Amalekites

After the redemption of Israelites from Egypt, Amalekites, the offsprings of Esau were the ones to fight against Israelites for the first time. Moses raised his hand standing on the peak of a mountain at a place called Rephidim. Israelites, headed by Joshua, fought against Amalekites and defeated them. The war and animosity between the Israelites and Amalekites continued from generation to generation.

“Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.” (Exodus 17:16) The wrath of God continued to blaze upon the Amalekites. Amalekites promised themselves that they must destroy Israelites. It was engraved in their genes. The Aramaic Commentary on the Book of Esther, the “Second Targum,” states with genealogical evidence that Haman was descended from the Amalekites who sought to exterminate the Israelites.

According to the commandment of the Lord, prophet Samuel instructed King Saul, “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. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.’ ” (1 Sam 15:2,3)

Smiting the Amalekites is acquiescent. But why should they kill their cattle, sheep, camels and donkeys?

Midrash, the ancient Jewish scripture explains that. The book says that Timnah, mother of Amalek wanted to unite with the Israelites. As the forefathers did not accept her, she became the concubine of Eliphaz (son of Esau) and borne Amalek. The intensity to slaughter Israelites began from Timnah’s pregnancy itself.

Midrash also adds that Amalekites were proficient in sorcery that they could shape-shift themselves into animals. That is why God commanded the Israelites to kill the animals also. Because they could transform into animals and might escape from the war.

This is not written in the Bible. Yet, it appears to be the truth. These sorts of sorcery were prevalent during those times. We are now sure of the fact that God does not do anything without a reason.

In the Old Testament, in many places God is shown so fiercefully. But behind every event, there is a justful reason that we do not know. Many preachers today threaten people using these events, “behold, God is a consuming fire. He is unchanging. The same Old Testamentary God is present in the New Testament also.”

Yes, He is unchanging! The same compassionate Father was there in the Old Testament also. “He is good, His love endures forever,” says the Old Testament (2 Chronicles 7:3). He was, is and will be the consuming fire to smite His foes. But, He is always good to His children.