Then came Amalek. Exodus 17:8-16 There are lessons to learn that often follow great blessings received. It was such a relief to have an abundant supply of "spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." Unfortunately, others were following behind, cutting off the stragglers at the back of the great host of Israel [De.25:17-18]. “Then came Amalek.” The Amalekites had migrated south over the centuries as the Assyrians grew stronger. These people killed others for pleasure and raided settlements for plunder. They were a fierce nomadic tribe, and in Israelite culture, the greatest insult was to call someone "a friend of Amalek." The usual route to Canaan would not have taken the Israelites through the territory of the Amalekites, but the Lord had His plans to accomplish.
The flesh doesn't always launch a full-scale attack on a child of God. Amalek symbolizes sinful flesh that gradually begins to assault God's people little by little. One or two things may not seem as offensive as an all-out attack on the entire group. The deceitfulness of our flesh might not appear very serious when we are first tempted. We tend to give in to one or two small things to conform to society's pressures. It seems easier to become like other people "so we can win them." God intends for His people to be like Him, not the other way around.
In God's divine providence, He allowed the Israelites to suffer from thirst and then supplied them with water from the Rock so they would learn that their strength comes from Him when Amalek attacked. God Himself would be their strength. The bread from heaven and water from the Rock would give them assurance, courage, and confidence when facing their first foe outside Egypt. The world is one enemy; the flesh is another that begins to "smite the hindermost" when they are faint and weary, even after being refreshed with "spiritual drink." Moses's quiet, confident composure, which prepared their resistance against this new enemy, positively influenced all of those around him.
This first mention of Joshua occurs in this chapter as the leader of the men who fought against the Amalekites. The name Joshua means “The Lord saves.” Hoshea, which is another name for Joshua, means “Salvation.” The Greek form of Joshua is the same as Jesus. This event introduces us to a man whom Moses fully trusted. He was from the tribe of Ephraim, one of Israel's most powerful tribes. Spending forty years in the wilderness as Moses’ assistant and military leader prepared him to lead Israel in conquering the land of Canaan.
Being with Moses, he would have learned the practical aspects of faith in God and loyalty to God. From his leadership, the men under his command would have gained courage and faith in God themselves. The courage of the untried and undisciplined soldiers would have been inexplicable except for the fact that they had just experienced the power of God bringing water from the Rock. We can overcome the flesh when we have taken spiritual food to strengthen us and spiritual drink to refresh us. God's power is evident when a person has experienced God's presence and God's provision.
The motive behind the Amalekites' attack was probably just for loot and the pleasure of taking the Israelites' wealth. Confidently, Moses tells Joshua to select the best men for battle. Moses knew his role was to stand on the nearby hill where all the warriors could see him lifting the rod of God in prayer and faith. His raised hands showed his plea for help and strength from God. It likely inspired the fighters, gave them a sense of duty, and reinforced the power of prayer.
Fellowship with others, like Aaron and Hur, who offer their helping hands during fleshly struggles, is a vital part of securing victory. We must never underestimate the evil and power of sin that seeks to control us and manipulate our lives. We cannot handle sinful flesh alone. The collective strength of united fellowship has power with God. Those who lead God’s people need the support of others beyond themselves to encourage the saints to keep moving forward in their duty to God, His Gospel, and the assembly of His people.
By now, the people had confidence in Moses' leadership and respected his authority. They had followed him out of Egypt and across the Red Sea. They had eaten the bread from heaven. They had seen him cut the tree and put it in the bitter water of Marah, which became sweet. Water had followed them from the Rock Moses struck with the rod of God. His outstretched hands holding the rod symbolized destruction in Egypt and now pointed to victory over God’s enemies.
Instead of complaining about the conflict, those brave warriors followed Joshua against those who had ruled the desert for years. The Amalekites didn't realize who they were up against. Even though the battle swung back and forth at first, when the rod of faith was held high, God used His people to accomplish His goal. The uplifted rod of faith was the key to victory that day. Untested warriors served as tools in the hands of the Great Captain to defeat the enemy. The altar raised after the victory would remind the people of God that they were marching and fighting under the banner of the highest authority.
Uplifted arms and clean hands remain essential to victory over the flesh today. Unshakable faith in God, His plans, and His purposes overcomes the deceitful enemy of our flesh. Faith is both an affirmation and an action that transforms truth into reality. Sometimes, maintaining the rod of faith high in our lives can be a struggle. Our flesh is deceitful, and we will need the support of fellow believers to overcome the trials the flesh presents. How grateful we are that someday, we will be done with this earthly flesh and testify that “The Lord is my Banner!”
When Moses recorded this event as a memorial for future generations, they would be reminded of the Lord, their Deliverer, Provider, Protector, and Banner, as the One to whom His people gather. Today, He is our gathering center that unites His people to move forward in His work. The gathering center reminds us of who God is and what He does for us and through us. Even though we will face serious testing times, He will find faith on the earth when He returns.
The altar Moses built would serve as a testimony to all the Israelites that they were under Jehovah-Nissi's authority. In his first leadership challenge, Joshua would also look beyond his guidance of the warriors to the rod of God in Moses' hand and recognize that it was God who had granted the victory. When we look beyond human strength and will to God, we discover where our true strength and joy are. Our joy is in God Himself!
Both events described in this chapter show that our Lord can provide a table in the wilderness, water to sustain us in a dry and thirsty land, and protection for His people from challenges and opposition. We can trust Him completely, knowing He is faithful despite our failures and shortcomings. His grace is enough in every situation we face. When it comes to our interactions as His children, we quarrel when divided but stand united when trusting in Him. The difference is lacking faith or full confidence in His divine power.