Day 4: Battle with Amaleks
- Readings: Exodus 17:8-16
photo - Wikipedia
Let’s first talk about who the Amaleks were. They were descendants of Esau. They were nomads and made their living off of raids. And they were ruthless. You read how they attack the Israelites in Deut. 25:17-18. They attacked them from behind and took advantage of the stranglers, elderly, women and children. But God uses this battle against the Amaleks to show His power and build even more trust with the Israelites.
This was the Israelites first battle coming out of 400 years of slavery. And a tough one at that. They took on the Amaleks who were known for their fighting skills. But the Rod of God (Moses's staff) was on their side. As long as Moses held his hands out wide, the Israelites would gain ground and overtake the Amaleks. But when he rested his arms, the Amaleks quickly regained their position to overcome the Israelites.
Some believe with Moses hands held out wide that this was his posture of prayer crying out to God. It wasn’t only his body position but his prayer and intercession before God and the Israelites that kept them strong in battle.
Whatever the case may be, Moses and his stretched out hands is considered to be a figure of Christ on the cross, suffering for mankind, and getting complete victory over evil and sin.
Side note: This passage also shows us the importance of community. Aaron and Hur came along side Moses to "lift him up." We need brothers and sisters in Christ to come along side us when this life gets tiring.