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

During my short visit to the land for Pesach a few weeks ago, I encountered several individuals asking the same question, “Is HaShem with us or not?”  Truly I was taken aback by the question.  I then came across a book by Rabbi Matityahu Glazerson, “What’s in a Name?”  As I skimmed its pages the following passage caught my attention, “How does ‘Amelek’ cause Israel to be blinded from the truth?  He accomplishes this by spreading doubt and uncertainty in the hearts of Israel regarding their faith in the Almighty.”  Upon further examination, I found a few interesting insights:  First of all, the term ‘Amelek’ directly opposes the meaning of the root of the name ‘Israel’—straight and upright.  ‘Amelek’ is said to, “twist all that is straight, and bend all that is upright.”  Such a definition reminds us of  “how the truths regarding the unfounded Jenin massacre, the terrorist attacks, and the building of the Security Fence are twisted and distorted to cause Israel to appear unrighteous to the world.”

The Midrash Tanchuma teaches: “Why is he called ‘Amelek?’ Because it means Am-Lek, he comes to lick (lek) the blood of the nation (Am) of Israel like a dog.” Furthermore, numerically ‘Amelek’s’ name plus four letters is equivalent to the name ‘Hitler.’

Rebellion and Apathy are also found in Amelek’s evil.  He uses this strategy to cause rebellion and apathy within the land to Torah observance and Covenant Zionism (Avrahmic Covenant), which he then flaunts to justify our destruction.  This is what Haman (a descendent of Amelek) did in the presence of King Ahasuerus, “There exists a nation, divided and spread out among your peoples….” (Esther 3,8).   And it is precisely what Arafat is deceiving the nations leaders and its people to believe today!

Furthermore, the presence of ‘Amelek’ attempts to undermine the source of our nations strength through undermining leadership as well as our Torah obedience and understanding.  By undermining our source of strength, it blinds our eyes to Divine Providence or the ‘Eye’ (Ayin) of HaShem watching over us.  It is stated that ‘Amelek’s’ battle is the perpetual attempt to “cover” the Eyes of Providence and break off His connection with Israel.  One way ‘Amelek’ accomplishes this is by spreading false ideas among men, thus blinding the eye that discerns truth. 

One of the great lies being spread today is that “any portion of the land of Israel belongs to the Palestinians.”  And another is, “Israel can exchange land for Peace.”  We are living in a “miraculously resurrected” promised covenant land given to our forefathers Avraham, Yitchak, and Yaakov.  The covenant of Brit Milah binds us to the land. There has never been a time in our history where embracing this truth is of crucial reality and urgency.  Why?  Because our history as a people past, present and future is wholly connected to the land.  All of the promises God has given us as a people including the soon coming of Messiah are connected to the land.  And most of all, our existence and right to exist dates back to the Avrahamic Covenant—the covenant that gave us the land of Ke’nan. Messiah will not return to a Palestinian land or people—He is returning to His land, Israel and His people, Israelis’—Yehudim! 

“As long as this battle remains undecided and unfinished, G-d’s Providence is somewhat obscured—because His name Y-H-V-H is hidden from man in its fullness and power until His Providence is made manifest.  Therefore, we as a nation must depend on foreign powers, specifically the United States, for the aid that otherwise we could expect directly from HaShem.”

Therefore, Prime Minister Sharon, leaders, and Y’hudim around the world, I beseech thee to ‘Arise’ and lean upon G-d’s Providence! And fight with all you heart, mind and soul. The nations know not that we belong to the Almighty—it is their intent to destroy us.  Yet, they are no match for our G-d and His people. Let us destroy the presence of ‘Amelek’ in this generation so our children can have the opportunity to embrace truth, Torah and most of all—Our G-d and His promise of Peace!

And as for the end of the story of Devorah and Barak, “Thus G-d on that day defeated Yavin the king of Kena’an in the presence of the children of Israel. And the hand of the children of Israel grew stronger and stronger against Yavan, king of Kena’an, until they had destroyed Yavan king of Kena’an.”
 
Hadassah Johnson
International Lecturer
Jewish-Christian Studies