27. How should the treasures of God’s Word be regarded?

²⁷ Look upon God’s Word as a treasure-house of spiritual riches that can be yours if you make a diligent effort to seek them. They can bring you things that silver and gold could never buy. Cherish them as long as you live, finding delight in meditating on them and in talking about them. Make them the center of all your interests. Show your appreciation for them and manifest your desire to use them more fruitfully in the Christian ministry by improving your personal study.

The Amalekites—A Lesson for Opposers of God

THE Amalekites were an ancient group of nomadic marauders. At the time of the exodus of Israel from Egypt, they were centered about Kadesh-barnea in the Negeb desert, south of Palestine. From this center their camps radiated out far and wide into the Sinai peninsula and northern Arabia. Much of the time they lived by plundering their more peaceful neighbors.

Why are the Amalekites of interest to us? Because they were to become chronic enemies of God and his chosen people of that time, ancient Israel. The way God dealt with these Amalekites is of concern to all men and nations, since it provides a pattern for the way He will deal with his enemies today.

The origin of the Amalekites is uncertain. At Genesis 36:12 Amalek is listed as the grandson of Esau. However, some authorities make a distinction between this Amalek from Esau and the Amalekites found in the Negeb and Sinai area, because Genesis 14:7, which predates Esau, refers to “the whole field of the Amalekites.” Also, at Numbers 24:20 the Amalekites are called “the first one of the nations,” which might indicate the existence of another people called Amalekites who lived earlier than the Amalek mentioned as a descendant of Esau. Others consider the distinction of the two Amaleks unnecessary, as they regard these earlier references to be a later editorial description for the benefit of those who would be living when the books of Genesis and Numbers were written.

The first meeting between the Amalekites and Israelites took place soon after the exodus from Egypt, at Rephidim, near Mount Sinai. Here the Amalekites made an unprovoked attack upon Israel, harassing their rear and cutting off the weak and weary. Joshua commanded Israelite forces in the fight, with Moses holding up his rod in the sight of the people to indicate that Jehovah was with them. On that occasion Israel prevailed. The Amalekites were soundly defeated.—Ex. 17:8-13; Deut. 25:17, 18.

Because of their hardened and unreasonable hostility toward God’s people and because they “did not fear God,” the Amalekites came under a permanent ban. Since they worked in opposition to the purposes of the Universal Sovereign, Jehovah, he decreed their utter extermination in