Exodus 17:8-16

God told Moses that there was a reason that they had to go the round about way through the wilderness instead of up the Way of Horus along the Sea. The reason was that they would face war and would become afraid and turn back. (Exodus 13:17[notes1] ) The nation was not battle hardened, and that route would have brought them against some of Egypt’s military outposts.

As they journeyed, it was only natural that the weaker people would lag behind. The elderly or families with very young, and herds with numerous baby animals would tend to be toward the rear. Because the weak were in the rear, it was the most vulnerable part of the column. (1Samuel 15:2[notes2] )

A local people called Amalekites took advantage of this and raided the rear of the camp. Listen to how Moses later described it. Deuteronomy 25:17-18 (ESV) ¹⁷ “Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, ¹⁸ how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary, and cut off your tail, those who were lagging behind you, and he did not fear God. God had previously told Israel that nations would hear of what He did to Egypt and stand back as Israel passed.  (Exodus 15:16[notes3] ) But the passage I just read tells us that the Amalekites did not fear God.

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7[notes4] ) If you think you can get away with something and God won’t see it or hold you accountable, you are a fool. The Amalekites were fools. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God!” (Psalm 14:1[notes5] )

They are descended from Esau and have the same temporal mindset that Esau had. (Genesis 36:12[notes6] ; Numbers 24:20[notes7] ) They thought they could raid the weak part of the camp of Israel and gain a few spoils of war like slaves, herds, and stolen goods. The fool lives for this life only. He or she thinks that if they can gain this world’s goods, regardless of how they do it, regardless if it is unethical or evil, they are better off. Their shortsighted perspective is focused on the temporal pleasures of this life and denies any eternal consequence. That was Amalek, and for that reason they are a symbol of the flesh nature of man.

[notes1] Exodus 13:17 (ESV)

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.”

[notes2] 2 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.

[notes3] Exodus 15:16 (ESV)

16 Terror and dread fall upon them; because of the greatness of your arm, they are still as a stone, till your people, O LORD, pass by, till the people pass by whom you have purchased.

[notes4] Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

[notes5] Psalm 14:1 (ESV)

1 TO THE CHOIRMASTER. OF DAVID. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good.

[notes6] Genesis 36:12 (ESV)

12 (Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau’s son; she bore Amalek to Eliphaz.) These are the sons of Adah, Esau’s wife.

[notes7] Numbers 24:20 (ESV)

20 Then he looked on Amalek and took up his discourse and said, “Amalek was the first among the nations, but its end is utter destruction.”

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