Entering the Promised Land - Lessons Learned from the Amalekites

The Amalekites, a semi-nomadic people referenced multiple times in the Bible, have made a profound impact on biblical history. Their narrative is not just steeped in conflict; it serves as a vital warning about moral decline and the necessity of confronting evil. In this blog post, we will investigate where the Amalekites lived, their historical significance, and the important lessons they impart.

The Geographic Footprint of the Amalekites

The Amalekites inhabited various regions in and around southern Canaan. For instance, Numbers 13:29 tells us they occupied parts of Canaan, while 1 Chronicles 4:39-43 highlights their presence in Seir. Additionally, 1 Samuel 27:8 describes their territory as lying between Canaan and Egypt, demonstrating their strategic location. They even settled amid Ephraim's territory, as noted in Judges 12:15.

This geographic diversity indicates that the Amalekites were adaptable, able to reside in various environments for extended periods. Their capacity to thrive in multiple regions reflects a practical approach to survival. However, their adaptability was regularly overshadowed by their aggressive reputation. It is estimated that their continuous attacks contributed to their notorious image as a threat to vulnerable groups.

The Historical Roots of the Amalekites

The Amalekites can trace their ancestry to Amalek, the grandson of Esau, who was Jacob's twin brother and a patriarch of the Israelites. Esau is the one who sold his birthright for a bowl of stew and forfeited his right as the first born landing his twin brother, Jacob as the one who became Israel. Amalek was born to Eliphaz and his concubine, Timna (Genesis 36:12). This lineage creates a direct opposition to the Israelites, descendants of Jacob.

Throughout biblical accounts, the Amalekites display two commanding traits: cruelty and cowardice. These attributes consistently surface in their interactions. For example, they would often attack weaker foes, choosing stealth instead of honorable combat. Their actions serve as a vivid representation of moral failure within the biblical narrative.

The Amalekites and Their Conflict with Israel

One of the most striking episodes between the Amalekites and the Israelites occurs in Exodus 17:8-16. The Amalekites initiated an unprovoked attack, prompting severe divine retribution. Although God's anger might seem startling given His nature of mercy, it stems from their treachery. In Deuteronomy 25:17-19, Moses reminds the Israelites of the Amalekites’ cowardly assault on the vulnerable individuals lagging behind the main group.

This attack was not just a military maneuver; it revealed a deeper moral violation that triggered God's longstanding enmity towards the Amalekites. His declaration of "war with Amalek from generation to generation" highlights the severe implications of their abusive behavior. The combination of cruelty and cowardice illustrated by the stronger more able bodied warriors attacking defenseless children, elderly and infirm should spark something deep within each of us as we consider their attack [from behind] on Israel as they traversed the desert towards the Promised Land. The Amalekites did not attack the armies of Israel, but only those who were too weak to keep pace in the desert with their stronger

brothers. They attacked the stragglers, those in Israel who were too ill, too weak, or too young to protect themselves, perhaps even women and children. Until Joshua led the counter-attack, there must have been a terrible slaughter of innocent, feeble souls (Ex.17). This was the famous battle which Israel won because Aaron and Hur helped Moses hold up his rod when his arms grew tired.

The Amalekites and King Saul

After Joshua conquered Canaan and divided it among the tribes, Israel's King Saul was sent by God on amission to annihilate an Amalekite city in that promised land (1Sam.15). God would tolerate not one of this wretched race on His chosen soil. However, the timid King Saul bowed to the wishes of those in his army who wanted the Amalekite spoil for themselves, and, contrary to God's clear command, he allowed the best of the sheep and cattle to be spared. God was so angered by this act of rebellion that He rejected Saul as king in Israel. The prophet Samuel was the one who put the King of the Amalekites [Agag] to the sword. It Is here that Samuel reminds Saul that God requires Obedience over sacrifice. Subsequently an evil spirit tormented Saul until he and his son, Jonathan were slain in battle against the Philistines.

What Does This Have to Do with Today?

We as believers are standing at a crossroad like we've never seen in modern times. The body of Christ is waking up and transitioning out of slave-like systems -- and now marching through the wilderness on our way to the promised land. Yet in the last few months, we have seen a familiar evil rising out of the shadows attacking the unarmed, the innocent, the unaware. The victims aren't warriors, they are civilians...some weak, some elderly, some children. Once again Jacob and Moses must combine forces to eliminate yet another Amalekite inspired army. These are spiritual forces, not people. But - people are influenced by evil or good, and it's time we called things what they are. [The thief steals, kills and destroys...Jesus brings abundant life.] The prophet/intercessor [Moses] and the army commanders need to partner again with heavenly strategy-- one on a mountain, the other on the ground in dealing with the actions of an enemy that attacks from the shadows. Interpret that how you will, but it needs to happen. We still battle "not against flesh and blood," so I'm not in any way promoting violence - rather strategy for eliminating spiritual threats against the unarmed and most vulnerable among us. AND praying that proper civil authorities can deal with those individuals that are carrying out the plans of evil influences.

Not only that, we are also faced with the same decision Saul faced. Once we obey God, What do we do with the "spoils" or "aftermath?" Are we going to be obedient when God says not to compromise? Saul paid a price for justifying his disobedience. Ultimately the Kingdom was given to another. We must be very careful when dealing with the Amalekites. Careful not to override what God said with our own ideas born our of the fear of man.

How to Eliminate this evil attitude?

First, make sure there is no evidence of it in our own lives.

The antidote to Cowardice is Courage. The antidote for Cruelty is Kindness. The antidote for compromise is unwavering obedience.

Revelation 21:8: but the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars, they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This Is the second death"

Love is patient but also KIND. [1 Cor 13:4] God's Kindness leads to repentance. [Romans 2:4]

"Be strong and confident and courageous for you will give this people as an Inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do everything In accordance with the entire law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from It to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper and be successful wherever you go." [Joshua 1: 6-7]

Lord give us wisdom as we navigate these battles - both spiritual and natural. Help us to partner with your plans, purposes and people as we confront the wickedness that would come against our most vulnerable. In Jesus' name.