Our portion ends with an account of an attack by Amalek against the Children of Israel. Moses sends Joshua out to lead the people in battle, while he, supported by his brother Aaron and nephew Hur, held his arms up in supplication to God throughout. When is hands were raised, the Israelites rallied, but as they drooped, Amalek began to gain. Aaron and Hur brought him a rock to sit on and helped hold his arms aloft.
Following the battle, God requires Moses to record that He will surely erase the memory of Amalek from the Earth, for an enmity will exist for all time between Amalek and God.
Virtual Classroom Discussion
We are told the story of Amalek again in Deuteronomy 25, which is read in synagogues worldwide the Sabbath before the Purim holiday, whose villain was descended from Amalek. What do you think was so severe about Amalek’s actions that would cause the eternal enmity of God?