Definition: And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this [for] a memorial in a book, and rehearse [it] in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 17:14. It’s a really significant passage about God’s judgment and a shift in strategy. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: In ancient times, the Israelites were facing a big challenge – they were being attacked by the Amalekites. The Bible tells us that the Amaleks were a fierce and rebellious tribe who had been banished from Israel. God then decided to show His power and remind them of their transgression. What the Verse Says: “And the LORD said unto Moses…” : This is a direct address from God, telling Moses what he needs to do. “…Write this for a memorial in a book…” : God wants to create a record – a memory – of the Amaleks’ actions. It's not just about punishing them; it's about remembering their offense. “…and rehearse [it] in the ears of Joshua…” : This is where it gets really important. God wants to teach the Israelites about this event. He wants to remind them of what happened, so they understand why it’s important and how to react. “…for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.” : This is the core of the verse. It means God will completely erase or nullify all traces of the Amaleks' memory from the entire world – even the heavens (which represents eternity). It’s a powerful declaration that God’s judgment will be complete and final. What it Means on a Deeper Level: Divine Justice: It speaks to God’s righteous anger and his desire to punish wrongdoing. Reminder & Accountability: The verse is a reminder for the Israelites – and potentially for us, as believers – that we must never forget what happened to others and that we should be accountable for our actions. Hope for Victory: It also has a hopeful element. By remembering this event, the Israelites are reminded that God's judgment will ultimately prevail, leading to victory against evil. In short, it’s a command from God to remember and learn from a past wrong, with the ultimate goal of ensuring His protection and justice. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme (like the Israelites' journey)?