Lesson 8: "The Battle With Amalek"
The drive to the next stop on our tour was a short distance, about three football fields long and easily walkable.. You guessed it! It was the perfect place for the camp of Israel in Rephidim… close to the split rock, with a flat sandy surface. On the other side of a rocky divide was also the proposed location for the battle against Amalek recorded in the scriptures in Exodus 17. Quite a sight!
As we looked down to the large sandy plain from our rocky vantage point, Joel Richardson reminded us of what the scripture says occurred in Rephidim, not too far from the Split Rock. A Battle with Amalek. Or rather, that is, the descendants of Amalek, later called the Amalakites. The Bible gives us a situational clue for this event in Deut 25:17-18… the Hebrews, camped at Rephidim were weary and worn out, especially from lack of water, which now had just been given them due to the provision of Yahweh through the smiting of the Split Rock. At this time, the Amalakites ambushed the Israelites and attacked the rear ranks, the stragglers at the rear of the pack, most likely the weak, elderly, and infirm. The scripture also says the Amalakites, “Did not fear God.”
The spirit of Amalek is still alive and well in our world today, but don't worry, God promises us that some day he will blot out all remembrance of him! For lesson plans and notes that go with this lesson, CLICK HERE!
(13:48)
Questions:
What was the most interesting part of this video to you? Why?
Do you know of people or groups in the world today that do not fear God? What groups come to mind? How do you know they do not fear God?
Why is it important for us not to isolate ourselves from the body of Christ?
Why do you think God had the Israelites battle Amalek on the battlefield, instead of destroying the entire army himself, as he did to the Egyptians? What was he trying to teach them and us?
Have you ever, "held up the arms" of a fellow believer in a spiritual battle? Tell what happened.
How did God turn this difficult situation into a good one?
Review the five strategies used to battle Amalek, that we can employ today. Which one stood out to you? Can you think of any others?
What do you think this means, "The LORD is my banner?"
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