Exodus 17:8–16 “The Unforgivable Sin”

Exodus 17:8-16 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Phil Wickham – Battle Belongs
• Hillsong Worship – Mighty To Save
• Whom Shall I Fear – Chris Tomlin

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Moses Defeats the Amalekites – Lesson for Kids
• L-O-V-E | Kids Worship Music | Compass Bible Church – Song for Kids
• Turn Your Eyes | Stellar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Leaning on the Everlasting Arms | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

While the Israelites were staying in Rephidim, the nomadic Amalekites from the Negev attacked them (v.8). According to Deuteronomy 25:17–18, the Amalekites struck Israel from the rear when they were weary and worn out. They attacked those who were unarmed and posed no threat. It was an unprovoked and ruthless assault. Israel had no choice but to suffer the attack helplessly. This marked Israel’s first battle.

Moses appointed Joshua as the commander and went up to the top of Mount Horeb with Aaron and Hur, taking the staff of God in his hand and praying (vv.9–10). Perhaps he judged that it was impossible to win the battle by human strength alone. As long as Moses raised his hands in prayer, Israel prevailed over Amalek. Still, whenever he lowered his hands, Amalek began to gain the upper hand (v.11). So Aaron and Hur stood on either side of Moses and supported his hands, enabling him to continue praying. As a result, Joshua was able to drive the Amalekites away (vv.12–13).

When the Amalekites retreated, God commanded Moses to record the victory in a book and pass it down to future generations. He also instructed him to make known to Joshua God’s plan to blot out the memory of Amalek completely (v.14). Moses then built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (“The Lord is my banner”) (vv.15–16). The reason Israel was able to overcome the brutal and ruthless Amalekite army was entirely because of the banner of the Lord.

Meditation:

The stories of war in the Old Testament often raise many questions for today’s readers. It may seem as though God is taking the side of the Israelites alone, or that He is sanctioning brutal acts of slaughter. For those who believe that God acts according to perfect love and justice, these accounts can be difficult to reconcile. Some people even attempt to glorify all Old Testament wars as “holy wars.” However, when we look closely at what actually happens in the midst of war, such claims can seem like sophistry.

When reading Old Testament war stories, asking, “Why is God acting like this?” or “Can God really do such things?” is to miss the essential point. In order to find the right answers, we must begin with the right questions. Instead of questioning God’s actions, we should first ask, “Why do people act like this?” or “How can human beings be capable of such things?” Once we begin to answer those questions, we can start to understand God’s response.

Both personal conflicts and national wars are often the result of human vanity and savagery. God’s will is for us to recognize each other’s existence and live in peace. However, human beings, tainted by sin, tend to deny and eliminate others in order to increase their own gain. Believers, in such situations, seek God’s will and ask for His help. Often, God waits for His people to find their own way through the situation, but at times He intervenes decisively.

God intervened in the war against the Amalekites because of their cruelty. They sought to plunder the Israelites, knowing that they were physically and mentally exhausted and entirely unprepared for battle. Their evil was so grave that God declared He would completely wipe out the Amalekite nation as a warning. This was a divine judgment against the human sin of oppressing the weak to satisfy selfish desires. God regarded such actions as an unforgivable sin.

Prayer:

Lord, even today, acts of barbarity like those of the Amalekites continue as powerful nations invade weaker neighbors for their own gain. See their sins clearly, Lord, and rule with Your justice. Help us not to forget that the leaven of the Amalekites exists within us as well. Teach us to regard our neighbors not as objects for our use, but as those to be loved and served. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Even when people do wrong or hurt others, God sees everything and acts with justice. We should not follow the example of those who use their strength to harm others. Instead, we are called to love, serve, and protect those who are weaker or in need, just like Jesus taught us.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Why did Moses pray with his hands up during the battle?
  • Who helped Moses when he got tired?
  • How can we support others during their difficult times?
    
• For Youth
  
  • Why do you think God judged the Amalekites so harshly?
  • What are some modern-day examples of people or groups acting like the Amalekites?
  • How can we, as followers of Christ, stand up for the weak instead of using others for our benefit?