1 Samuel 15:2

New International Version

This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt.

For Encouragement
God’s justice, unlike human justice, is not bound by time. It is enduring and will be served, whether in your lifetime or beyond. He does not forget the wrongs done to you, even if it takes years. Trust in His timing, for He will surely avenge you (Deuteronomy. 32:35; Romans 12:19). 

How many years were there between the Exodus and the establishment of the kingship of Israel? Yet God was ready to bring redress to Israel for the wrong the Amalekites did to them when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt—1 Sam. 15:2. The Amalekites were the first to attack the Israelites after the Red Sea crossing at Rephidim (Ex. 17:8-16). Moses sent Joshua to fight them in the valley while he took Aaron and Hur to the mountain to intercede for the people. On that day, God revealed himself as Jehovah Nissi – God our Banner (16). There, God vowed to wipe the Amalekites away from the face of the earth.

Generations after the Exodus, God’s plan for justice unfolds. He sends Saul to eradicate the Amalekites (1 Sam. 15:2-3), but Saul spares their king, Agag (7-9). However, in the kingdom of Medo-Persia, under King Ahasuerus, Mordecai and Queen Esther bring about the ultimate victory over Haman, the Agagite, and all the enemies of the Jews, the last of the Amalekites. This victory is a testament to God’s ultimate justice and the defeat of all wrongdoers. 

It is painful to suffer under the oppression, tyranny, and abuse of others. Our natural tendency is to hit back as hard as possible. We pray some wicked prayers and wish something worse happens to them. Our blood pressure shoots through the roof as we get all worked up. We become bitter and withdrawn, while all the time, God is saying Let go, my child, for I will take care of it.

What do we gain from holding onto our hurt and pain? We only hurt ourselves more. Our vengeful attitude causes us to lose God’s grace and bring trouble for ourselves and our loved ones (Heb. 12:15). Esau’s story is a stark reminder of the destruction we bring upon ourselves and our descendants when we stew in revenge. The path to freedom and peace is to let go of our hurts and be merciful. Pray for your detractors and leave them in God’s sovereign hand.

God is faithful to His promises. When He says he will avenge, He means it. The Lord has the facts and knows the fitting response to your hurt. He is the righteous Judge, who alone can determine the proper punishment and adequate response to it. God also knows the best time to achieve maximum impact. Besides, He always has a purpose for what He does to avenge His people. So, why do we find it difficult to leave it to Him?

We reminded ourselves earlier this week that any offense against the child of God is primarily against God Himself. When somebody touches His anointed, that person has touched God Himself (1 Chron. 16:22). So, whatever your hurt is now, deal with it in Christ today. Then, go on and enjoy the weekend with a free heart.