In Num.24:20 we read “Then Balaam saw Amalek and uttered his oracle; Amalek was first among the nations, but he will come to ruin at last.”
1 Sam. 15:2-3 "This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid* them as they came up from Egypt. Now go, attack the Amalekites, and totally destroy everything that belongs to them.'"
*Waylaid – stop, interrupt, detain or trouble
Deuteronomy 25:17-18 "Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and cut off all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God."
As believers in Messiah we know our faith walk has its ups and downs. There might be days where you feel weary and worn out; emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Lagging behind, like one of those Israelites. The enemy of our soul, like Amalek, usually attacks when we are vulnerable. Take heart from these Scriptures because they are there to encourage you today. God knows your battle; He hears and sees.
Read Exodus 17:14 "Then the Lord said to Moses, write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven."
Although Joshua and some of the men bravely fought the Amalekites for many hours, there were times when the Amalekites had the upper hand. Ultimately Joshua overcame the Amalekites.
At this point Joshua had no idea that one day he would be leading Israel. God knew. He was preparing Joshua, one step at a time. The word, doubt, in Hebrew is "safek." Interestingly, the Hebrew spelling of Amalek has the same numerical value as the word "safek." God, in His infinite wisdom had Moses write everything down, so that we too, shall remember. Joshua had to also hear. God wanted to remind him of the truth. I believe, it was a valuable lesson Joshua learnt. Spiritually he was strengthened by this. The Lord did not want him to succumb to doubt, fear, or unbelief. This experience helped his faith, and we see the fruit of this in Num. 13.14:5-9, where Joshua had faith to enter the promised land. Num. 14:9 says do not be afraid, do not fear the people of the land, the Lord is with us.
The days we are living in challenges us on many different levels. Do not allow your five senses to continuously be bombarded by negative news. Feed your spirit with the Word. It is life to your soul.
What about Amalek? It is a spiritual attack against you in the form of doubt, fear, and unbelief that creeps in when you feel weary and weak. Ex. 17:16b "The Lord will be at war against the Amalekites, from generation to generation." God helps us. Amalek had no fear of God. The fear of God, is the beginning of wisdom. Resist the adversary. James 4:7-8 "Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you."
Deut. 7:9 "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands."
Take heart, child of God. Be vigilant, strong, and courageous, like Joshua, to continue your faith walk. When "Amalek" comes, with doubt, fear, or unbelief, may the Holy Spirit remind you of these words in 1 Corinthians 16:13 "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love."
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