Monthly Archives: January 2019

Warring with Amalek Part II

Posted on January 29, 2019 by K. Gallagher

Before digging in, Part I offers the context for this post.

Joshua & Amalek

“Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”” Ex. 17:8-9 (NASB)

Have you ever noticed that the battle with Amalek is the first time that the Torah introduces the reader to Joshua (Yehoshua)? This is not a coincidence, for he is a type of Messiah Yeshua.

We meet Yehoshua as a commander of men, a mighty warrior, and a servant of Moses. Once Amalek is defeated in Exodus 17, Adonai has Moses forever memorialize the victory. Carefully consider the literal wording of the text:

Ex. 17:14 (LITV) And Jehovah said to Moses, write this, a memorial in a book, and set it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly wipe away the remembrance of Amalek under the heavens.

Adonai promises to utterly blot out the memory of Amalek. This mandate and promise is placed in the EARS of Yehoshua. Ears figure hearing and obeying (Shema –Dt. 4:6), but also those willing to forever become a bond-slave (servant) of YHWH. (Ex. 21:5-6) In the natural, we know that Joshua didn’t complete this mission. But, there is another Yehoshua that will.

Moses tells Joshua to choose men to go and lacham (לָחַם- fight) Amalek. Does that Hebrew word look familiar? It is the verbal root of lechem (לֶחֶם– bread). Moses basically told Joshua to go “eat” or feed on Amalek, and he did![1]

In fact, the text says, “And Joshua defeated Amalek and his people by the mouth of the sword.” (Ex. 17:13 LITV) Joshua’s sword has a mouth that devours or “eats” the enemy. Does this remind you of someone else? Someone with not only a sword with a mouth, but that has a mouth like sword?

Is. 49:1-6 (TLV) 1 Listen, to Me, islands! Pay attention, peoples far away. Adonai called Me from the womb, from My mother’s belly He named Me. 2 He made My mouth like a sharp sword…“You are My servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified…” 6 …So I will give You as a light for the nations, that You should be My salvation (Yeshua) to the end of the earth.”

Adonai’s servant, Yeshua, not only has a mouth like a sword, but a staff or rod like Moses to rule:

Rev. 19:15 (TLV) From His mouth comes a sharp sword—so that with it He may strike down the nations—and He shall rule them with an iron rod, and He treads the winepress of the furious wrath of Elohei-Tzva’ot.

He will strike down and devour the disobedient nations. This process, though terrifying, will also result in salvation and restoration. The Amalekites of the world must be blotted from memory. We will explore more examples of how Yeshua does this later.

The Spies and Amalek

Num. 13:16 (NASB) These are the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land; but Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun, Joshua.

At the end of the list of the twelve men chosen to search out the Land, Moses reveals that Yehoshua’s name is actually Hoshea, but Moses called him Yehoshua or YHWH saves.[2]Why does Moses (and Adonai) feel it is necessary for the reader to understand this slight change in name at this point in the narrative? Perhaps, it is because it was in the “ears” of Yehoshua that YHWH proclaimed that He would utterly wipe out the memory of Amalek. It was imperative that Joshua not forget this, as he and the eleven others were about to have their faith tested. Amalek was in the Land.

Num. 13:29 (NASB) “Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites are living in the hill country, and the Canaanites are living by the sea and by the side of the Jordan.”

Though Caleb tried to encourage the people by saying, “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it,” the majority lacked faith in the promise of Elohim.

Num. 13:32 (NASB) So they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone, in spying it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size.

The word “devours” above is akal. It means to eat or devour. Have you ever felt like your enemy was going to swallow you whole? I have. In times of stress, worry, or battle weariness, my husband often reminds me, “The good news is that they can’t eat us.” How true that is, but sometimes it sure does seem as if “they” can do just that. Do you recall what Moses told Joshua to do to Amalek?

He told him to lacham or fight Amalek. Let Amalek become your lechem or bread. Joshua remembers this. In a last attempt to encourage the people, Joshua and Caleb tell them:

Num. 14:9 (NASB) “Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”

The word for “prey” above is lechem, bread. What does one do with bread? They eat it, of course! It is a reversal of the fear instilled by the evil report of the ten other spies. Are you afraid that a great enemy is going to consume you? Remember the promises of Adonai. Trust in Him to be your Deliverer (Yehoshua), and the very thing you fear will become your sustenance, your bread. Your victory will become part of your testimony, words (bread) of life that will encourage and sustain others.

This is the key to dealing with the Amalek (Esau – flesh ruled nature) in other people. Who is it that promises to war with Amalek from generation to generation? YHWH! Our job is to keep trusting in Adonai, and reverse the evil reports of others. We must look beyond what our natural eyes see. We need spiritual vision and faith, like that of Caleb and Joshua.

The account with the spies is vital to our understanding. This error cost the children of Israel more than any of their other past mistakes. A whole generation lost the opportunity to enter the Land! This is huge. And why did this happen? The people chose to believe the discouraging words of men, rather than the promises of God. Consider the people’s response to the evil report of the spies:

Num. 14:1-4 (NASB) Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. 2 All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3 “Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” 4 So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.”

The people are panicked. But, fear of anything other than Adonai is always a dangerous place. It leads one to the kingdom of Valley Dwellers, where doubt, despair, and unbelief are chief, like Amalek. Once the Children of Israel sink into this low place, their garments reek of the field of Esau. They are prepared to sell their birthright, and even usurp Moses.

Consider what they “lift up” in these verses. It is not the staff of Moses or the serpent on the pole. Instead, they lift their voices in complaint, cries, and fear. Like Esau, they mention death and desire to return Egypt, the house of bondage. This infuriates Adonai so much that He’s ready to smite them all and start over with Moses. Moses and Aaron intercede for the people, and Moses appeals to Adonai’s loving-kindness. Though YHWH pardons the people, they will suffer a grave consequence. They will eat their own words and actually die in the wilderness.

Numbers 14 is a difficult read. It is the proverbial straw that broke the camels’ back as it was the tenth time the Children of Israel tested Adonai’s goodness. When they heard His judgment for their complete lack of faith and trust, they mourned greatly. (Just like Esau did.) The next morning, they set out to obey Adonai’s original edict, but He had already passed the promise to the next generation.

Num. 14:39-40 (NASB) When Moses spoke these words to all the sons of Israel, the people mourned greatly. 40 In the morning, however, they rose up early and went up to the ridge of the hill country, saying, “Here we are; we have indeed sinned, but we will go up to the place which the LORD has promised.”

Though the people had climbed out of the proverbial valley to the ridge of the hill, they were too late. Amalek must be blotted out. Moses warns them that the Amalekites and Canaanites will overcome them if they make a move without YHWH.

Num. 14:44-45 (NASB) But they went up heedlessly to the ridge of the hill country; neither the ark of the covenant of the LORD nor Moses left the camp. 45 Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down, and struck them and beat them down as far as Hormah.

The people didn’t regard Moses’ warning. The text says, “they went up heedlessly” to the ridge of the hill country without the Ark of the Covenant or Moses. The Hebrew word is aphal (עפל). It means to swell or lift up. It is to be proud or to be presumptuous.[3]Once again, the people have lifted up something other than Adonai. The only other occurrence of this word is in Habakkuk.

Hab. 2:4 (LITV) Behold, the soul of him is puffed up and is not upright; but the just shall live by his faith.

Sadly, a whole generation lost their position, and received a smack down from the descendants of Esau. Like the battle at Rephidim and the account of the fiery serpents, the people were judged by the thing that ruled their hearts – Esau – the red, hot flesh. This is precisely what was happening in Habakkuk’s day, except the instrument of judgment was Chaldea (Babylon).

The apostle Paul found the words in Habakkuk to be most informative as he quotes this verse three times in his epistles. The context of Habakkuk was not lost on Paul. Habakkuk first questioned God’s allowance of evil and violence among His people, and then shock at God’s choice of punishment – Babylon. YHWH assures Habakkuk that Babylon (Chaldea) will indeed receive a greater judgment in the end, much like Amalek. Even though Habakkuk doesn’t completely understand the wisdom of God, he chooses to trust him anyway. He lives by his faith by trusting in the goodness and salvation of God.

Rom. 1:16-17 (NASB) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

Gal. 3:11 (NASB) Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

Heb. 10:35-39 (NASB) Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37 FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. 38 BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. 39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

Don’t throw away your confidence in YHWH when Esau, Amalek, or Babylon attacks. They are sent for the destruction of one thing:

Rom. 1:18 (NASB) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness…

Yeshua, much like Yehoshua, will swallow, eat up, devour, and consume the Amalek in you, me, and our neighbor. Consider His words to the third assembly (church) in the Book of Revelation, Pergamum. Pergamum comes from a word that means height or elevation, like a tower or stronghold. This is a fortified high place, something lifted up. Questions should be forming in your mind. Is this referring to Adonai, as He is a Strong Tower of Refuge? Is this referring to Yeshua, the one lifted up as an elevation offering on our behalf? Or, is this the elevated pride of man’s heart, the fuel of the enemy? The answer to all three is, yes!

Rev. 2:12-17 (TLV) 12 To the angel of Messiah’s community in Pergamum write: “Thus says the One who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 I know where you live—where satan’s throne is. Yet you continue to hold firm to My name, and you did not deny your faith in Me even in the days of Antipas, My faithful witness, who was killed among you, where satan resides. 14 “But I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who was teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before Bnei-Yisrael, to eat food sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.15 Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent then! If not, I will come to you soon and make war against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Ruach is saying to Messiah’s communities. To the one who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone—and written on the stone a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.”

Yeshua introduces Himself as the One with the sharp two-edged sword, which is the Word of God. Only it can cut between spirit and flesh, joints and marrow, to know the heart of man. (Heb. 4:12) If only we would submit and the let the Word reveal what is in our hearts. Then, we could look at that thing like the serpent on the pole and be healed! (From stinking thinking –flesh ruled thoughts from the Valley of Sheol.)

The assembly of Pergamum lived right where satan’s throne was. Beloved, so do you and I. The faithful manage to hold firm to His Name despite persecution. But, some cling to the teaching of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. Ultimately, these enemies appeal to one’s fleshly desires, the Esau of old. They are often more subtle and cunning, things we justify in order to gratify our desires. Just ask King Saul in Part III.

[1]H3898 לָחַםlâcham law-kham’ A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively to consume; by implication to battle (as destruction): – devour, eat, X ever, fight (-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war (-ring). Total KJV occurrences: 177

[2]Hoshea and Yehoshua are very similar in spelling and meaning:

הושׁע= Hoshea = salvation, deliverer

יְהוֹשֻׁעַ or יְהוֹשׁוּעַ= Yehoshua = YHWH saves or delivers

Both come from the root yasha:

H3467 ישׁעyâsha‛ BDB Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered. 1a) (Niphal). 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered. 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious. 1b) (Hiphil). 1b1) to save, deliver. 1b2) to save from moral troubles. 1b3) to give victory to. Part of Speech: verb. A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: a primitive root

Though the change in name is slight, the emphasis of who it is that does the delivering and saving is obvious. Joshua is simply a vessel. It is Adonai YHWH that is the true Deliverer and Savior. (Is. 43:11) But, the life of Yehoshua still teaches about Him, and that is the point. Even his surname is telling. Yehoshua is the son of Nun from the tribe of Ephraim. (Num. 13:8) Nun means fish or posterity. (Does Yeshua have any associations with “fish” in the Apostolic Scriptures – N.T.?) Nun comes from a root that means to re-sprout or propagate by shoots; which, gives the sense of something continual or perpetual. (H5126)

[3]H6075 עָפַל‛āp̱al: A verb meaning to be proud, to presume. It describes carrying on an act of presumption, arrogance, against the best advice (Num 14:44). It refers to a person who has become too audacious, proud (Hab 2:4).

Categories: Messianic Issues, Torah Portions | Tags: 10 spies, Amalek, bread, Faith, joshua, Pergamum, Sword, warfare, Yehoshua, Yeshua | 6 Comments

Warring with Amalek Part I

Posted on January 18, 2019 by K. Gallagher

The Torah has some interesting commandments concerning Amalek and the Amalekites; such as, “remember what Amalek did to you along the way as you came out from Egypt” and “blot out the memory of Amalek.” Who is Amalek and how does one fulfill these commandments?

Dt. 25:17-19 (TLV) Remember what Amalek did to you along the way as you came out from Egypt— 18 how he happened upon you along the way and attacked those among you in the rear, all the stragglers behind you, when you were tired and weary—he did not fear God. 19 Now when Adonai your God grants you rest from all the enemies surrounding you in the land Adonai your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, you are to blot out the memory of Amalek from under the heavens. Do not forget![1]

This article will explore these questions in both a literal and figurative sense. On the surface, it appears that centuries later King David fulfilled this commandment. In 2 Samuel 8 and 1 Chronicles 18, King David’s exploits of war are enumerated, with Amalek being mentioned along with other nations that he had subdued.

2 Sam. 8:11-12 (TLV) These too King David consecrated to Adonai, along with the silver and gold that he had consecrated from all the nations that he had subdued: 12 from Aram, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

1 Chron. 18:11 (TLV) King David dedicated these articles to Adonai, along with the silver and gold that he had taken from all the nations: from Edom and Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines and Amalek.

Yet, Adonai also says this of Amalek in the Torah, “By the hand upon the throne of Adonai, Adonai will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” (Ex. 17:16) Has HaShem been perpetually warring with the Amalekites? In EVERY generation? I submit to you that the answer is yes.

Amalek was a descendant of Esau and a chief of his people.[2] Thus, if we want to know who Amalek and the Amalekites are, we must first understand who Esau is physically and spiritually. The Book of Bereshit (Genesis) reveals the seed to this story on day 6 with the creation of man and beast. Adam is formed from the adamah or ground (earth). I explain this in the Biblical Role of Women Series. But his (and her – adam is also the word for mankind) name reveals much more.

The word Adam is aleph, followed by dalet and mem, which is the Hebrew word dam, blood. Life is in the blood of mankind (and beasts – day 6 creatures). Blood, the red stuff that sustains man, is also the root of Esau and Edom, the Red One. In this way, all people share in the lineage of Adam and Esau. We, like it or not, are also linked to Amalek. Obviously, this is in the figurative sense, not the physical.

The Root Story

My readers may tire of how often I bring up the story of Jacob and Esau. But, there are so many branches that spring forth from this root story! We would be negligent if we did not trace them from seed to fruit and vice versa, for the seed is in the fruit producing like kind.

Like Rivka (Rebecca), we each have “two nations,” a Jacob and an Esau that wars in our members.[3] One is born first, the flesh, and is red and hairy like a beast. And like all beasts of the field, it is ruled by instinct, appetites, and desires. But we also have a Jacob, the second born – think of the second Adam and being born again, meaning second in order. This one receives a new name, Israel, one that struggles with Adonai, seeks peace, and dwells in tents of Torah learning.

While there are real outside enemies (people ruled by the Esau nature – which fuels hot tempered demonic activity), our primary battles are internal, a struggle with the callused hands of the hunter, Esau. Greed, lust, thirst, and hunger for the appetites of the flesh, constant fear of death and self-preservation at all costs… these are the traits of Esau. You and I are Esau until we struggle all night with the angel and never walk the same way again. This, however, doesn’t guarantee that Esau, the Red One, Edom, will not continue to try to gain the upper hand the minute we grow weary or desperate. Just ask Amalek.

Consider the physical (fleshly) state of Esau when he sold his birthright to Jacob.

Gen. 25:29-32 (NKJV) Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom. 31 But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.” 32 And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?”

Have you ever been so weary that death didn’t seem so bad after all? Have you ever hyperbolically stated, “I’m starving to death!” I have. I’ve also been weary enough from work, pain, and emotional stress to just keel over and be fine with it. As hard as it is to swallow, this is Esau talking to us. He can reason away or make light of the things that should matter the most to us, especially (consider this carefully) when life’s battles have completely worn us out.[4]

In Torah Portion Beshalach [5] (when he sent), the children of Israel experience the pillars of cloud and fire, miraculously cross the parted Sea of Reeds, watch the Egyptians and Pharaoh drown, sing the triumphal Song of Moses & Miriam, taste bitter waters that have been made sweet, eat heavenly manna, and then say to Moses:

Ex. 17:3 “Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?”

Can you hear the echo of Esau’s words? YHWH responds by providing water from the Rock. BUT, Moses calls that place by two names: Massah, which means temptation, and Meribah, meaning contention.

Ex. 17:7 (NKJV) So he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”

Though the people had witnessed unprecedented miracles, their doubt and consequent complaining caused them to be contentious with YHWH and His servant Moses. This attitude “tempted” the LORD. (Yikes!) The very next verse begins with the conjunction “and,” connecting their cynical question with the LORD’s answer:

Ex. 17:8 (LITV) And Amalek came and fought against Israel in Rephidim.

I don’t want you to miss this association. After becoming thirsty, the children of Israel immediately accused Moses (and YHWH) of delivering them to then only “kill” them with thirst. Though we may laugh, we are fools if we think we are any different. What was their (and our) real problem? Amalek.

According to Brown, Driver, and Briggs’ Hebrew Lexicon (BDB), Amalek means “dweller in a valley,” derived from the Hebrew emek, valley.[6] While there are other etymological possibilities for Amalek,[7] BDB’s assumption is intriguing considering the spiritual state of Israel when they were attacked. They were in a proverbial rut or valley of doubt. Moses, Aaron, and Hur ascend a hill overlooking the people as they battle Amalek. Rephidim, the place of their combat, comes from a word that means the bottom or back of something, like a chair or a place of rest. If the place mark is describing the landscape, they were warring the “valley dwellers” in a literal valley on account of their sunken and hollow faith. Did you catch the irony?

Instead of striking a rock to alieve the thirst of the people, this time Moses had to hold his hand up with the staff in the air for Israel to prevail.

Ex. 17:9-11 (LITV) And Moses said to Joshua, choose men for us, and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill, and the staff of God in my hand. 10 and Joshua did as Moses had said to him, to fight against Amalek. And Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And so it was that when Moses lifted his hand, Israel prevailed. And when he rested his hand, Amalek conquered.

Moses was holding the “staff of God.” When it is lifted up, we prevail. If we put it down, Amalek (Esau) conquers. Adonai purposely had this story memorialized. He doesn’t want anyone to forget it. He even reveals a new facet of Himself in this account by the Name Adonai (YHWH) Nissi. (Adonai is my Banner.)

Ex. 17:14-16 (TLV) Adonai said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book, and rehearse it in the hearing of Joshua, for I will utterly blot out the memory of the Amalekites from under heaven.” 15 Then Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Adonai-Nissi. 16 Then he said, “By the hand upon the throne of Adonai, Adonai will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

Nissi comes from the word nes, miracle, but it literally means something lifted up.

John 12:31-32 (NASB) “Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.“

Who is the ruler of this world? We could give more than one answer, but the most obvious one (in the natural) is beast-like men. It is those ruled by Esau, the red one. Greed and lust for money, power, and the appetites of red flesh rules the world. It is a low place, a deep valley, emek.

John 3:13-15 (NASB) “No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. 14 “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.

The serpent on the pole was another nes, a miracle – lifted up. The serpent on the pole isn’t that different from Moses’ staff, for even it could turn into a serpent. This account has several similarities to the battle with Amalek. Adonai had the Children go around the land of EDOM (Esau) to avoid a confrontation, but this took longer than people liked, so they became impatient. In reality, they had to spiritually confront Edom after all. Consider the bolded words below. What do they have in common with Esau and the children of Israel in the account with Amalek?

Num. 21:4-5 (NASB) Then they set out from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the people became impatient because of the journey. 5 The people spoke against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this miserable food.”

In Hebrew, it says the nephesh (soul/flesh) of the people became impatient. Once that happened, they opened their mouths to speak against God and Moses, mentioning DEATH just like Esau did when he sold his birthright. They also complained of a lack of food and water, and even disparaged the heavenly manna. What was their problem? Fiery Snakes.

I hope you see that just as the Amalekites appeared on the heels of their doubt and dissention at Rephidim, so the serpents appeared here. Spiritually, these enemies ARE a mirror of the spiritual state of the Israelites. The red, hot flesh is what is in need of judgment in each case, and Adonai is quick to bring it. But, praise Adonai, He also brings the remedy. The staff is lifted, the serpent on the staff is lifted. Likewise, Yeshua is lifted up to bring healing and life to the guilty.

Balaam gives an oracle about Amalek:

Num. 24:20 (LITV) And he looked upon Amalek, and took up his parable and said, Amalek was the first of the nations, but his latter end is to destruction forever.

This is a mashal, a parable. Who is Amalek? Who is the “first” of the nations, proverbially speaking? Not Israel (Jacob). It’s Esau, the firstborn. Rivkah had two nations in her womb, remember? One day, we will no longer contend with the Esau within or without. Adonai says:

Dt. 25:17-18 (LITV) Remember what Amalek did to you by the way as you came forth out of Egypt; 18 how he met you on the way and attacked your back, all the feeble ones in the rear, when you were faint and weary; and he did not fear God.

Amalek comes when one is weak, feeble, tired, exhausted, weary, hungry, and thirsty. This is the state that Esau was in when he sold his birthright. He whispers words of dissent and rebellion in your ear. These words please tired souls, enraging them with questions of “fairness” and “justice” and “desire.” These lies encourage jealousy, division, dissension, and justify every compliant of the flesh.

Beloved, if you’ve grown weary, if you feel that Adonai isn’t acting fast enough on your behalf, if you have grown jealous toward your neighbor because Adonai seems to have given them the thing or position you desire for yourself, if you just feel like giving up, if the journey has become too hot, dry, and difficult, if you have grown impatient, if Esau has been whispering all your neighbor’s faults in your ear, if the words fairness, justice, or “I deserve,” taunts you and tempts you to have contempt toward Adonai or your neighbor, if you suffer discontentment…

Then, you are at war with Amalek. He is at your back – where you aren’t looking. Run and get out of the valley. Repent, even though the flesh is weak. When you finally turn and see the real Amalek, he will not be your neighbor or the person or thing that you believe is distressing you. Instead, he will look an awful lot like the man or the woman in the mirror. It will sting like fire.

The miracle of Moses’ raised staff and the serpent on the pole is this: Those fleshy lies will be defeated. The memory of Amalek will be no more. Adonai has already given us the remedy. Look at why Yeshua was lifted up on the tree – it was on account of your fiery serpent, the Amalek and Esau of old. In order to gain your life, you must first lose it. (Mt. 10:34-39)

But, what if your warring with the Amalek (Valley Dweller) in someone else? More in Part II.

[1]Torah Portion Ki Tetze (when you go forth) Deuteronomy 21:10–25:19

[2]Gen. 36:12 (NASB) Timna was a concubine of Esau’s son Eliphaz and she bore Amalek to Eliphaz. These are the sons of Esau’s wife Adah.

Gen 36:15-16 (NASB) These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn of Esau, are chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, 16 chief Korah, chief Gatam, chief Amalek. These are the chiefs descended from Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Adah.

[3]It’s not a coincidence that Isaac is sixty years old when the twins are born. The Torah is pointing us to the seed of day six with the creation of man and beast. The beast is born first, and like all firstborns, he is need of redemption.

Gen 25:26 (TLV) Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding onto Esau’s heel—so he was named Jacob. Isaac was 60 years old when he fathered them.

[4]A reread of the Book of Job might be in order. He teaches one about this very real battle within and without.

[5]Exodus 13:17–17:16

[6]H6002 עמלק ‛ămâlêq BDB Definition: Amalek = “dweller in a valley” 1) son of Eliphaz by his concubine Timnah, grandson of Esau, and progenitor of a tribe of people in southern Canaan. 2) descendants of Amalek Part of Speech: noun proper masculine.

H6010 (Brown-Driver-Briggs) עמק ‛êmeq BDB Definition: 1) valley, vale, lowland, open country. Part of Speech: noun masculine. A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: from H6009

[7]For example see: https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Parashah/Summaries/Tetzaveh/Amalek/amalek.html

Categories: Messianic Issues, Torah Portions | Tags: Adam, Amalek, Amalekites, Beshalach, Edom, Esau, Nes, Serpent on the Pole, Staff, Valley | 18 Comments

Torah Nugget: Parsha Bo

Posted on January 11, 2019 by K. Gallagher

I am still out of town, but wanted to make a quick post about something that jumped out to me this year, likely due to my study of Amalek.

Pharaoh is the epitome of one that desires to control, enslave, and oppress. He views people as a commodity, sheep that he can shear and fleece. During the plagues (miracles) of judgment, Pharaoh’s servants advise him to just let the MEN go to worship Adonai. Pharaoh heeds their advice and calls Moses and Aaron back into his presence. He asks them, “Who will go (halak)?”

“Pharaoh’s servants said to him, “How long will this man be a snare to us? Send the men, so they may serve Adonai their God. Don’t you realize yet that Egypt is being destroyed?” So Moses and Aaron were brought to Pharaoh again. “Go, serve Adonai your God,” he said. “But who will be going?” Moses answered, “We will go with our young and our elderly, our sons and our daughters. We will go with our flocks and our herds—for we must have Adonai’s feast for Him.”” (Ex. 10:7-9 TLV)

All the people, including the women and children, even all the livestock will go to worship Adonai. This is not the answer Pharaoh wanted to hear. In his mind, they all belong to him. By allowing the women and children and the livestock to be released with the men, the whole Body or nation would be set free. He would no longer be able to profit from their labor.

We would do well to keep a couple of spiritual truths in mind. Pharaoh believes he owns you and yours. You are no more than a good that can provide cheap service and labor to further his earthly kingdom. He is the opposite of rest and freedom. It took 7 plagues to get him to partially relent. But even then, he couldn’t let go of the thought of future revenue. That’s what the women, children, and livestock represent – the future. Moreover, when any gender or racial group is required to remain enslaved, this is not the “freedom” Adonai has in mind. (Livestock is often a symbol of the nations.) Paul knew this well and advised the Galatians:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female—for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua. And if you belong to Messiah, then you are Abraham’s seed—heirs according to the promise.” (Gal. 3:28-29 TLV)

A spiritual “Pharaoh” knows that restraining the women, children, and nations, will keep the Body under his control. This is the way of fearful, flesh ruled men. If Pharaoh can keep them hostage, he has the men also, even though they have a facade of liberty. Adonai and Moses know that true freedom must include the women, little ones, and even the livestock (nations).

“But he (Pharaoh) said to them, “So may Adonai be with you, if I ever do let you go, with your little ones. See clearly now! Evil is in your face. Not so! Go now—the men—and serve Adonai! For that’s what you were seeking.” Then they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.” (Ex. 10:10-11 TLV)

Adonai and Moses’ demand that the whole Assembly leave Eygpt to worship YHWH. This infuriates Pharaoh. He calls Moses ra or evil. He even implies that Moses is deluded and cannot see clearly by telling him to ra’ah or see that evil is neged or in front of his paniym (face).

Did you catch that? I’ll repeat it. Pharaoh believes Moses is blind and cannot see what is right in front of his face! I wonder how many have bought into Pharaoh’s twisted words? How many blind lead the blind? Is it evil to desire that the WHOLE Assembly serve and worship Adonai as He has called? Pharaoh thinks so.

Interestingly, the first use of neged, the word that means “in front of” is kenegdo in reference to the creation of woman. She is right in front of man’s face. I don’t believe it is a coincidence that Pharaoh refuses to let the WOMEN go with the men. They are the first step in the whole Body, including the nations, being set free.

The Exodus is one of the largest motifs in the Bible. (For a great book about this, click here.) In fact, the whole Bible is about Adonai moving one from slavery to freedom. We must grasp every detail of the Exodus to understand true redemption, salvation, deliverance, sanctification, and restoration. Enemies like Pharaoh reveal (to those with eyes to see) the heart issues of depraved man. The desire to control and subject others is never godly, even if the perpetrator believes himself to be a god.

Consider modern government today. How much of it is corrupted by the beastly desire for selfish gain, the drive to build a name and kingdom for self, greed and acquisition? What about religious man? Is he any different? Don’t these same desires nest in the hearts of many that lead flocks? I wonder how many actually believe they are building Adonai’s Kingdom when they are in fact only serving their own selfish desires?

Don’t let Pharaoh frighten you, especially if you are considered marginalized, inferior, or a minority. You are NOT a commodity; rather, you are an HEIR according to the Promise. Adonai, Moses, and Yeshua proclaim the Good News. They work to set the captives free from the House of Bondage and Slavery. The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. And, contrary to what oppressors like Pharaoh will tell you, these gifts and callings are meant to SERVE Adonai and build His Kingdom – no matter your sex or race. Stop building for Pharaohs that call good evil and evil good.

(Is. 61:1-6 TLV) 1 The Spirit of Adonai Elohim is on me, because Adonai has anointed me to proclaim Good News to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, 2 to proclaim the year of Adonai’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn 3 to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of Adonai, that He may be glorified. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins. They will restore former desolations. They will repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations. 5 Strangers will stand and shepherd your flocks, children of foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers. 6 But you will be called the kohanim of Adonai, They will speak of you as the ministers of our God. You will eat the wealth of nations and boast in their abundance.

(Jer. 46:27 TLV) “But you, fear not, Jacob My servant, nor be dismayed, O Israel. For behold, I will save you from afar, your offspring from the land of their exile. And Jacob will return and be at peace and secure, no one frightening him.