February 16, 2025 • 33 mins
# 86 - The Scourge of Amalek - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, when the Amalekites attack, Israel faces its first great battle—but victory does not come from swords alone. This episode reveals the power of faith, intercession, and unwavering trust in God’s strength to overcome even the fiercest enemies.
Episode 86 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Exodus.
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For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Exodus 15:2, "The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."
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Show Notes:
(02:03) Intro with Yael Eckstein
(02:55) The Scourge of Amalek
(26:37) Reflection with Yael Eckstein
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Previously on the chosen people.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
How can we trust what we cannot see? Where is
our God? We could see the gods of Egypt, We
had statues, temples, and monuments. Is the Lord Nomad? Does
he come and go like Moses?
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Moses turned to the elders and stretched out his arms.
His staff was in his right hand, His knuckles were
white around its shaft, steady and ready to strike.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Is the Lord among us or not?
Speaker 1 (00:34):
No answer from the men, just a confused silence.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
Is the Lord among us or not?
Speaker 4 (00:41):
Again?
Speaker 1 (00:42):
The elders shrugged, unsure of how to answer.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
I ask you again, Is the Lord among us or not?
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Moses gripped his staff with both hands, widened his stance,
shifted his hips, and swung it at the stone, struck
it with brutal force, causing the outer layer of shale
to crack. Immediately, a geezer burst out of the rock,
spilling water out into the dirt below. The elders recoiled
(01:13):
in shock and immediately rushed to the water to drink.
Soon enough, the water found a crag and flowed downward
towards the Israelite camp, like the rivers cutting through Eden.
The refreshing spring of God brought life. They were His children,
his chosen people.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
He would not let them fall.
Speaker 4 (01:38):
If you will diligently listen to my voice and do
that which is right in my eyes, and give all
to my commandments and keep all my statues. Ah, he
will put none of the disease on you that I
put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.
Speaker 5 (02:06):
In the throes of battle, it was not the sword,
but the uplifted arms of Moses that led to victory.
Shallow my friends from here in the Holy Land. I'm
ya l extein with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
Welcome to the Chosen People. Have you ever wondered why
some battles shape the soul of a people, why some
(02:26):
conflicts carve out the identity of a nation. Today we
step into the shadow of a fierce struggle that tested
the heart of Israel, the Scourge of Amalik, a story
of conflict, perseverance, and divine intervention. But more than that,
it beckons us to question the nature of our own battles.
(02:47):
Why does God allow us to face such trials? And
how do we find strength when our enemies rise against us?
Speaker 4 (02:57):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (02:58):
Sheher sat up on the incline of the Rolling Hill
on a rocky outcropping, absent mindedly sharpening his hunting knife.
He wasn't sure why he brought it with him that day.
He had never needed anything beyond his staff to ward
off predators from his family's flock. With everyone clustered around
the only water source in the area, help was never
(03:20):
more than a shout away. But yet something prompted him
to pocket the knife that morning when he arose. It
was one of the few possessions that he took from Egypt.
In fact, it was one of the only possessions he
had at all. His parents had died before their exodus
following the prophet Moses. All that remained for him and
(03:41):
his siblings was a threadbare inheritance of a few tools
and tattered garments. Hoshier gripped the knife. He did not
relish the reminder of his life as a slave, but
the blade was a useful tool, and Hoshier was nothing
if not practical. It was also perhaps a good reminder
of the violence and oppression they had escaped. Others may
(04:04):
be content to complain about their short memories, but ho
Sheer was determined to remember the miraculous and wondrous things
that God had done on their behalf. Ho Sheher went
back to methodically sharpening his knife when between strokes he
heard the undeniable snap of a twig behind him. The
hair on the back of his neck stood. He whirled
(04:26):
around and jumped to his feet. To his horror, a
heavily armored man was climbing the slope behind him, clearly
trying to catch him unawares. Time stood still, and the
two men locked eyes. Ho Sheer in his thin linen
shepherd's clothes and a small hunting blade, and the man,
(04:47):
a mysterious warrior wielding a lethal jagged sword and other
blades strapped to his leather armor. He had almost a
foot and at least a decade on young Hosher. Ho
sh still gripped his knife, but his staff leaned uselessly
on the rock beside him, just out of reach. A
knife would invite close combat, and Hoshier did not want
(05:09):
to engage him in hand to hang combat with the
man's superior reach and armor. Hoshier glanced over to his
staff to judge how far away it was to grab.
The warrior took Hoshier's diverted gaze as an opportunity and
charged forward, lifting his sword above his head and angling
it down a blow that would surely split Hoshier's unprotected
(05:30):
skull with minimal effort. Hoshier's eyes locked on the man
in terror. Abandoning the idea of grabbing for his staff,
Hoshier did the only thing that came to his stupefied mind.
He yelled, out of pure adrenaline and instinct, closed his
eyes and threw a dagger at the man, who was
ferociously closing the gap between them. Weapon at its full apex,
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a squelching thunder of a blade finding flesh, and then
a dull crumpling of a body hitting thus made Hosher
open his eyes. By some miracle, his blade found the
only gap in the man's armor at his neck. Blood
was still pumping as it spurted in an unsightly death
rattle rhythm.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
From the entry mood.
Speaker 1 (06:15):
He would have stood in shock for who knows how long. However,
movement down the hill caught his eye. His mouth dropped
as he beheld a sizeable host emerging from the haze
of the desert. At the bottom of the hill. He
saw the tips of their spears above their heads and
mighty shields in their hands. They were still aways off,
(06:36):
and the heat of the desert distorted his view, but
he could only assume they were as heavily armored as
his attacker had been. The man at what woubly being
a scout, He realized Hosher was the long occupier of
the only high ground where they camped. He that this
hill also rocked the host from view, and it would
take them only a short time to realize that their
(06:58):
scout was not returning. Fea pushed back the wave of moose.
The Hooshier was feeling from the sickening sight of his kill.
Terror gripped him as he realized that the armed force
could mount this hill and be upon their camp in
a matter of minutes. He had to tell someone He
had to have survived this encounter for some reason, and
(07:18):
he supposed this was it forgetting his lodged knife in
a corpse's neck. Hoshier scooped up his staff from the
rock and sprinted down the hill toward camp, screaming as
loud as his lungs could support and raising the alarm,
but that an attack was imminent. Moses was nursing a
mounting headache as he listened to two men ere their grievances.
(07:42):
When the boy careened into camp, shouting, invaders, We're about
to be attacked over the hill, Moses dismissed the men
in front of him and nodded to Aaron Miriam and
her Miriam's son to go and intercept the boy. They
immediately did as he bid, and not even a heart
beat later, the boy was panting before him quickly, My.
Speaker 6 (08:05):
Son, what did you see, Moses?
Speaker 7 (08:10):
Beyond that hill? There's a great host who may be
several hundred men. They're not Egyptian, but they are heavily armed.
Was able to kill their scout before I ran here,
But they will notice he is missing soon and surely attack.
Speaker 3 (08:26):
Your name, My son, oh Jose, son of none, your people,
my people, your tribe, bouget a son of none? Who
are they?
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Ephria?
Speaker 7 (08:38):
I am of the tribe of Ephria.
Speaker 3 (08:40):
Hum.
Speaker 1 (08:41):
Besides the hesitation in naming his tribe, this whole sheer
had proven himself valuable by despatching the scout. The young
man standing before Moses was unassuming enough. He was grown,
but still young and lack the gravitas to stand before
his leader and speak confidently. But he was quick on
his feet, and their God had granted him success and
(09:04):
brought him here to warn Moses of the coming threat.
Perhaps the boy, like his nation, could be molded. Aaron
entered the tent, swiftly, returning.
Speaker 8 (09:15):
With a report.
Speaker 9 (09:16):
It's true, mosts hearing reports of a host of men
just beyond that ridge. The boy has spoken true. Our
scouts estimate the numbers to be five hundred.
Speaker 10 (09:25):
Or so, five hundred against our six hundred thousand men.
How could they even dare against our numbers? And our
numbers are even greater beyond the fighting men.
Speaker 7 (09:36):
Eh.
Speaker 11 (09:36):
Using the term fighting men for what we have is
awfully generous of you, my son.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
How many of our men.
Speaker 11 (09:43):
Have actually wielded weapons, much less near battle?
Speaker 10 (09:47):
Aren't there a few who served as mercenaries in Barrow's army?
Speaker 6 (09:50):
Ha?
Speaker 11 (09:50):
Ha, Perhaps a dozen of them, and they're old and
rickety now, hardly enough to count on.
Speaker 9 (09:56):
Unfortunately, these approaching soldiers are fully armed with swords and shields.
They may even have archers amongst their ranks. Oh, God
save us. Most of our fighting men carry clubs and
axes for defending their flocks.
Speaker 7 (10:10):
What are such weapons against bronze and iron.
Speaker 10 (10:14):
But still, perhaps they just mean to scare us off.
We are camped around the only drinkable water in the area.
They cannot truly intend to destroy millions. And do we
know who they are?
Speaker 7 (10:27):
There are rumblings that there are Amalekites ah, the line
of Edom, sons of Esau.
Speaker 11 (10:35):
Yes, these Amalkites are of Edom, descendants of Esau through
his first son, Aliphaz.
Speaker 9 (10:41):
Yes, and perhaps the first of many foes we will
meet before we enter Canaan. They have traveled very far
to have encountered us here.
Speaker 3 (10:48):
They are nomads in this land, and we stand between
them and the only water source for miles. We must
stand against them and show them we are not worth
the effort.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
The three dip their heads in agreement. Hoshia watched them
intently and with intelligent eyes that seemed content to be
forgotten in the flurry of discussion between Moses in a.
Speaker 3 (11:10):
Circle, Hoshea, select some men for us and go fight
against Amelek tomorrow. I will stand up on the hilltop
with our God's staff in my hand.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
Ho Shia gaped at Moses' words, but as the other
three heads turned to him in surprise, he straightened his
shoulders and held his head high before nodding in acknowledgment.
Moses was pleased his instincts were right about this one.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
Go now and make your selections and ready for them
for the battle. We only have a few swords at
our disposal. Be sure to take one for yourself. See
what weapons the other men have. If we have archers
or those who can use a sling, organize them first
and see what you can find for shields. You want
to make sure our front lines are secure before you
(11:57):
do anything else, and leave a small company in reserve
behind to protect the women and children.
Speaker 7 (12:04):
Yes, Lord Moses, and'll go now and see it done.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
With that, young Hoshir ran off. Moses turned back to
his advisers.
Speaker 11 (12:13):
That's a lot of trust for a boy you just met, Moses.
Speaker 10 (12:16):
He's a lamb of a boy against wolves.
Speaker 3 (12:19):
We are all lambs, Miriam, Lest you forget how the
Lord delivered us from Verhah.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
Very well, my brother, what will you have me do?
Speaker 3 (12:29):
Miriam? You are to organize the women and children, draw
them in close so the defenders young the hoche Raises
will not be spread too thin. Aaron and her you're
with me tomorrow. At dawn, we'll view the battle from
above and call upon the help of our God.
Speaker 1 (12:49):
Ho Sheer's sweaty hands gripped his staff, and he drew
a shuddering breath as he beheld the Amalekite army marching
toward them. May have been Hosher's imagination, but either the
ground was shaking beneath the steady march of their impending footsteps,
or his heartbeat had traveled fully into his head and
(13:10):
was spilling out his ears. He could not recall a
time he had ever been so scared. The Israelites stood
before them in great numbers, but the tang of fear
hung tensely in the air. They lacked experience, and resources
and courage. They had all been mere slaves only weeks ago.
(13:31):
Hoshier had organized the men as Moses had asked. He
delegated each tribe to assign their men to various roles
and gather what weapons they had. Hosier stood at the
back of the great host, in the general's position. He
was still dumbfounded that anyone had listened to him at all.
But they had, and now they kept looking between him
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the tiny figure of Moses on the hilltop and the
nearing enemy army. Hoser tempted to despair. He felt unqualified,
because well he was, he was no warrior. Hoshier's shoulders
slunk downward, but then a young man from the tribe
of Judah placed a hand on his shoulder. His brow
(14:16):
was furrowed with determination. His voice was deep for a
man his age, but deeply reassuring.
Speaker 4 (14:22):
Do not be afraid, Hosier. Remember the mighty things that
staff has done important Moses's hand.
Speaker 8 (14:31):
We await your command, Joseya.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
Hoshier gave him a grateful smile and rallied his resolve.
He then swallowed nervously, but schooled his face into neutrality
as he kept his eyes on their leader, waiting for
his command. The Amalekites halted before them in neat, disciplined lines.
Their archers stood off and at an angle to avoid
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getting in the fray. Once the battle began in earnest,
their mighty shields were perf fly locked in an impenetrable
line at the front of their column, and Hoshier could
see a line of glistening spear tips extending far above them.
Even if they somehow broke the line of shields, the
spearmen could skewer them from a safe distance with a
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mighty blow. Far above their heads. Carrion birds circled. One
thing was sure, in mere hours they would feast on
the armies below. No matter the outcome, the Amalekite seemed
content to wait for the Green Israelite army to make
the first move. It was as if they could sense
the unease and inexperience across the field. Ho Shier kept
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his focus on the force, but out of the corner
of his eye waited for moses signal. He saw Moses
take the staff in both hands and suddenly raised it
over his head. Hosha didn't realize how tightly he was
wound until in response to the staff being raised overhead,
Hoshier let out a roar. To his surprise, it was
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joined almost instantaneously by the entire Israelite army. The front
lines carried their battle cry in their lungs as they
charged towards the enemy's fortified lines.
Speaker 7 (16:15):
Arjas knock drao loose.
Speaker 1 (16:20):
In answer, a thrum of arrows soared from bows and
rained down on the shields of the Amalekites. By some miracle,
many of the arrows found their marks, felling several shield bearers,
but the holes were quickly replenished with fresh men and shields.
The front line of Israelites was almost to the enemy lines.
Speaker 7 (16:38):
Arjas again knock Drao loose for.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
A second time. The arrows hummed over the army and
found their marks. The lions faltered with this second wave,
just as the Israelites met them with axes and clubs.
Shepherds and farmers clobbed the stunned, seasoned Amalekites with unimaginable ferocity,
beating them back. As the next wave of Israelites flooded
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in to relieve them, Hoshia charged himself with another group
of men. They burst through the broken lines with ferocity
foreign to slaves and peasants. But they were no longer slaves.
Hoshier thought it best to remind.
Speaker 7 (17:17):
Them Pharaoh has been slain.
Speaker 9 (17:20):
You are no longer shane men.
Speaker 7 (17:22):
You are free. Fight fight is free men.
Speaker 1 (17:27):
The men around Hoshia cheered and hollered. They were doing
it somehow, and against all reason or odds, they were
defeating their enemy. Hoshier shouted along with them and beamed
at their triumphant leader, Moses, still holding his staff, high
above his head on the hill overlooking the battle. Sweat
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pooled at moses hairline and dripped down his neck. His
knuckles were white and shaking as they gripped his staff
above his head. Hoshia had found his stride. Leading the army.
He orchestrated the few arches and slingshots. He had to
time their assault to proceed with the waves of attack
on the front line, and they were successfully chipping away
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at the enemy's lines little by little. Without thinking, Moses
began to lower his now trembling arms as he leaned
forward to watch the faltering lines. Victory seemingly within grasp
with just a few more charges forward, But suddenly the
booming voice of the Amalekite general sounded, and an onomous
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twan of bow strings responded. Hundreds of Israelites from the
middle of the army crumpled to the ground. They were
well beyond the protection of the shields. Moses could sense
the Israelites recoil in fear as their concentration and confidence broke.
The Amalekite spearmen then charged forward, tilting their iron weapons
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forward through tiny gaps in the shields. They broke through
the front lines with these The side columns of their
army then broke off and flanked the ASA lights as
the archers took out another round of men behind the
front lines. The coordinated effort effectively cut off the front
lines from the rest of the army, to be destroyed
with no hope of retreat.
Speaker 3 (19:12):
Our men are waning, Moses, what well, what's happening?
Speaker 2 (19:17):
We were winning?
Speaker 1 (19:18):
And then Moses gaped helplessly at the scene before him.
It all happened so fast. Aaron and who were equally
engrossed in horror. But Moses realized what he had held
in his hands. His God had promised to be with
him and perform miraculous things with it. Moses thrust the
staff into the air, as he had for the first
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part of the battle, and in response, the Israelite forces
surged forward, throwing down their enemies. Those who hemmed in
suddenly fell away, and another round of arrows and slung
rocks aided their retreat to regroup. However, moses arms tired
quick and they shook to keep the staff in the air.
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It was like a battle with forces beyond gravity, and
the failing strength of his arm He cried out in
pain as the tremors of his arms shook through his
entire body as exhaustion sapped his body. As his arms
began to lower, the enemy surged forward and took out
another score of men. Moses had been entrusted to protect
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every one of them. If his God required he aid
them in this strange way. He would not fail. Though
there were thousands of them. Each life lost weighed on
his soul. He gritted his teeth until his head felt
like it might explode. He strained against fatigue and told
the ground around him without taking his eyes off the
(20:46):
battle before him. He finally felt the rocky seat he
sought and collapsed, using the boulder's edge to support his
trembling arms.
Speaker 6 (20:56):
I'm not sure how will last much longer and hor.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
Tore their eyes away from the battle. They saw Moses
waver and then turned back to see the battle's tides shift.
They immediately realized what was happening. The momentum of the
battle was dependent on moses resolve. Aaron rushed to his
brother and wrapped his arms around.
Speaker 9 (21:18):
His old, steady little brother.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
I've got you.
Speaker 1 (21:23):
Flashes of Moses as a babe came rushing back to him,
he remembered holding his trembling body. That fateful night, when
Pharaoh's men had come, Aaron's throat clenched and his chest
tightened At the memory, he squeezed his brother, as if
trying to somehow give him his strength. Hul came to
his uncle's side as well and took the other arm.
(21:46):
Each one took an arm and assisted Moses in keeping
the staff raised above his head. With their combined strength,
the staff was hoisted back in the air, and how
Shier was able to coordinate another successful striking. The Israelites
stepped over their fallen brothers and enemies, threw themselves against shields, spears,
(22:06):
and swords, and somehow prevailed. The ground was slick with
blood and god, but their steps were.
Speaker 7 (22:13):
Shut and their enemy was true.
Speaker 1 (22:16):
The three men held the staff steady together until the
sun eventually went down, and the very last only salt
was thrown down. The last light of the day was
slipping over the ridge. Hoshiar slew a final enemy with
a side swipe of his sword to the leg, then
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a sudden jab upward to the throat. The enemy fell.
Then Hoshier whirled around and raised his sword above his
head to strike whoever was behind him. He paused as
he discovered it was only the man from the tribe
of Judah standing before him, hands raised deadly.
Speaker 8 (22:58):
They're all dead.
Speaker 2 (23:00):
We won.
Speaker 1 (23:01):
Hoshier loosed a shaky sigh, lowered his sword, and surveyed
the ground around him. The man was right. Hoshier stood
in the middle of a lopsided, rough half circle of
battered bodies. A haze of frenzied blood lust Hoshier had
not known existed within him lifted as he took in
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the horror of the battlefield. He still held the sword
he had started with, but it was now stained crimson,
with chunks of gore stuck to the edges. He surveyed
the slain enemies around him, then looked beyond and saw
similar piles around his countrymen. In irregular intervals. Carrion birds
were already feasting on the bodies on the tops of
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the piles on the outskirts of the battle. Hoshier's knees
suddenly gave out, and he pitched forward. His companion ran
forward to aid him, but Hoshier feebly waved him back
just in time to spare him from the vomit that
spewed from his mouth. The man of Judah laughed as
he clasped on his shoulders and hoisted him to his feet.
Speaker 8 (24:08):
You'll let us well, my friend, with courage far beyond
your years or experience. None of us has experienced anything
like this before. So wonder you held your stomach this long.
I was sick myself before the battle even began. Thought
I might as well get it out of the way
so no one slipped on it on the field.
Speaker 1 (24:30):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (24:32):
Sorry, I forget my manners.
Speaker 8 (24:34):
The name's Caleb, son of Jeffany.
Speaker 7 (24:36):
Thank you, Caleb, son of Jeffuny. I am Joseiah, son
of Nan.
Speaker 8 (24:41):
Pleased to meet you, and even more please to share
this victory with you. Ah, it looks like the prophet
is summoning you.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
Ho Shia turned to look where Caleb gestured. Moses was
standing on the edge of the field, waiting for Hoshier.
He patted Caleb on the back by way of thanks,
and took his leave. Hoshier approached Moses and saw that
Aaron and her were near by, but respectfully out of earshot,
so Moses could address Hoshier privately.
Speaker 6 (25:14):
Ah, Hoshe, my son, you did everything I asked of you.
Speaker 1 (25:24):
You did well, thank you, Moses.
Speaker 7 (25:27):
That means a great deal coming from you.
Speaker 3 (25:29):
As much as it grieves me to say this, I
do not believe this battle would be the last of
its kind. We have yet to cross into the Promised
Land and have already met opposition, and the land itself
is undoubtedly occupied by similar tribes and a chiefdoms. I
went to battle with my brothers in Egypt once or twice. However,
(25:51):
I'm afraid age would keep me from leading the young
men against our enemies. I'd have you lead the armies
to me. Hoshea, stand by my side, learn from me.
Speaker 7 (26:03):
You honor me, Lord Moses.
Speaker 3 (26:05):
You have an obedient and faithful spirit.
Speaker 6 (26:09):
With such a spirit, there's no limit to what you can.
Speaker 3 (26:12):
Do on behalf of God and for our people come.
How have you walk with me? I've ensured that the
events of today have been recorded. It's important that you
remember what our God did today. You'll need to remember
this when the days again get hard and hope was scarce.
Speaker 7 (26:33):
Yes, Sir, I will remember.
Speaker 5 (26:39):
What a profound and stirring episode. The image of Moses,
his arms raised, standing as a beacon of hope and strength.
Sence shivers down in my spine. How he remained so steadfast,
supported by Aaron and Whoror speaks to the power of community,
of unwavering support and the face of adversity. It's a
(27:00):
reminder that our battles, both physical and spiritual, are never
fought alone. We stand on the shoulders of those who
came before us, upheld by the strength of our ancestors
and the presence of God. And seeing God's hand at
work through his people's faithfulness gives me a renewed sense
of courage and commitment to face my own struggles. Like Moses,
(27:24):
we are each part of a story that is so
much larger than ourselves. And I'll talk about Moses in
a minute, but first let's talk about Amalek. In this story,
the tribe of Amalik carried out a sneak attack on
the Israelites for no rhyme or reason. Jewish tradition sees
Amalik and its descendants as the epitome of evil, opposing
(27:46):
the chosen people who stand for good, and so Amalik
and its descendants are seen as the originators of anti Semitism,
the baseless hatred of the Jewish people that we have
seen throughout itty and that still we sadly see today.
The great sage and Bible commentator Rashi says something very interesting.
(28:09):
Rashi points out that once the world saw the miracles
and wonders that God performed for the Jewish people, no
nation dared attack us, seeing us is protected by the
power of God. But the one exception was Amlek. This
is like when someone jumps into a tub of scalding water,
hot water that no one in the right mind would
(28:31):
jump into, and that person gets burned, but by jumping in,
he cools off the water, so now no one is
afraid to jump in anymore. Amlek attacked the Chosen people
even though amlek knew of God's relationship with us and
of God's protective power, and now with the water cooled off,
(28:52):
other nations didn't hesitate to attack us. And so it
is with the anti Semitism we still see growing and
spreading today. All the enemies of Israel were eventually wiped out,
leaving the Jewish people to stand tall, and yet the
enemies of Israel don't learn their lesson. But I am
(29:13):
proud to say that are millions of Christian friends around
the world stand with us and against anti Semitism. It's
something all of us here at the Fellowship and in
Israel recognize, look at us sacred, and we appreciate so
very very much. It is something holy Jews and Christian
(29:34):
standing together. And then here in verse fourteen, we find
a wonderful promise from God. He promises, quote, I will
completely blot out the name of Amalek from under the
heavens end quote We don't know when this will be,
but because God promised it, we know it will be.
Evil will be destroyed and good will prevail. So what
(29:58):
can we glean from this story of Moses, his uplifted
hands and the battle against Amalek. Well, first, let's consider
the act of raising hands in prayer. According to Jewish tradition,
this physical gesture is more than symbolic. It's a conduit
for divine energy. Moses's hands lifted towards the heavens, created
(30:20):
a spiritual bridge that channeled God's power into the physical world. Moses,
standing with his hands raised, became a vessel for God's strength,
showing us that divine assistance flows through human action intertwined
with faith. You see, what I learned from the story
is that when we lift our hands in prayer, we
(30:42):
are tapping into a profound spiritual truth that we are
conduits for God's will and his presence in this world
that he uses us prayers. Moses's actions show us isn't
just about expressing our needs, also about aligning ourselves with
(31:03):
God's purpose, finding our way to him, and drawing His
blessings into our lives. This story also teaches us the
importance of perseverance in prayer. Moses's hands grew weary and
he needed the support of Aaron and Who to keep
them raised. Isn't it true that in our lives we
(31:26):
also sometimes grow weary. We need community, friends and family
to support us, to help keep our hands lifted when
we feel like we just can't go on. As we
face the amalik in our lives, those forces that seek
to bring us down, Let's remember the hands of Moses
and let's lift our hearts, our hands, and our voices,
(31:48):
knowing that we are not alone. God fights for us,
and with his help we can overcome any obstacle. So
when you face your battles, big or small, take a
moment to lift your hands, reach out to God, seek
his strength, and trust that with him you can provail.
Speaker 1 (32:09):
You can listen to The Chosen People with Isle Eckstein
ad free by downloading and subscribing to the Prey dot
com app today. This Prey dog comproduction is only made
possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina,
Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein. Edited by
(32:32):
Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by
Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold,
Sylvia Zaradoc and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore.
Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Bree Rosalie and
Aaron Salvato. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin van Ettin,
(32:56):
kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International Fellowship
of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Prey dot
com productions on the Prey dot Com app, available on
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leave a review
Previously on the chosen people.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
How can we trust what we cannot see? Where is
our God? We could see the gods of Egypt, We
had statues, temples, and monuments. Is the Lord Nomad? Does
he come and go like Moses?
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Moses turned to the elders and stretched out his arms.
His staff was in his right hand, His knuckles were
white around its shaft, steady and ready to strike.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Is the Lord among us or not?
Speaker 1 (00:34):
No answer from the men, just a confused silence.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
Is the Lord among us or not?
Speaker 4 (00:41):
Again?
Speaker 1 (00:42):
The elders shrugged, unsure of how to answer.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
I ask you again, Is the Lord among us or not?
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Moses gripped his staff with both hands, widened his stance,
shifted his hips, and swung it at the stone, struck
it with brutal force, causing the outer layer of shale
to crack. Immediately, a geezer burst out of the rock,
spilling water out into the dirt below. The elders recoiled
(01:13):
in shock and immediately rushed to the water to drink.
Soon enough, the water found a crag and flowed downward
towards the Israelite camp, like the rivers cutting through Eden.
The refreshing spring of God brought life. They were His children,
his chosen people.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
He would not let them fall.
Speaker 4 (01:38):
If you will diligently listen to my voice and do
that which is right in my eyes, and give all
to my commandments and keep all my statues. Ah, he
will put none of the disease on you that I
put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.
Speaker 5 (02:06):
In the throes of battle, it was not the sword,
but the uplifted arms of Moses that led to victory.
Shallow my friends from here in the Holy Land. I'm
ya l extein with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
Welcome to the Chosen People. Have you ever wondered why
some battles shape the soul of a people, why some
(02:26):
conflicts carve out the identity of a nation. Today we
step into the shadow of a fierce struggle that tested
the heart of Israel, the Scourge of Amalik, a story
of conflict, perseverance, and divine intervention. But more than that,
it beckons us to question the nature of our own battles.
(02:47):
Why does God allow us to face such trials? And
how do we find strength when our enemies rise against us?
Speaker 4 (02:57):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (02:58):
Sheher sat up on the incline of the Rolling Hill
on a rocky outcropping, absent mindedly sharpening his hunting knife.
He wasn't sure why he brought it with him that day.
He had never needed anything beyond his staff to ward
off predators from his family's flock. With everyone clustered around
the only water source in the area, help was never
(03:20):
more than a shout away. But yet something prompted him
to pocket the knife that morning when he arose. It
was one of the few possessions that he took from Egypt.
In fact, it was one of the only possessions he
had at all. His parents had died before their exodus
following the prophet Moses. All that remained for him and
(03:41):
his siblings was a threadbare inheritance of a few tools
and tattered garments. Hoshier gripped the knife. He did not
relish the reminder of his life as a slave, but
the blade was a useful tool, and Hoshier was nothing
if not practical. It was also perhaps a good reminder
of the violence and oppression they had escaped. Others may
(04:04):
be content to complain about their short memories, but ho
Sheer was determined to remember the miraculous and wondrous things
that God had done on their behalf. Ho Sheher went
back to methodically sharpening his knife when between strokes he
heard the undeniable snap of a twig behind him. The
hair on the back of his neck stood. He whirled
(04:26):
around and jumped to his feet. To his horror, a
heavily armored man was climbing the slope behind him, clearly
trying to catch him unawares. Time stood still, and the
two men locked eyes. Ho Sheer in his thin linen
shepherd's clothes and a small hunting blade, and the man,
(04:47):
a mysterious warrior wielding a lethal jagged sword and other
blades strapped to his leather armor. He had almost a
foot and at least a decade on young Hosher. Ho
sh still gripped his knife, but his staff leaned uselessly
on the rock beside him, just out of reach. A
knife would invite close combat, and Hoshier did not want
(05:09):
to engage him in hand to hang combat with the
man's superior reach and armor. Hoshier glanced over to his
staff to judge how far away it was to grab.
The warrior took Hoshier's diverted gaze as an opportunity and
charged forward, lifting his sword above his head and angling
it down a blow that would surely split Hoshier's unprotected
(05:30):
skull with minimal effort. Hoshier's eyes locked on the man
in terror. Abandoning the idea of grabbing for his staff,
Hoshier did the only thing that came to his stupefied mind.
He yelled, out of pure adrenaline and instinct, closed his
eyes and threw a dagger at the man, who was
ferociously closing the gap between them. Weapon at its full apex,
(05:53):
a squelching thunder of a blade finding flesh, and then
a dull crumpling of a body hitting thus made Hosher
open his eyes. By some miracle, his blade found the
only gap in the man's armor at his neck. Blood
was still pumping as it spurted in an unsightly death
rattle rhythm.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
From the entry mood.
Speaker 1 (06:15):
He would have stood in shock for who knows how long. However,
movement down the hill caught his eye. His mouth dropped
as he beheld a sizeable host emerging from the haze
of the desert. At the bottom of the hill. He
saw the tips of their spears above their heads and
mighty shields in their hands. They were still aways off,
(06:36):
and the heat of the desert distorted his view, but
he could only assume they were as heavily armored as
his attacker had been. The man at what woubly being
a scout, He realized Hosher was the long occupier of
the only high ground where they camped. He that this
hill also rocked the host from view, and it would
take them only a short time to realize that their
(06:58):
scout was not returning. Fea pushed back the wave of moose.
The Hooshier was feeling from the sickening sight of his kill.
Terror gripped him as he realized that the armed force
could mount this hill and be upon their camp in
a matter of minutes. He had to tell someone He
had to have survived this encounter for some reason, and
(07:18):
he supposed this was it forgetting his lodged knife in
a corpse's neck. Hoshier scooped up his staff from the
rock and sprinted down the hill toward camp, screaming as
loud as his lungs could support and raising the alarm,
but that an attack was imminent. Moses was nursing a
mounting headache as he listened to two men ere their grievances.
(07:42):
When the boy careened into camp, shouting, invaders, We're about
to be attacked over the hill, Moses dismissed the men
in front of him and nodded to Aaron Miriam and
her Miriam's son to go and intercept the boy. They
immediately did as he bid, and not even a heart
beat later, the boy was panting before him quickly, My.
Speaker 6 (08:05):
Son, what did you see, Moses?
Speaker 7 (08:10):
Beyond that hill? There's a great host who may be
several hundred men. They're not Egyptian, but they are heavily armed.
Was able to kill their scout before I ran here,
But they will notice he is missing soon and surely attack.
Speaker 3 (08:26):
Your name, My son, oh Jose, son of none, your people,
my people, your tribe, bouget a son of none? Who
are they?
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Ephria?
Speaker 7 (08:38):
I am of the tribe of Ephria.
Speaker 3 (08:40):
Hum.
Speaker 1 (08:41):
Besides the hesitation in naming his tribe, this whole sheer
had proven himself valuable by despatching the scout. The young
man standing before Moses was unassuming enough. He was grown,
but still young and lack the gravitas to stand before
his leader and speak confidently. But he was quick on
his feet, and their God had granted him success and
(09:04):
brought him here to warn Moses of the coming threat.
Perhaps the boy, like his nation, could be molded. Aaron
entered the tent, swiftly, returning.
Speaker 8 (09:15):
With a report.
Speaker 9 (09:16):
It's true, mosts hearing reports of a host of men
just beyond that ridge. The boy has spoken true. Our
scouts estimate the numbers to be five hundred.
Speaker 10 (09:25):
Or so, five hundred against our six hundred thousand men.
How could they even dare against our numbers? And our
numbers are even greater beyond the fighting men.
Speaker 7 (09:36):
Eh.
Speaker 11 (09:36):
Using the term fighting men for what we have is
awfully generous of you, my son.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
How many of our men.
Speaker 11 (09:43):
Have actually wielded weapons, much less near battle?
Speaker 10 (09:47):
Aren't there a few who served as mercenaries in Barrow's army?
Speaker 6 (09:50):
Ha?
Speaker 11 (09:50):
Ha, Perhaps a dozen of them, and they're old and
rickety now, hardly enough to count on.
Speaker 9 (09:56):
Unfortunately, these approaching soldiers are fully armed with swords and shields.
They may even have archers amongst their ranks. Oh, God
save us. Most of our fighting men carry clubs and
axes for defending their flocks.
Speaker 7 (10:10):
What are such weapons against bronze and iron.
Speaker 10 (10:14):
But still, perhaps they just mean to scare us off.
We are camped around the only drinkable water in the area.
They cannot truly intend to destroy millions. And do we
know who they are?
Speaker 7 (10:27):
There are rumblings that there are Amalekites ah, the line
of Edom, sons of Esau.
Speaker 11 (10:35):
Yes, these Amalkites are of Edom, descendants of Esau through
his first son, Aliphaz.
Speaker 9 (10:41):
Yes, and perhaps the first of many foes we will
meet before we enter Canaan. They have traveled very far
to have encountered us here.
Speaker 3 (10:48):
They are nomads in this land, and we stand between
them and the only water source for miles. We must
stand against them and show them we are not worth
the effort.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
The three dip their heads in agreement. Hoshia watched them
intently and with intelligent eyes that seemed content to be
forgotten in the flurry of discussion between Moses in a.
Speaker 3 (11:10):
Circle, Hoshea, select some men for us and go fight
against Amelek tomorrow. I will stand up on the hilltop
with our God's staff in my hand.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
Ho Shia gaped at Moses' words, but as the other
three heads turned to him in surprise, he straightened his
shoulders and held his head high before nodding in acknowledgment.
Moses was pleased his instincts were right about this one.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
Go now and make your selections and ready for them
for the battle. We only have a few swords at
our disposal. Be sure to take one for yourself. See
what weapons the other men have. If we have archers
or those who can use a sling, organize them first
and see what you can find for shields. You want
to make sure our front lines are secure before you
(11:57):
do anything else, and leave a small company in reserve
behind to protect the women and children.
Speaker 7 (12:04):
Yes, Lord Moses, and'll go now and see it done.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
With that, young Hoshir ran off. Moses turned back to
his advisers.
Speaker 11 (12:13):
That's a lot of trust for a boy you just met, Moses.
Speaker 10 (12:16):
He's a lamb of a boy against wolves.
Speaker 3 (12:19):
We are all lambs, Miriam, Lest you forget how the
Lord delivered us from Verhah.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
Very well, my brother, what will you have me do?
Speaker 3 (12:29):
Miriam? You are to organize the women and children, draw
them in close so the defenders young the hoche Raises
will not be spread too thin. Aaron and her you're
with me tomorrow. At dawn, we'll view the battle from
above and call upon the help of our God.
Speaker 1 (12:49):
Ho Sheer's sweaty hands gripped his staff, and he drew
a shuddering breath as he beheld the Amalekite army marching
toward them. May have been Hosher's imagination, but either the
ground was shaking beneath the steady march of their impending footsteps,
or his heartbeat had traveled fully into his head and
(13:10):
was spilling out his ears. He could not recall a
time he had ever been so scared. The Israelites stood
before them in great numbers, but the tang of fear
hung tensely in the air. They lacked experience, and resources
and courage. They had all been mere slaves only weeks ago.
(13:31):
Hoshier had organized the men as Moses had asked. He
delegated each tribe to assign their men to various roles
and gather what weapons they had. Hosier stood at the
back of the great host, in the general's position. He
was still dumbfounded that anyone had listened to him at all.
But they had, and now they kept looking between him
(13:53):
the tiny figure of Moses on the hilltop and the
nearing enemy army. Hoser tempted to despair. He felt unqualified,
because well he was, he was no warrior. Hoshier's shoulders
slunk downward, but then a young man from the tribe
of Judah placed a hand on his shoulder. His brow
(14:16):
was furrowed with determination. His voice was deep for a
man his age, but deeply reassuring.
Speaker 4 (14:22):
Do not be afraid, Hosier. Remember the mighty things that
staff has done important Moses's hand.
Speaker 8 (14:31):
We await your command, Joseya.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
Hoshier gave him a grateful smile and rallied his resolve.
He then swallowed nervously, but schooled his face into neutrality
as he kept his eyes on their leader, waiting for
his command. The Amalekites halted before them in neat, disciplined lines.
Their archers stood off and at an angle to avoid
(14:55):
getting in the fray. Once the battle began in earnest,
their mighty shields were perf fly locked in an impenetrable
line at the front of their column, and Hoshier could
see a line of glistening spear tips extending far above them.
Even if they somehow broke the line of shields, the
spearmen could skewer them from a safe distance with a
(15:16):
mighty blow. Far above their heads. Carrion birds circled. One
thing was sure, in mere hours they would feast on
the armies below. No matter the outcome, the Amalekite seemed
content to wait for the Green Israelite army to make
the first move. It was as if they could sense
the unease and inexperience across the field. Ho Shier kept
(15:40):
his focus on the force, but out of the corner
of his eye waited for moses signal. He saw Moses
take the staff in both hands and suddenly raised it
over his head. Hosha didn't realize how tightly he was
wound until in response to the staff being raised overhead,
Hoshier let out a roar. To his surprise, it was
(16:03):
joined almost instantaneously by the entire Israelite army. The front
lines carried their battle cry in their lungs as they
charged towards the enemy's fortified lines.
Speaker 7 (16:15):
Arjas knock drao loose.
Speaker 1 (16:20):
In answer, a thrum of arrows soared from bows and
rained down on the shields of the Amalekites. By some miracle,
many of the arrows found their marks, felling several shield bearers,
but the holes were quickly replenished with fresh men and shields.
The front line of Israelites was almost to the enemy lines.
Speaker 7 (16:38):
Arjas again knock Drao loose for.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
A second time. The arrows hummed over the army and
found their marks. The lions faltered with this second wave,
just as the Israelites met them with axes and clubs.
Shepherds and farmers clobbed the stunned, seasoned Amalekites with unimaginable ferocity,
beating them back. As the next wave of Israelites flooded
(17:03):
in to relieve them, Hoshia charged himself with another group
of men. They burst through the broken lines with ferocity
foreign to slaves and peasants. But they were no longer slaves.
Hoshier thought it best to remind.
Speaker 7 (17:17):
Them Pharaoh has been slain.
Speaker 9 (17:20):
You are no longer shane men.
Speaker 7 (17:22):
You are free. Fight fight is free men.
Speaker 1 (17:27):
The men around Hoshia cheered and hollered. They were doing
it somehow, and against all reason or odds, they were
defeating their enemy. Hoshier shouted along with them and beamed
at their triumphant leader, Moses, still holding his staff, high
above his head on the hill overlooking the battle. Sweat
(17:49):
pooled at moses hairline and dripped down his neck. His
knuckles were white and shaking as they gripped his staff
above his head. Hoshia had found his stride. Leading the army.
He orchestrated the few arches and slingshots. He had to
time their assault to proceed with the waves of attack
on the front line, and they were successfully chipping away
(18:09):
at the enemy's lines little by little. Without thinking, Moses
began to lower his now trembling arms as he leaned
forward to watch the faltering lines. Victory seemingly within grasp
with just a few more charges forward, But suddenly the
booming voice of the Amalekite general sounded, and an onomous
(18:30):
twan of bow strings responded. Hundreds of Israelites from the
middle of the army crumpled to the ground. They were
well beyond the protection of the shields. Moses could sense
the Israelites recoil in fear as their concentration and confidence broke.
The Amalekite spearmen then charged forward, tilting their iron weapons
(18:51):
forward through tiny gaps in the shields. They broke through
the front lines with these The side columns of their
army then broke off and flanked the ASA lights as
the archers took out another round of men behind the
front lines. The coordinated effort effectively cut off the front
lines from the rest of the army, to be destroyed
with no hope of retreat.
Speaker 3 (19:12):
Our men are waning, Moses, what well, what's happening?
Speaker 2 (19:17):
We were winning?
Speaker 1 (19:18):
And then Moses gaped helplessly at the scene before him.
It all happened so fast. Aaron and who were equally
engrossed in horror. But Moses realized what he had held
in his hands. His God had promised to be with
him and perform miraculous things with it. Moses thrust the
staff into the air, as he had for the first
(19:41):
part of the battle, and in response, the Israelite forces
surged forward, throwing down their enemies. Those who hemmed in
suddenly fell away, and another round of arrows and slung
rocks aided their retreat to regroup. However, moses arms tired
quick and they shook to keep the staff in the air.
(20:03):
It was like a battle with forces beyond gravity, and
the failing strength of his arm He cried out in
pain as the tremors of his arms shook through his
entire body as exhaustion sapped his body. As his arms
began to lower, the enemy surged forward and took out
another score of men. Moses had been entrusted to protect
(20:25):
every one of them. If his God required he aid
them in this strange way. He would not fail. Though
there were thousands of them. Each life lost weighed on
his soul. He gritted his teeth until his head felt
like it might explode. He strained against fatigue and told
the ground around him without taking his eyes off the
(20:46):
battle before him. He finally felt the rocky seat he
sought and collapsed, using the boulder's edge to support his
trembling arms.
Speaker 6 (20:56):
I'm not sure how will last much longer and hor.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
Tore their eyes away from the battle. They saw Moses
waver and then turned back to see the battle's tides shift.
They immediately realized what was happening. The momentum of the
battle was dependent on moses resolve. Aaron rushed to his
brother and wrapped his arms around.
Speaker 9 (21:18):
His old, steady little brother.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
I've got you.
Speaker 1 (21:23):
Flashes of Moses as a babe came rushing back to him,
he remembered holding his trembling body. That fateful night, when
Pharaoh's men had come, Aaron's throat clenched and his chest
tightened At the memory, he squeezed his brother, as if
trying to somehow give him his strength. Hul came to
his uncle's side as well and took the other arm.
(21:46):
Each one took an arm and assisted Moses in keeping
the staff raised above his head. With their combined strength,
the staff was hoisted back in the air, and how
Shier was able to coordinate another successful striking. The Israelites
stepped over their fallen brothers and enemies, threw themselves against shields, spears,
(22:06):
and swords, and somehow prevailed. The ground was slick with
blood and god, but their steps were.
Speaker 7 (22:13):
Shut and their enemy was true.
Speaker 1 (22:16):
The three men held the staff steady together until the
sun eventually went down, and the very last only salt
was thrown down. The last light of the day was
slipping over the ridge. Hoshiar slew a final enemy with
a side swipe of his sword to the leg, then
(22:38):
a sudden jab upward to the throat. The enemy fell.
Then Hoshier whirled around and raised his sword above his
head to strike whoever was behind him. He paused as
he discovered it was only the man from the tribe
of Judah standing before him, hands raised deadly.
Speaker 8 (22:58):
They're all dead.
Speaker 2 (23:00):
We won.
Speaker 1 (23:01):
Hoshier loosed a shaky sigh, lowered his sword, and surveyed
the ground around him. The man was right. Hoshier stood
in the middle of a lopsided, rough half circle of
battered bodies. A haze of frenzied blood lust Hoshier had
not known existed within him lifted as he took in
(23:22):
the horror of the battlefield. He still held the sword
he had started with, but it was now stained crimson,
with chunks of gore stuck to the edges. He surveyed
the slain enemies around him, then looked beyond and saw
similar piles around his countrymen. In irregular intervals. Carrion birds
were already feasting on the bodies on the tops of
(23:45):
the piles on the outskirts of the battle. Hoshier's knees
suddenly gave out, and he pitched forward. His companion ran
forward to aid him, but Hoshier feebly waved him back
just in time to spare him from the vomit that
spewed from his mouth. The man of Judah laughed as
he clasped on his shoulders and hoisted him to his feet.
Speaker 8 (24:08):
You'll let us well, my friend, with courage far beyond
your years or experience. None of us has experienced anything
like this before. So wonder you held your stomach this long.
I was sick myself before the battle even began. Thought
I might as well get it out of the way
so no one slipped on it on the field.
Speaker 1 (24:30):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (24:32):
Sorry, I forget my manners.
Speaker 8 (24:34):
The name's Caleb, son of Jeffany.
Speaker 7 (24:36):
Thank you, Caleb, son of Jeffuny. I am Joseiah, son
of Nan.
Speaker 8 (24:41):
Pleased to meet you, and even more please to share
this victory with you. Ah, it looks like the prophet
is summoning you.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
Ho Shia turned to look where Caleb gestured. Moses was
standing on the edge of the field, waiting for Hoshier.
He patted Caleb on the back by way of thanks,
and took his leave. Hoshier approached Moses and saw that
Aaron and her were near by, but respectfully out of earshot,
so Moses could address Hoshier privately.
Speaker 6 (25:14):
Ah, Hoshe, my son, you did everything I asked of you.
Speaker 1 (25:24):
You did well, thank you, Moses.
Speaker 7 (25:27):
That means a great deal coming from you.
Speaker 3 (25:29):
As much as it grieves me to say this, I
do not believe this battle would be the last of
its kind. We have yet to cross into the Promised
Land and have already met opposition, and the land itself
is undoubtedly occupied by similar tribes and a chiefdoms. I
went to battle with my brothers in Egypt once or twice. However,
(25:51):
I'm afraid age would keep me from leading the young
men against our enemies. I'd have you lead the armies
to me. Hoshea, stand by my side, learn from me.
Speaker 7 (26:03):
You honor me, Lord Moses.
Speaker 3 (26:05):
You have an obedient and faithful spirit.
Speaker 6 (26:09):
With such a spirit, there's no limit to what you can.
Speaker 3 (26:12):
Do on behalf of God and for our people come.
How have you walk with me? I've ensured that the
events of today have been recorded. It's important that you
remember what our God did today. You'll need to remember
this when the days again get hard and hope was scarce.
Speaker 7 (26:33):
Yes, Sir, I will remember.
Speaker 5 (26:39):
What a profound and stirring episode. The image of Moses,
his arms raised, standing as a beacon of hope and strength.
Sence shivers down in my spine. How he remained so steadfast,
supported by Aaron and Whoror speaks to the power of community,
of unwavering support and the face of adversity. It's a
(27:00):
reminder that our battles, both physical and spiritual, are never
fought alone. We stand on the shoulders of those who
came before us, upheld by the strength of our ancestors
and the presence of God. And seeing God's hand at
work through his people's faithfulness gives me a renewed sense
of courage and commitment to face my own struggles. Like Moses,
(27:24):
we are each part of a story that is so
much larger than ourselves. And I'll talk about Moses in
a minute, but first let's talk about Amalek. In this story,
the tribe of Amalik carried out a sneak attack on
the Israelites for no rhyme or reason. Jewish tradition sees
Amalik and its descendants as the epitome of evil, opposing
(27:46):
the chosen people who stand for good, and so Amalik
and its descendants are seen as the originators of anti Semitism,
the baseless hatred of the Jewish people that we have
seen throughout itty and that still we sadly see today.
The great sage and Bible commentator Rashi says something very interesting.
(28:09):
Rashi points out that once the world saw the miracles
and wonders that God performed for the Jewish people, no
nation dared attack us, seeing us is protected by the
power of God. But the one exception was Amlek. This
is like when someone jumps into a tub of scalding water,
hot water that no one in the right mind would
(28:31):
jump into, and that person gets burned, but by jumping in,
he cools off the water, so now no one is
afraid to jump in anymore. Amlek attacked the Chosen people
even though amlek knew of God's relationship with us and
of God's protective power, and now with the water cooled off,
(28:52):
other nations didn't hesitate to attack us. And so it
is with the anti Semitism we still see growing and
spreading today. All the enemies of Israel were eventually wiped out,
leaving the Jewish people to stand tall, and yet the
enemies of Israel don't learn their lesson. But I am
(29:13):
proud to say that are millions of Christian friends around
the world stand with us and against anti Semitism. It's
something all of us here at the Fellowship and in
Israel recognize, look at us sacred, and we appreciate so
very very much. It is something holy Jews and Christian
(29:34):
standing together. And then here in verse fourteen, we find
a wonderful promise from God. He promises, quote, I will
completely blot out the name of Amalek from under the
heavens end quote We don't know when this will be,
but because God promised it, we know it will be.
Evil will be destroyed and good will prevail. So what
(29:58):
can we glean from this story of Moses, his uplifted
hands and the battle against Amalek. Well, first, let's consider
the act of raising hands in prayer. According to Jewish tradition,
this physical gesture is more than symbolic. It's a conduit
for divine energy. Moses's hands lifted towards the heavens, created
(30:20):
a spiritual bridge that channeled God's power into the physical world. Moses,
standing with his hands raised, became a vessel for God's strength,
showing us that divine assistance flows through human action intertwined
with faith. You see, what I learned from the story
is that when we lift our hands in prayer, we
(30:42):
are tapping into a profound spiritual truth that we are
conduits for God's will and his presence in this world
that he uses us prayers. Moses's actions show us isn't
just about expressing our needs, also about aligning ourselves with
(31:03):
God's purpose, finding our way to him, and drawing His
blessings into our lives. This story also teaches us the
importance of perseverance in prayer. Moses's hands grew weary and
he needed the support of Aaron and Who to keep
them raised. Isn't it true that in our lives we
(31:26):
also sometimes grow weary. We need community, friends and family
to support us, to help keep our hands lifted when
we feel like we just can't go on. As we
face the amalik in our lives, those forces that seek
to bring us down, Let's remember the hands of Moses
and let's lift our hearts, our hands, and our voices,
(31:48):
knowing that we are not alone. God fights for us,
and with his help we can overcome any obstacle. So
when you face your battles, big or small, take a
moment to lift your hands, reach out to God, seek
his strength, and trust that with him you can provail.
Speaker 1 (32:09):
You can listen to The Chosen People with Isle Eckstein
ad free by downloading and subscribing to the Prey dot
com app today. This Prey dog comproduction is only made
possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina,
Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein. Edited by
(32:32):
Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by
Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold,
Sylvia Zaradoc and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore.
Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Bree Rosalie and
Aaron Salvato. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin van Ettin,
(32:56):
kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International Fellowship
of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Prey dot
com productions on the Prey dot Com app, available on
the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you
enjoyed The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, please rate and
leave a review
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