tribesofsinai2024

No sooner had the water crisis at Rephidim been sorted that the Amalekites attacked. 

The Israelites were a community of men and women, young and old, transporting all their goods. The Amalekites were seasoned warriors. The Israelites were escaped slave brickmakers and shepherds in unfamiliar territory. Among them were unbelieving, grumbling wingers who had accused God of abandoning them and had plotted to stone Moses because they had run out of water. The Amalekites were armed, experienced desert fighters.

The Israelites had not been required to battle the Egyptian army, but now Moses told Joshua to choose men and go out to fight the Amalekites while he stood on the top of the hill with the staff of God in his hands. 

So, Moses, Aaron and Hur spent the day on the top of the hill lifting Moses’ hands while Joshua and his men fought the Amalekites. While Moses raised his hands the Israelites were winning but whenever he lowered his hands the Amalekites were winning. 

After the battle, the Lord told Moses to write a scroll ‘’I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.”^[1]

Moses also built an alter and called it The LORD is my Banner, 

“Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.”^[2]

It seems that the Lord himself fought the Amalekites because they lifted their hands against the throne of God. There were direct consequences for the Amalekite’s aggression against the Lord’s children and his purposes. In contrast, Moses lifted his hands to the throne to acknowledge and appeal for help from the Sovereign Lord. 

Joshua in particular was to read what was written that day on the scroll to give him faith, courage and reverence that it was Yahweh himself who would fight anyone who lifted their hands against the throne of the Lord. 

When approaching Jericho Joshua meets the commander of Heaven’s army. He reminds Joshua that he is not on any particular army’s side but has come to fulfil the will of God on earth.^[3]

The promise that it is Yahweh himself who fights for his people when they are called to his purposes. It reminds us of the promise of God to Abraham. 

I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.”^[4]

Paul reminds the Church in Rome ‘’not to take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.^[5]

Reflection

What are the people of God to do when they are outnumbered and attacked in hostile enemy territory? Give in and hide saying this battle is too big for us?

Or look up and trust and praise the Lord who has promised to fight his battles?

Who or what is harassing you today? 

Have you fully entrusted this person, situation, or affliction to the Lord? 

What do you need to do right now to overcome and conquer this enemy?

Stand up and fight in Jesus’ Name!

Prayer

Father in heaven raise up men, women and children of faith in the Sinai who are willing and able to take courageous stands against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  

^[1] Exodus 17:14.

^[2] Exodus 17:15.

^[3] Joshua 5:13-15. 

^[4] Genesis 12:3.

^[5] Romans 12:19.