Test of the Enemy’s Attacks

The first test is the test of the enemy’s attacks. Joshua is first introduced in Scripture at a place called Rephidim. God’s people have come out of Egypt. God divided the Red Sea and they came across on dry ground. They are journeying toward the Promised Land. They are tired, weary, and vulnerable. That’s when the Amalekites decide to attack. God chooses Joshua, through Moses, to lead the army while Moses intercedes. 

God brought Aaron and Hur beside Moses. They helped hold his hands up. As long as he held his hands high, the Israelites were victorious. This is a principle for us: our leadership is informed by what happens in private, even more than by what happens in public. Private intercession leads to public victory. If you win the victory in prayer, you’ll win the victory in public.

On this occasion, God gave Israel the victory. Joshua was on the field, leading the army. He learned that to win the public battle, you must have intercession; you must depend on God to help you. 

The Amalekites would be an enemy of Israel from that time onward. Amalek represents the attacks of the enemy on our lives when we are vulnerable and tired, as well as the attacks of the flesh against our spiritual journey. God does not want us to forget the lessons of this battle. Moses called this place Jehovah Nissi, meaning “The Lord is my banner.” 

Satan, through the flesh, attacks you the most when you are tired, weary, and vulnerable. Even then, remember God is your banner. If you will intercede in the secret place, God will give you victory in the public place. You can defeat the Amalekites in your life. 

King Saul failed to defeat the Amalekites completely and it ended up costing him his crown (1 Samuel 15). God can help us do better than that. Jesus, a prophet like Moses (Acts 3:22), intercedes at the right hand of the Father for us (Romans 8:34). To pass the test of the enemy’s attacks, resist temptation and depend on Jesus. Unless you do this, you will not be ready for spiritual leadership.