“As long as Moses held up the staff with his hands, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites gained the upper hand.” Exodus 17:11
The Amalekites were the descendants of Amalek. Amalek was the grandson of Esau. Esau was the son of Isaac and Rebekah and Jacob’s twin brother. Esau was the first twin to enter the world therefore receiving the birthright. A birthright was given to the firstborn son and involved the family’s inheritance and the opportunity to become the next leader.
Well Esau having the mentality of “I want it right now” gave up his birthright to his brother Jacob for a bowl of red stew, thus turning over his family’s inheritance and position as the next leader to Jacob.
You can see by reading Genesis 25:31-34 that Esau never took into account the big picture and the costs of giving up his birthright. He also never took into account the effects it would have on his own family from generation to generation.
“Jacob replied, ‘All right, but trade me your birthright for it.’ ‘Look, I’m dying of starvation!’ Said Esau. ‘What good is my birthright to me now?” So Jacob insisted, ‘Well then, swear to me right now that it is mine.’ So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his younger brother. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau ate and drank and went on about his business, indifferent to the fact that he had given up his birthright.”
Now let’s fast forward to Esau’s grandson Amalek. Amalek and his descendants would also become a “right now” generation that would thrive off of attacking other settlements in order to steal and even kill for the immediate pleasure of having what they wanted. This being the reason they would attack the Israelites.
Only this go around the Amalekites would soon realize they were messing with the wrong group. They were attacking a group led by God Himself. They would also come to see the wrath of God later on in 1 Samuel 15:2-3 when God would order Saul to wipe them clean for attacking the Israelites as they were coming out of Egypt.
Now let’s fast forward even farther and look at ourselves. Why are we where we are today, and why do we do what we do and believe what we believe. Where did all begin for each of us? Did we break the mold of generational Godlessness? Did we break the mold of addiction? Or have we too formed to the mold and are continuing to pass it down from generation to generation?
Take a little bit to examine the generations before you (your family) and then ask God to help you break the mold and begin to pass down Godly Christ-like living.
Prayer: God I am in love with You and Your word-I am actually a little obsessed with You. Thank You for filling me with such a desire to know You, may I pass my obsession down to my boys so they can pass it down to theirs. Amen
