Exodus 17:8-13

At this point, Israel is not some great army. They were just months out of captivity in Egypt. They were brick layers and farmers, not soldiers.

The Amalekites were wanderers that moved from place to place with their flock to whatever pasture could support them. When they refused to allow the Israelites to pass through, it wasn’t because they were defending their homeland. It was because they didn’t want to share any of the grazing land.

There are some firsts to take note of.

• This is the first we’ve heard of Joshua
• This is the first mention of the Amalekites
• This is the first battle Israel fought

Israel had just experienced a spiritual blessing (Exodus 5-6). Then Amalek shows up. Israel wasn’t expecting his attack.

Isn’t that just how the devil works? He blindsides our out of nowhere. Just when you think you’re getting a little money put back, the car won’t start. Or just after you retire and think you’re going to relax and enjoy life, a doctor visit didn’t go well.

Deuteronomy 25:17-18
Amalek was attacking the weak, the aged, and the young – All those who were not able to keep up with the rest. Moses had a plan for the battle. He wasn’t scared. He realized who the battle was really against.

We all are battling something. Maybe it’s an addiction, family problems, health problems, financial problems, the COVID virus. No matter what the problem may be, don’t lose sight that it’s the devil pulling the strings.