Exodus 17:8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.
Jewish historical evidences prove that Amalekites, the enemy of the Israel, were a generation corrupt with moral turpitude, filthy behaviour and disgusting attitude. Israelites were journeying from Egypt to Canaan under the guidance of the cloud of pillar. Exodus 13:21 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way. However, we read that the Amalekites attacked the faint, weary and vulnerable who were lagging behind. They must have been the aged, weak, sick and young families. “Remember how he attacked you on the way, when you were faint and weary, and struck down all who lagged behind you; he did not fear God” (1 Samuel 15:2). Those who take advantage of the poor, weak and defenceless become the enemies of God Almighty. He will vindicate the helpless, powerless and the fatherless.
Amalekites are a typology of the demonic attack and the spiritual battles that we face day in and day out. They attack us when we are weak, weary and vulnerable. These are battles that we should not take into our hands by counter attacks with our own strength. Moses commanded Joshua to go out and fight the Amalekites but he went up the hill and stood in prayer with his hands stretched out. Psalms 77:2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying. Our victory in the spiritual battle is totally dependent on battle that we do on our knees.
Three battle strategies:
1. Stone: Exodus 17:12a When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. As long as the hands of Moses was held up, Joshua won and advanced but when the hands of Moses grew tired the enemy took the upper hand. When it feels like we are pushed back two steps for every step of progression, increase your time in the prayer closet and rest on the rock Jesus Christ. Moses sat on the rock so he could continue interceding. Jesus is the rock we must sit and rest on. Resting on the rock means transferring our doubts, dejections and despair on Him and resting on His faithfulness.
2. Steady: Exodus 17:12b Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. Once the hands of prayer became steady the progress of Joshua became sturdy. When the ruthless enemy is trying to take the upper hand our prayer hands must become steady. Joining hands with likeminded, dedicated, devoted saints of God will make our prayer progress steady.
3. Sword: Exodus 17:13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekites army with the sword. Spiritual battles can be won only with the sword, the Word of God. The only weapon that the devil cannot overcome is the Word of God. We have the most powerful weapon in our hands. Put it to full use and it will destroy the enemy in full force.
God is the defender of the defenceless and those who harm the vulnerable and weak will never go unpunished. Years later, the Israelites had forgotten about the brutal attack of the Amalekites but the Lord did not relent in obliterating that wicked race. Exodus 17:14b I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. The devourer, the devil will mercilessly attack the most susceptible, unguarded and frail areas of our life. Prayer closet is our battleground. The battle strategy is to sit, be steady and stretch the sword. Overcome the enemy by battling on your knees.
Leviticus 25:17 Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God; for I am the LORD your God.
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