority to act, but you also have a clear advantage -- the advantage of . . .
. . . the "high ground" at the top of the hill looking down on "Amalek", God's authority to win personally possessed in your hand, the evidence of God's power and faithfulness as seen in your "Chief cornerstone", and the "sword of the Spirit", the Word of God.
So in all of these symbolic meanings, we have what we need to come out victorious when we suddenly face "Amalek" along our journey. One of our greatest assets is the weapon of praise that is based on the authority of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have the fellowship, partnership, and agreement of fellow believers, and finally, we have the armor of God clothing us (Eph 6:10-19).
Clearly, we are equipped, capable, and qualified to come against Amalek!
FINALLY:
God repeatedly called Israel to take stock of themselves and return to the "Ancient Paths" He had laid out for them in the wilderness, codified them, provided them priests to intercede for them, and prophets to explain His laws to them and warn them of their erring ways. He has provided the same for us.
Sadly, many today are making the same mistakes and exhibit the same rebellion -- "We will Not turn! We will Not listen!" Little did they know the blessings they missed and the victories they lost. The Ancient Paths include both blessing and battle. If you choose to walk them, you must be prepared to fight, because "Amalek" will surely show up somewhere along the journey. The most likely moments for his attack will be during times of emotional or spiritual weariness or at times of ingratitude and complaining, though he can attack at any time.
At that time, you will have a choice -- flight, falter, or fight. If you don’t fight, you’ll abandon them or be sidetracked.
Be sure you make the right choice. To not do so is to follow the roads leading away from God.
In His Bond, By His Grace, and for His Kingdom,
Bob Tolliver -- Romans 1:11
"Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness,
examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." -- Dr. Luke (Acts 17:11)
"A fire kept burning on the hearthstone of my heart, and I took up the burden of the day with fresh courage and hope." -- Charles F. McKoy
Life Unlimited Ministries
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Copyright September, 2022
"If Jesus had preached the same message that many ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified." -- Leonard Ravenhill
"The time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the Church will have clowns entertaining the goats." -- Charles H. Spurgeon
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