Bible Battle #4 - C. 1446 BC
After the Hebrews crossed the Red Sea their goal was to reach Mount Sinai. Their camp was attacked by nomadic Amalekites who saw them as trespassers but were defeated.
Scripture: Exodus 17
Campaign: Sinai.
Other names: Defeat of the Amalekites
Timeline: Escape from Egypt – Wilderness – Joshua.
Geography: Rephidim; Southern Sinai Peninsula. Possibly, Wadi
Feiran, near junction with the Wadi esh-Sheikh.
Belligerents:
Israel; commanded by Joshua.
Amalek.
Biblical personalities: Moses, Joshua, Aaron, Hur.
HISTORICAL SETTING
As the
people journeyed through the wilderness they began complaining about their
thirst. Moses was directed by God to strike a rock at Rephidim and have water
come out from it. This miracle quenched the people’s thirst and a possible
rebellion. The people were still not ready for fighting, especially after
having grumbled against God and their leader.
The Amalekites were the first opponent if
Israel in a long succession of future enemies. They effectively launched an
unprovoked attack against the Israelites soon after they crossed the Red Sea.
Their attack might have been motivated by:
(a) Fear of invasion.
(b) Intolerance towards Hebrews passing through their territory.
(c) Protect or control the water sources at Wadi Refayid.
It is not possible to know for sure but, regardless, this action led to
the Alamekites being categorized as mortal enemies of Israel for many
generations to come.
CONFLICT BACKGROUND
It is
important to note that Sinai, at that time, was not Egypt. Egypt’s borders were
west of there. Sinai belonged mostly to the Midianites.
JOURNEY AFTER the CROSSING of the SEA
Archaeologist David Rohl’s findings were a major
contribution to the route described below.
(1) Hebrews marched through Wilderness of Shur.Camels were not domesticated and introduced as carrying animals until 1000 BC so people were definitely on foot. There is no sure location for Elim. But given the that the centre of the Sinai Peninsula offered nothing but desert, we assume they went directly south instead of east or southeast.
(2) Continued through Wilderness of Etham.They must have gone south also because they were back at Etham (which they had passed before the crossing of the sea northward. This time they passed Etham going south on the opposite side of the border canal. Given that the journey took 3 days walk until the nearest water source they would have covered roughly 100 Km.
(3) Reached bitter waters of Marah (Bir Marrat). Bir Marrat is a real location (“bitter waters” in Arabic) on the way to the Gulf of Suez; the distance corresponds.
(4) Walked one day walk to Elim (Ain Musa).This is where they had fresh water springs and set up camp to rest for a few weeks.
(5) After resting they reached the Red Sea at the Gulf of Suez.This place was called Yam Suph, which must refer to the actual Red Sea, (rather than Reed Sea from the crossing before). It was located at the tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. We know that Yam Suph refers to this location here because of a later reference made to it: King Solomon would build his ships at Yam Suph Red Sea (and not Reed Sea, where no ships could be launched).
(6) Reached Dophkah (could refer to Du Mofka meaning “Mountain of Turquoise”) through an inland route.The Hebrews came here because they were not able to continue following the coast due to a mountain massif. The journey through the wilderness of Sin (probably referring to Sinai) was roughly 50km to Dophkah.This place was an Egyptian Turquoise mine worked by Semitic slaves. Moses may have passed by here to free these slaves as he had done in Egypt. There is a temple on top of the mountain dedicated to Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of the desert. This goddess was represented by a calf and might have been the inspiration for the golden calf image that the Hebrews made later.
(7) Arrived at Wadi-el -Ush (Alush); 41 km later .This was where the miracles of Mana and quail took place.
(8) Then 24 Km further southeast lies Wadi Refayid (Rephidim). They were attacked here by the Amalekites.
The AMALEKITE ENEMY
By
references made, throughout scripture, of the Amalekite scorn for God we may
assume one or both of the following:
(a) these people had been given knowledge
of the Hebrew God but circulating stories or other means; (b) they might have
witnessed the power of God firsthand through the parting of the Red Sea.
What took
place at the Red Sea crossing was, albeit in limited point of view, God’s exposure as a super weapon in the hands
of the Hebrews.
NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN
This was not unlike the US deployment of
the first atomic bombs in 1945. Although this served to bring the JapaneseEmpire to its knees (as the Hebrews had done to Egypt), the greatest effect was
as an intimidation to the Soviet Union.
God assured
His people that the nations would be terrified, in anguish and terror of them
(Exodus 15:14-17). This was to
ensure that the way would be clear for their safe, unopposed passage into
Sinai. God did not want other nations to be subdued by Israel unless they stood
on the way.
The
assembly marched through the Sin Desert and arrived at Marah, hungry and
thirsty. God provided manna and quail for them. One of the theories about what this manna is that it consists
of secretions if burrowing insects left on tamarisk bushes. Regardless, what is
important is that people were given provision by God.
For
provision of water, God directed Moses to strike a rock at Rephidim.
The BATTLE
At this
point the people were at their weakest.
(1)
On the first day the Israelite
encampment may have incurred an initial exploratory attack from the Amalekites
who were assessing Israel’s numbers.
Moses immediately puts Joshua in
charge of a fighting force for the next day. There are historians that
stipulate that Joshua may have had military training in Egypt and is well
prepared with the tactical principles to command the Hebrews.
(2)
On the second day Moses made
sure he was at the top of the hill not to direct the battle but for the
combatants to see him and be encouraged.
In many battles, right up to the modern day, we
see hills as important vantage points from where the officers can direct the
movements of the troops. Here the role is reversed.
(3)
The Amalekites launched full
out attacks. The fighting morale was crucial here. Moses made sure he kept his
arms raise all throughout, needing the help of Aaron and Hur.
The enemy was close to winning a few times but
were ultimately defeated by Joshua. After the battle, Moses built an altar
called “The Lord is my Banner”.
NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN
During the US Marine invasion of the
Japanese held island of Iwo Jima, in February 1945, the Americans made sure
they took Mount Suribachi. This was the highest point of the island and the key
importance of it was so that they could raise the US flag to boost the troops’
fighting spirit.
AFTERMATH
This was
the first major battle for Israel. They were able to make a name for themselves
by repealing the Amalekites and ensure a clear path through the wilderness.
Their failure to completely annihilate their enemy resulted in future wars, one
of which led to the downfall of Israel’s first king, Saul.
SPIRITUAL ANALYSIS
COLORS
Banners
were used in ancient military tactics for communication. We do not have an
indication of banners being used in this battle. Indeed it was Moses’ arms that
served as a banner for the battle reflecting God’s power over the outcome.
Moses served as a banner for the fighting men but he was but a reflection of
God, the true banner.
The spirit
of God lifts up the war banner in our spirit man for us to have strategic
advantage in the fight.
Isaiah
59:19 AMP
[19] So as
the result of the Messiah's intervention they shall reverently fear the name of
the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the
enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a
standard against him and put him to flight for He will come like a rushing
stream which the breath of the Lord drives.
The best the Devil is is slow. Our power is fast
moving, stronger and better than the enemy. If we speak right then he doesn't
even show up. All translations have a weak adjective to describe the enemy’s
rising waters and a strong adjective to describe the spirit of God.
This attack
was particularly harsh because the Amalekites had no compassion for a helpless
people that was not even an enemy. They had no fear of God and an attitude of
utter disdain for God’s heart of charity and compassion will not be forgotten
and God thereafter instructs his people to never have anything to do with the
Amalekites and to shun them forever.
The
Amalekites, that day, lost a lot more than a battle. They were perpetually cut
off from the creator of a heaven and Earth and disallowed the benefit and
protection of being under Him.
POINTS A CROSS
(1) Moses had struck the rock and water
came out. Jesus was struck by the lance after his death and water also came
out. Spiritually, living water comes out of Jesus out so that the world is
saved by it.
(2) Moses arms were held up on a hill
just like Jesus was held up on the hill of Golgotha.
Rephidim
was the first time water came from a rock to supply the people. There would be
a second time, later, where things did not take place as God willed it and with
serious consequences.
PRAISE & WORSHIP
"Father: you laid your affliction upon your Son, the Rock, so that we might have acces to the water of Life. For this I thank you."
TIMELINE
All timeline dates prior to 664 BC are based on Rohl’s New Chronology. Refer to our chapter “Chronological Discrepancies” for clarification.
For
provision of water, God directed Moses to strike a rock at Rephidim.
(2)
On the second day Moses made
sure he was at the top of the hill not to direct the battle but for the
combatants to see him and be encouraged. 
(1) Moses had struck the rock and water
came out. Jesus was struck by the lance after his death and water also came
out. Spiritually, living water comes out of Jesus out so that the world is
saved by it.