Amalek's Attack

The Defeat of Amalek

While the Jews were still in Rephidim, the Amalekites, a mightily and fierce people, descendants of Esau, and well-trained in the art of warfare, suddenly attacked the people of Israel. It was an unprovoked and cowardly attack upon a tired and weary people, just liberated from slavery, on the way to their homeland.

Moses put his disciple Joshua in charge of the troops who were to fight against the Amalekites. Then Moses, together with his brother Aaron and nephew Hur, went up to a hill, to pray for G‑d's help in the battle. The battle lasted a whole day until the Amalekites were finally defeated and routed. G‑d ordered Moses to record the treacherous attack of the Amalekites for everlasting memory. Together with this memory went an oath to wipe the Amalekites — the incarnation of all evil — off the face of the earth. There could be no peace between Israel and Amalek for all time to come.

By Jacob Isaacs

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11 Comments

Rachel Baltimore, USA August 28, 2023

What is an explanation for WHY HaShem allowed Amalek to attack the Yehudim at the end of the line? Weren't Bnei Yisrael already accompanied by the Clouds of Glory and Pillar of Fire? Why were these Yehudim left vulnerable to attack?

Was it because Bnei Yisrael wanted water to drink (to go with the matzot that they baked in Mitzrayim, and carried on their shoulders)?

Why was there not a plan to provide water in advance? (I always packed drinks when I took my children on a trip, as it's a basic human need.)

And I'm curious why the Erev Rav was not attacked? Apparently they did nothing to protect/defend the Yehudim (women and children, elderly) at the end of the line.

(AND, why do I appear to be the only Yid asking these questions?) Reply

Simcha Bart September 13, 2023

in response to Rachel:

It wasn't because they asked for water, rather because after all the miracles they experienced they doubted if G-d was with them. Rashi says:
"Amalek came, etc.: He [God] juxtaposed this section to this verse, ["Is the Lord in our midst or not? "] implying: “I am always among you, and [I am] always prepared for all your necessities, but you say, Is the Lord in our midst or not?’"
Rashi in Deuteronomy chapter 25 explains that they attacked the spiritually weak individuals whom the clouds had expelled and were thus unprotected. Reply

Todd Gardner February 5, 2024

in response to Rachel:

I read the earlier response to your questions, but I would like to offer a tiny bit more. You mentioned that you pack water for your children. Do they know that in advance? Or do they simply ask you when they become thirsty? The people did not come to God and ask, nor did they approach Moses. The grumbled amongst themselves. Your children trust in you to provide, the people did not trust in God's provision so they did not go to Him. These seasons developed trust in the hearts of the people. If you do not ask you do without, if you ask provision is made. It is the same in every area, water, food, protection, guidance... every area. Linked to that idea is it's opposing view. The Amalikites represent the people of the line of the grandson of Esau and a woman that was royal, but made herself a concubine to join into the house of Abraham for the glory and status of a connection to God. Not in service to God but in status to self. We battle selfishness to this day. Reply

Rachel Baltimore, USA February 6, 2024

in response to Todd Gardner :

Thank you for your replies, Simcha and Todd!

I've also learned that this group of people were separated from the Bnei Yisrael, and were NOT protected by the Clouds of Glory. This tells us that HaShem saw into their souls and judged them accordingly.

I'm familiar with the story of Timna, the mother of AMLK.

I see that the group did not REQUEST water from Moshe or HaShem. A simple polite or request of Moshe Rabbenu or prayer to HaShem would have (probably) gotten them what they wanted and needed.

As HaShem says of Bnei Yisrael, we are a stiff-necked people.

BUT we CAN learn and change if we learn Torah, pray, and draw closer to HaShem!

And learn good manners along the way.

HaShem desires our prayers and requests! But with appropriate deference to His Kingship and Power. Reply

Elmira Louisiana February 2, 2018

What is the name of the hill/mountain that Moses prayed on Reply

Sharon August 26, 2015

Doubt is good for me The last (or first) two comments deal with externals. I think this is all about internal doubt and apathy. I must say that I have always welcomed doubt in my life because I recognize it as a phenomenum to examine my true beliefs. For that reason, even though it is emotionally disturbing, I never fear it. Doubt has made me make important positive decisions. Reply

Todd Gardner February 5, 2024

in response to Sharon:

Doubt is a companion to ideas that are not tried. The proof is in the doing of a thing. As simple as doubting if a blanket will keep you warm or if a meal will satisfy your hunger... until you wrap yourself in the blanket or eat the meal, there may be doubts. Rather than finding comfort in doubting, why not seek to know and trust. "Taste of the Lord and know that He is good." Trusting in the Lion of Judah is a dangerous thing. He is powerful and mighty and awesome and not safe... but He is GOOD. Reply

Helen Stengel London August 26, 2015

So interesting, thank you so much. Reply

Yisroel Cotlar Cary September 2, 2013

Re While we no longer have a clear identity of the ancient nations mentioned in the Torah including Amalek (and have not had since the King of Assyria exiled them all) there is a tradition that a nation that shows this form of antisemitism is indeed associated with amalek. Reply

Elisha August 29, 2013

the incarnation of all evil Regarding the last four lines of this passage, if there was to be no peace between Israel and Amalek for all time to come, might I ask, who is the present day Amalek? From my uh understanding, it is to be anyone who wishes to suppress Israel, ie The Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, HaShoah, and now "palestine". Reply

Tom Howard February 17, 2024

in response to Elisha:

Right, but more specifically, Hamas, as they have the same spirit of Amalek, which "suddenly attacked the people of Israel. It was an unprovoked and cowardly attack upon a tired and weary people" (or, as in the recent attack), being cowards attacking women, children, and elderly!
Amalek has an evil backed name and what Israel’s allies do not realize is that Hamas is Amalek. Anyone who wants to destroy Israel is Amalek. The fact that Hamas wants to destroy Israel means that they cannot partner with them for peace or for any permanent ceasefire that will leave them in power. Reply

The Defeat of Amalek

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