Amelek - The Battle of Every Generation
Exodus 1:1-6:1

As in the days of the judge and prophetess, D’vorah and Barak the son of Avinoam (sefer Shoftim chapter 4 and 5), we are now facing an enemy that is oppressing our people not only within our land, but worldwide.  Even though it appears to be strong like chariots of iron—it is defeatable.  Just as Hashem commanded Barak to take 10,000 men, march to Mount Tavor to face a battle with Sisra, the commander of the Y’vins ke’nanite, so must we arise as a fight our enemy! As Barak was waiting for the right timing, Devorah said, “Arise! This is the day when Adonai will hand Sisra over to you! Adonai has gone out ahead of you!”  As you know, there was an initial great victory in the land as the captain of Ke’nan, Sisra, was smitten in his temple by a faithful volunteer—Ya’el.
 
The following are a few quotes from the victory song sang by D’vorah and  Barak:
 
“When leaders lead in Isra’el, and the people volunteer, you should all bless Adonai.” “My heart is with Isra’el’s leaders and to those among the people who volunteer, all you bless Adonai.”  “Awake D’vorah and Arise, Barak! Lead away your captives.”  “Then a remnant of the nobels (leaders) march down; the people of Adonai marched down to me like warriors.  From Efrayim came those rooted in ‘Amelek.’” 
 
We read in the above passage that Hashem’s heart was with the leaders of Israel and those who supported them. In addition, the victory over Sisra caused the leaders and the nation to join in the final battle against Y’ven the king of Ke’nan. Furthermore, even the Y’hudim (Efrayim), whose hearts were rooted in the ways of ‘Amelek’ joined in to assist with the battle. 

Why does HaShem emphasize Y’hudim (specifically of the tribe of Efrayim) who are rooted in the ways of ‘Amelek?’

Firstly, to understand why God even refers to Efrayim let us go to sefer Hoshea. In sefer Hoshea, there are numerous references to the character of Efrayim.  HaShem refers to him as a well-taught whore, idolater, murderer, compromiser, and unwise son who refuses to make t’shuva. Nevertheless, HaShem stresses the fact, with heart-breaking compassion, that Efrayim is still His son and intends to save him from eternal destruction. In verse twelve of chapter eleven HaShem says, “Efrayim surrounds me with lies and the house of Israel with deceit; but Y’hudah rules with G-d, and is faithful with the saints” So, we understand that G-d is painting a picture of two types of Y’hudim—the wicked and the righteous.  Then in the last chapter (14) of Hoshea G-d calls all of Israel to make T’shuva.  Thus we find even Efrayim returning to G-d. “Efrayim will say, ‘what have I to do any more with idols?’ (14:9) Hence, when we align the above passage about Efrayim in sefer Shoftim with HaShem’s remarks in sefer Hoshea we can conclude that the idolatrous and wicked character displayed by Efrayim has its roots in the ways of ‘Amelek.’  With this understanding, let’s examine the roots of ‘Amelek.’

‘Amelek’ is the same people/spirit that Moshe fought with Israel at Refidim (Shemot 17:8-16).  The name Refidim implies “refion yadim”, meaning ‘debilitate.’ The numerical value of the word Refidim is 344.  Why is this significant? Because Refidim has the same numerical value as the Hebrew word ‘shamahd,’ meaning ‘spiritual destruction.’  A weakening of our resolve to grow spiritually leads to our natural and spiritual disintegrationon all planes.

Just prior to the attack of ‘Amelek’ at Refidim, the people said, “Is Adonai with us or not?” Could it be this wavering of belief that strengthens Amelek and invites him to attack us?  Thus it appears that Amelek attacks Israel after weaking the faith, will, and resolve of its people—and according to the passage below, ‘Amelek’ is an enemy Israel will fight generation after generation.

As long as Moshe’s hands were lifted up Israel prevailed, but when his hands grew weak Amelek prevailed.  After ‘Amelek’ was defeated at Refidim, Adonai told Moshe, “Because their hand was against the throne of Yah, Adonai will fight ‘Amelek’ generation after generation.”