Write this in a book…and recite it

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” (Exodus 17:14)

To fill you in on the background of this passage, the Israelites have left Egypt and they are in the wilderness. During their journey, they encounter an enemy, the Amalekites. Joshua leads the Israelites in a battle against them and the Israelites win with Moses leadership.

After the battle, God instructs Moses to write in a book and recite to Joshua that He will “utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” In Exodus 17:16 God says: “The Lord will have war against Amalek from generation to generation.”

So why did God want Moses to write this in a book? God wanted His prophecy concerning the Amalekites written as a memorial, proof of His faithfulness to fulfill his promises in case later generations forget.

We can tend to forget what God has done for us in the past. (I know I do.)

Why recite this to Joshua? Why couldn’t Joshua just read it? Spoken words are powerful. The act of writing down God’s word and then reciting it enabled Joshua build faith in God’s promises. In fact, as Joshua constantly heard God’s Word it empowered him to lead the Israelites into conquering and getting hold of the promise land after Moses’s death.

God knew his plans for Joshua. Joshua was called to conquer his enemies, enemies like the Amalekites. God was preparing Joshua for his calling, starting with His Word.

What enemies do you have to conquer? Enemies of fear, doubt, worry, self sabotage?

What Word are you reciting to win the battle?

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” (Exodus 17:14)