Israel's First Battle

This Dvar Torah is taken from my father’s writings.

            At the end of the Parasha Besalaḥ we read of the first battle of the Children of Israel, in which they fought courageously against Amalek, and which stands in stark contrast to the beginning of the parasha where the same people lacked the courage to fight against the Philistines. The change occurred at the Red Sea, where the Israelites gained faith, as the verse states: “and they believed in the Lord, and in Moses His servant.” [Exodus 14:31] Having achieved faith, the Israelites no longer lacked the courage to fight for their freedom.

            Moses chose Joshua, who would bring the People into the Promised Land, conquer the Land and establish the first Jewish state, to lead the Israelites into their first battle. Moses’ choice of Joshua teaches the valuable lesson that the Jew’s ability to defend himself (even, and perhaps especially, outside Israel) is largely a function of the Jews’ sovereignty in their Land.   The battle against Amalek conveys another important lesson. In addition to Joshua leading the Israelite fighters into battle, Moses raised his hands. “And it came to pass, when Moses raised his hand aloft that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand rest, Amalek prevailed.” [Exodus 17:11] As our Sages taught us, Moses’ hands did not have the power to determine the outcome of battle. Rather, the raising of Moses’ hands was a symbol of Israel looking up to God. When Israel realized that its victory is dependent upon God’s will, they were victorious. This is perhaps the essential lesson of the Israelites’ first battle: physical strength is not sufficient to provide victory. The spiritual dimension, awareness of God’s protection of His people, must be added to the army’s physical prowess in order to achieve victory.

            Ultimately, it is the partnership between man and God which allows victory.