Amalek was the father of the Amalekites, Israel's most persistent enemy. He was a grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12), who was "born after the flesh" (Galatians 4:22-29). We have the very highest authority (John 3:6) for the statement that "flesh" can only produce "flesh." Amalek therefore is a type of the flesh -- what the believer is by nature. Nothing changes "flesh."
It is important to note that Amalek makes his assault just when Israel is in the full tide of blessing. Fed with the bread from heaven (Exodus 16:14-18; John 6:31-35), and refreshed by water from the rock (Exodus 17:5-7; Joh 4:14; Ephesians 1:13), it was perhaps a time when Israel let down its guard.
The "rod of God" had first been Moses' shepherd staff, or crook. It was the rod of Psalm 23:4 in its literal sense (Exodus 4:2). In that sense it was the token of his occupation. Cast upon the ground, it became a serpent (Exodus 4:3). Taken up by Jehovah's command it became the rod of God, used to do "signs in the sight of the people" (Exodus 4:30). As such, it became the instrument of divine deliverance (Exodus 7:17,20; 8:5,16). It was even seen as "The finger of God" (Exodus 8:19).
Moments With the Book
P.O. Box 322
Bedford, PA 15522 USA
Order online at: www.mwtb.org