Exodus 17:8
Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
Original Language Analysis
עֲמָלֵ֑ק
Amalek
H6002
עֲמָלֵ֑ק
Amalek
Strong's:
H6002
Word #:
2 of 6
amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 6
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Genesis 36:12And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau's wife.1 Samuel 15:2Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.Numbers 24:20And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever.1 Samuel 30:1And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;
Historical Context
Amalek was Esau's descendant (Gen 36:12), making this a family conflict—Israel versus Edom. Amalek's cowardly attack on stragglers earned God's permanent enmity and command for their destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does spiritual warfare often intensify immediately after receiving God's provision?
- How does Amalek attacking the weak and weary picture Satan's strategy against believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim—Amalek's attack immediately after water provision shows that physical provision doesn't eliminate spiritual warfare. The Amalekites (עֲמָלֵק, descendants of Esau's grandson) represent flesh opposing spirit (Gal 5:17). Their strategy—attacking the weak and weary (Deut 25:17-18)—demonstrates Satan's tactics against exhausted believers. That Amalek 'feared not God' (Deut 25:18) makes them picture unregenerate humanity. God's declaration of perpetual war against Amalek (v.16) prefigures the believer's lifelong struggle against flesh. Saul's later failure to destroy Amalek completely (1 Sam 15) pictures the danger of partial sanctification.