Genesis 15:16

Genesis 15:16

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

a. NLT: After four generations your descendants will return here to this land, for the sins of the Amorites do not yet warrant their destruction.”

b. NIV: In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.”

c. YLT: and the fourth generation doth turn back hither, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete.'

d. Amplified Bible: And in the fourth generation they [your descendants] shall come back here [to Canaan] again, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full and complete.

e. Septuagint: And in the fourth generation they shall return hither, for the sins of the Amorites are not yet filled up, even until now.

f. Stone Edition Chumash: And the fourth generation shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite shall not yet be full until then.”

1. “But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again…”

a. [But in the] fourth [7243 * rbiy’iy] [Strong: from 7251; fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth:--foursquare, fourth (part).]

b. generation [1755 * dowr] [Strong: from 1752; properly, a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling:--age, X evermore, generation, (n-)ever, posterity.]

c. they shall come hither [2008 * hennah] [Strong: from 2004; hither or thither (but used both of place and time):--here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, + since, this (that) way, thitherward, + thus far, to...fro, + yet.]

d. again [7725 * shuwb] [Strong: a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again:--((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) X again, (cause to) answer (+ again), X in any case (wise), X at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, X certainly, come again (back), X consider, + continually, convert, deliver (again), + deny, draw back, fetch home again, X fro, get (oneself) (back) again, X give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, X needs, be past, X pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, + say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, X surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw.]

2. “…for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.”

a. for [Strong: 3588 kiy kee a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet.]

b. [the] iniquity [5771 * ‘avon] [Strong: perversity, i.e. (moral) evil:--fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin.]

c. of the Amorites [567 * ‘Emoriy] [Strong: probably a patronymic from an unused name derived from 559 in the sense of publicity, i.e. prominence; thus, a mountaineer; an Emorite, one of the Canaanitish tribes:--Amorite.]

d. [is] not [Strong: 3808 lo' lo or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, + of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.]

e. yet [2008 * hennah] [Strong: from 2004; hither or thither (but used both of place and time):--here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, + since, this (that) way, thitherward, + thus far, to...fro, + yet.]

d. full [8003 * shalem][Strong:  especially friendly:--full, just, made ready, peaceable, perfect(-ed), quiet, Shalem (by mistake for a name), whole.]

1). During this time in world history, it was approximately 1865 B.C. As the Scripture reveals during this time period, the level of iniquity the Amorites were embracing was not as bad as 400 plus years later when Israel came into the land of Canaan to possess it. The nations of Canaan, of which the Amorites were the dominant nation were not righteous, but the level of iniquity was not as bad as it would be by the time when Israel conquered the land. There are two facts that point this out.

2). Abraham was in covenant with some of the Amorites he lived around.

a). Genesis 14:13  And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.

b). confederate (Two Hebrew words) [1167 * ba’al] master, husband, confederate, have to do, they of… [1285 * beriyth] a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh):- confederacy, covenant, league.]

c). This covenant (between Abram and the three Amorite brothers), probably was not a spiritual covenant But may have been), regardless, still it was the highest form of legal contract at that time. Interestingly though it is also the same Hebrew word used when God and man made covenants. In fact, in Jeremiah 31:31-34 when Jeremiah prophesied of the coming New Covenant that we live in today, the same Hebrew word is used in Jeremiah 31:31 (compare to Hebrews 10:15-17). The fact that Abraham was in covenant with some of the Amorites flows with the point they as a culture had not yet descended to a level of corruption that would have prevented making even legal, secular business covenants with them. Compare for instance Abram’s response to the king of Sodom in the previous chapter in Genesis.

(1). Genesis 14:17-24 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.

14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

14:19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

14:21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.

14:22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

14:23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

14:24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

(2). In his response to the king of Sodom Abram reveals that previous to his going to war to rescue Lot, he had entered into a Covenant with God and in that covenant he swore with a lifted up hand that he would not take any of the spoils even though he was entitled to them.

3). Also during this time in world history, homosexuality was for the most part contained to the cities of the plain, the area where the Dead Sea is located now. The area was destroyed by God in Genesis 19 because of a number of sins but primarily because of homosexuality. Yet by the time Israel comes into the land, 470 years later, homosexuality along with child sacrifice, devil worship and all forms of occults practices had spread to the whole seven nations of Canaan. In fact, as far as their sexual practices are concerned the nations of Canaan legislated their immorality into their legal systems, to what extent is to me unknown. More research on my part is needed, but perhaps at least, it was the absolute freedom to practice such immorality free from any legal prohibitions.

a). Leviticus 18:1-4 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

18:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God.

18:3 After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.

18:4 Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God.

b). The Hebrew word used in verse 3 for the “ordinances” of the Canaanites is the same Hebrew word used in verse 4 for the “ordinances” of God.

c). ordinances [2708 * [huqqah][Gesenius: that which is established or defined, law, ordinance, practice, custom, right, privilege.]

d). The sexual practices that the Canaanites legislated into their legal systems included incest, adultery, homosexuality, and bestiality.

e). The earliest source on this topic is in the tannaitic midrash to the book of Leviticus. Like a number of passages in Leviticus, including chapter 18 to which it is a commentary, the midrashic passage links sexual sin and idolatry to the Egyptians (whom the Israelites defeated in the Exodus) and the Canaanites (whom the Israelites will displace when they come into their land). The idea that among the sins of these peoples was the recognition of same-sex marriages is not found in the biblical text, but is read in by the rabbis: Sifra Acharei Mot, parashah 9:8

“According to the doings of the Land of Egypt…and the doings of the Land of

Canaan…you shall not do” (Leviticus 18:3): Can it be (that it means) don’t build

buildings, and don’t plant plantings? Thus it (the verse) teaches (further), “And

you shall not walk in their statutes.” I say (that the prohibition of the verse

applies) only to (their) statutes – the statutes which are theirs and their fathers and

their fathers’ fathers. And what did they do? A man got married to a man, and a

woman to a woman, a man married a woman and her daughter, and a woman was

married to two (men). Therefore it is said, “And you shall not walk in their statutes.”

http://www.brandeis.edu/projects/fse/judaism/docs/essays/homoerotic-activity.pdf

4). What this shows is that nations and cultures become more corrupt over time. It does not happen overnight. In the case of the land of Canaan it was over 400 years until they reached the level of iniquity that would require their destruction. Any person in America that is 50 years old or more can relate to this slow descent. Just in the example of homosexuality we can see this descent. From the founding of this nation beginning with the first 13 states up until 1961 homosexual conduct was illegal in all 50 states. Over the course of the next 40 years there was a slow, deliberate attempt to decriminalize the behavior and remove its stigma and shame from our culture until 2003 when the Supreme Court removed all state laws outlawing it. After 2003 the homosexual movement set its sights on the institution of marriage. The Supreme Court decided in 2015 remove the legality of state laws that forbid homosexual marriage. Also from in 2015 onward there are serious attempts at removing the freedom of religion in the United States which is a part of the First Amendment of the Constitution. All this has occurred in my lifetime of 68 years.

Romans 10:10

Romans 10:10

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

a. NLT: For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

b. NIV: For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

c. YLT: for with the heart doth one believe to righteousness, and with the mouth is confession made to salvation;

d. Amplified Bible Classic: For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) andconfirms [his] salvation.

e. Worrell Translation: for with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

1. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness…”

a. for [1063 * gar] [Strong: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.]

b. the heart [2588 * kardia] [Strong: prolonged from a primary kar (Latin cor, "heart"); the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle:--(+ broken-)heart(-ed).]

c. believeth [4100 * pisteuo] [Thayer: to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in.] [Strong: from 4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):--believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.]

d. unto [1519 * eis] [Strong: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).]

e. righteousness [1343 * dikaiosune] [Strong: from 1342; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:--righteousness.]

1). What we must understand about faith, about Biblically believing, is that it is generated by previous instruction. The previous instruction, of course, being the word of God spoken or imparted to us in some manner.

a). Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2). Notice closely the following passage from Peter’s second epistle.

a). 2 Peter 2:2, 3 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

2:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

b). Notice that grace, peace and everything we need about life and godliness is given to us by the throne of God through the impartation of the knowledge of God. This “knowledge” is not mere knowledge though as the definition reveals.

c). knowledge [1922 *epignosis] [Zodhiates: It is more intensive that gnosis, knowledge, because it expresses a more thorough participation in acquiring of knowledge on the part of the learner. In the NT, it often refers to knowledge which very powerfully influences the form of religious life, a knowledge laying claim to personal involvement.]

d). Biblical faith is generated when the heart of man embraces the revelation of the word of God that the Holy Ghost gives. It produces a personal “knowing”, a realization in the spirit of man that “knows” whatever truth, whatever promise that particular Scripture relates to is mine, it has been given to me, and my spirit will echo over and over in agreement with the Scripture, yes, yes, yes!   

2. “…and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

a. and [1161 * de] [Strong: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).]

b. with the mouth [4750 * stoma] [Strong: probably strengthened from a presumed derivative of the base of 5114; the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or edge (of a weapon):--edge, face, mouth.]

c. confession is made [3670 * homologeo][Thayer: to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent.]

1). Biblically speaking, the definition of confession here, is speaking of at least two agreements, with God and with man’s own heart, the spirit. Biblical faith demands that the mouth and the heart agree with what God declares.

a). 2 Corinthians 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

d. unto [1519 * eis] [Strong: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).]

e. salvation (4991 * soteria) Scofield Reference Bible: “The Hebrew and Greek words for salvation imply the ideas of deliverance, safety, preservation, healing and soundness. Salvation is the great inclusive word of the Gospel, gathering into itself all the redemptive acts and processes…”

1). The use of the word “salvation” here means the whole Covenant, everything included in our inheritance. A person would have to be blind not to see the connection of what Paul says here and what Jesus said in Mark’s gospel.

a). Mark 11:22-24 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

2). Believing and confessing what you believe is demanded by Biblical faith.

a). Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

3). A very convicting passage that I constantly catch myself on is what Jesus said in Matthew concerning all the words that come out of our mouth.

a). Matthew 12:33-37  Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

4). WOC 10/2/12 The apostle Paul is saying with the heart you believe unto the reality of God’s Word. In other words, when you get a revelation of God’s Word in your heart, it becomes more real or alive to you. Then Paul is also saying with the mouth confession is made unto the manifestation, or experience, of God’s Word. In other words, when you believe the Word, it becomes real; when you say it, it manifests. If you say it without believing it, it isn’t real to you. If you believe it without saying it, it isn’t manifested for you. But when you believe and say the Word, it will produce for you. We like it when God’s Word becomes real in our spirits. But there’s something about having it actually manifest in our lives that makes it more enjoyable yet. When we’re actually walking in good health, it feels good to “feel good”. To experience the manifestation of God’s promises, you must continually speak God’s Word about your situation. That’s how faith is released. You can have a heart full of faith, but it won’t do you any good until you release it. It’s like having a bank account full of money. That money will sit in the vault and do no good unless it’s spent. In the same way, you spend or release faith by the words you speak. That’s how to put your faith to work.

5). This verse is speaking more than just receiving the righteousness of God which is an increment of the Covenant of salvation that God wrought for man through Christ Jesus. This verse is a Biblical principle about faith, about Biblical faith, what faith really means. As we shall see it is in agreement with what Jesus said about faith. A Christian’s faith will begin with the heart believing and will continue with the mouth speaking and declaring in agreement.  I like what one Pastor said, “If you say it without believing it, it isn’t real to you. If you believe it without saying it, it isn’t manifested for you. But when you believe and say the Word, it will produce for you.” I couldn’t agree more! If we really believe God’s word says about our salvation, our deliverance, safety, preservation, healing and soundness, then we will continually declare with our mouth what our heart believes about our salvation, regardless of our circumstances.

Exodus 17:11

Exodus 17:11

And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed:

a. ASV: And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

b. YLT: And it hath come to pass, when Moses lifteth up his hand, that Israel hath been mighty, and when he letteth his hands rest, that Amalek hath been mighty.

c. Amplified Bible Classic: When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and when he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.

d. Septuagint: And it came to pass, when Moses lifted up his hands, Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hands, Amalec prevailed.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Prophets/Writings: It happened that when Moses raised his hand Israel was stronger, and when he lowered his hand Amalek was stronger.

1. “And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed:

a. And it came to pass [Strong: 1961 hayah haw-yaw a primitive root (Compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit (one-)self, require, X use.]

b. when [Strong: 834 'aher ash-er' a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, + from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where (+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, + whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection.]

c. Moses [Strong: 4872  Môsheh, mo-sheh'; from H4871; drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver:—Moses.]

d. held up [Strong: 7311 rûwm, room; a primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively):—bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, (× a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms.]

e. [his] hand [Strong: 3027  yâd, yawd; a primitive word; a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote [as follows]:—( be) able, × about, armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, × bounty, broad, (broken-) handed, × by, charge, coast, consecrate, creditor, custody, debt, dominion, × enough, fellowship, force, × from, hand(-staves, -y work), × he, himself, × in, labour, large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, × mine, ministry, near, × of, × order, ordinance, × our, parts, pain, power, ×presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, swear, terror, × thee, × by them, × themselves, × thine own, × thou, through, × throwing, thumb, times, × to, × under, × us, × wait on, (way-) side, where, wide, × with (him, me, you), work, yield, × yourselves.]

f. [that] Israel [Strong: 3478 Yisrâʼêl, yis-raw-ale'; from H8280 and H410; he will rule as God; Jisraël, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity:—Israel.

g. prevailed [Strong: 1396  gâbar, gaw-bar'; a primitive root; to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently:—exceed, confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen, be stronger, be valiant.]

1). When Moses lifted the rod of authority up Israel prevailed. It is a given that this is intercession with authority.

a). 1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

b). Psalm 63:4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

c). Psalm 141:2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

2). As Moses interceded Israel received strength to overcome Amalek, and when he lowered his arms i.e., stopped interceding, Amalek overcame Israel. Authority and prayer are necessary to overcome the flesh in our lives because we cannot do it in our own strength. Prayer is a wonderful advantage over all obstacles, spiritual or carnal. When we pray in Jesus name in faith, all of heaven backs us up.

a). Matthew 18:18, 19 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

3) As discussed in Exodus 17:8 there is the added blessing of being baptized in the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues. Praying in the spirit, praying in tongues will strengthen us more than just praying in Jesus name.

a). Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

(1) helpeth [sunantilambano] to take hold against together with. [DC: the Holy Ghost will take hold with us against our weaknesses, whether they be not knowing how or what to pray, or taking hold with us against our spiritual, physical, or soulish weaknesses.]

(2) infirmities [Strong: 769 asthéneia, as-then'-i-ah; from G772; feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty:—disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness.]

(3) The Holy Spirit will take hold with us against our weaknesses and our infirmities.

b). Praying in tongues will strengthen us (1 Corinthians 14:4; Jude 20).

1). 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

2). Jude 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

3). Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against demonic powers.

a). Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

2. “…and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.”

a. [and] when [Strong: 834 'aher ash-er' a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, + from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where (+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, + whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection.]

b. [he] let down [Strong: 5117 nuwach noo'-akh a primitive root; to rest, i.e. settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, let fall, place, let alone, withdraw, give comfort, etc.):--cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down.]

c. [his] hand [Strong: 3027 yâd, yawd; a primitive word; a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote [as follows]:—( be) able, × about, armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, × bounty, broad, (broken-) handed, × by, charge, coast, consecrate, creditor, custody, debt, dominion, × enough, fellowship, force, × from, hand(-staves, -y work), × he, himself, × in, labour, large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, × mine, ministry, near, × of, × order, ordinance, × our, parts, pain, power, ×presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, swear, terror, × thee, × by them, × themselves, × thine own, × thou, through, × throwing, thumb, times, × to, × under, × us, × wait on, (way-) side, where, wide, × with (him, me, you), work, yield, × yourselves.]

d. Amalek [Strong: 6002 ʻĂmâlêq, am-aw-lake'; probably of foreign origin; Amalek, a descendant of Esau; also his posterity and their country:—Amalek.]

e. prevailed [Strong: 1396  gâbar, gaw-bar'; a primitive root; to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently:—exceed, confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen, be stronger, be valiant.]

1). When we do not pray, we become weak and feeble spiritually and the weaknesses in our flesh will become strengthened and easy prey for the devil to cause us to stumble in sin. When Israel walked in disobedience (the one’s bringing up the rear were the weak and feeble and in that condition are not able to walk in obedience), Amalek got the easy victory, and when we are walking in disobedience, because of being spiritually weak, Amalek/flesh gets the easy victory.

a). Numbers 14:40-45 And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we be here, and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised: for we have sinned.

14:41 And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper.

14:42 Go not up, for the LORD is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies.

14:43 For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you.

14:44 But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses, departed not out of the camp.

14:45 Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, [even] unto Hormah.

2). Along with prayer in this fight we need to control our mind.

a). 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

3). When we do not control our thoughts we provide the ammunition to our enemies to tempt us to sin.

b). Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

c). provision [Strong: 4307 pronoia pron'-oy-ah from 4306; forethought, i.e. provident care or supply:--providence, provision.] [pronoia; pro-before; noeo-thought] forethought. ] [Webster: the act of providing, things provided for the future, to supply with provision.]

d). Romans 8:5-8 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

4). We have the responsibility of bringing our bodies under subjection to our spirit man.

a). Romans 12:1, 2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

b). 1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Exodus 17:9

Exodus 17:9

And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

a. ASV: And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to-morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.

b. YLT: And Moses saith unto Joshua, 'Choose for us men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to-morrow I am standing on the top of the hill, and the rod of God in my hand.'

c. Amplified Bible Classic: And Moses said to Joshua, Choose us out men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.

d. Septuagint: And Moses said to Joshua, Choose out for thyself mighty men, and go forth and set the army in array against Amalec to-morrow; and, behold, I [shall] stand on the top of the hill, and the rod of God [will be] in my hand.

e. Stone Edition Torah/Prophets/Writings: Moses said to Joshua, “Choose people for us and go do battle with Amalek; tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

1. “And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek…”

a. [And] Moses [Strong: 4872 Môsheh, mo-sheh'; from H4871; drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver:—Moses.]

b. said [Strong: 559 ʼâmar, aw-mar'; a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude):—answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, × desire, determine, ×expressly, × indeed, × intend, name, × plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), × still, × suppose, talk, tell, term, × that is, × think, use (speech), utter, × verily, × yet.]

c. unto [Strong: 413 'el ale (but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el}); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in).]

d. Joshua [Strong: 3091 Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, yeh-ho-shoo'-ah; or יְהוֹשֻׁעַ Yᵉhôwshuʻa; from H3068 and H3467; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader:—Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua.]

e. Choose [us out] [Strong: 977  bâchar, baw-khar'; a primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. (by implication) select:—acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require.]

f. men [Strong: 582  ʼĕnôwsh, en-oshe'; from H605; properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified 120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively):—another, ×(blood-) thirsty, certain, chap(-man); divers, fellow, × in the flower of their age, husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some (× of them), stranger, those, their trade. It is often unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in apposition with another word.]

g. [and] go out [Strong: 3318 yâtsâʼ, yaw-tsaw'; a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.:—× after, appear, × assuredly, bear out, × begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, × scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, × still, × surely, take forth (out), at any time, × to (and fro), utter.]

h. fight [Strong: 3898 lâcham, law-kham'; a primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle (as destruction):—devour, eat, × ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring).]

i. [with] Amalek [Strong: 6002 ʻĂmâlêq, am-aw-lake'; probably of foreign origin; Amalek, a descendant of Esau; also his posterity and their country:—Amalek.]

1). The tried proven and more mature Christians will have or should have more success over the lusts of the flesh.

2. “…tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.”

a. tomorrow [Strong: 4279 mâchâr, maw-khar'; probably from H309; properly, deferred, i.e. the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter:—time to come, tomorrow.]

b. I [Strong: 595 'anokiy aw-no-kee' sometimes {aw-no'-kee}; a primitive pro.; I:--I, me, X which.]

c. [will] stand [Strong: 5324  nâtsab, naw-tsab'; a primitive root; to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively):—appointed, deputy, erect, establish, × Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state.]

d. on [Strong: 5921  `al al properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications (as follow):--above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, X with.]

e. [the] top [Strong: 7218 rôʼsh, roshe; from an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, etc.):—band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, × every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), × lead, × poor, principal, ruler, sum, top.]

f. [of the] hill [Strong: 1389 gibʻâh, ghib-aw'; feminine from the same as H1387; a hillock:—hill, little hill.]

g. [with the] rod [Strong: 4294 maṭṭeh, mat-teh'; or (feminine) מַטָּה maṭṭâh; from H5186; a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; figuratively, a support of life, e.g. bread):—rod, staff, tribe.]

h. [of] God [Strong: 430 ʼĕlôhîym, el-o-heem'; plural of H433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:—angels, × exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), × (very) great, judges, × mighty.]

i. [in my] hand [Strong: 3027 yâd, yawd; a primitive word; a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote [as follows]:—( be) able, × about, armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, × bounty, broad, (broken-) handed, × by, charge, coast, consecrate, creditor, custody, debt, dominion, × enough, fellowship, force, × from, hand(-staves, -y work), × he, himself, × in, labour, large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, × mine, ministry, near, × of, × order, ordinance, × our, parts, pain, power, ×presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, swear, terror, × thee, × by them, × themselves, × thine own, × thou, through, × throwing, thumb, times, × to, × under, × us, × wait on, (way-) side, where, wide, × with (him, me, you), work, yield, × yourselves.]

1). The rod of God is the authority of God.

a). Over the sorcerers.

(1) Exodus 17:10-12 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

17:11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.

17:12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.

b). To call up the plagues.

(1) Exodus 7:19, 20 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone.

7:20 And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.

(2) Exodus 8:5, 6 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt.

8:6 And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.

c). To divide the Red Sea.

(1) Exodus 14: 15, 16, 21, 22 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

14:16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.    

14:21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

14:22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

(2) In Exodus 14:15 we see that there are instances when prayer is not the answer, it is when God has already given everything necessary for us to fulfill our responsibility in faithful obedience. God spoke to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me?” Too many time we as Christians bawl and squall to God when He has already given us the authority to take our rightful place in victory.  

d). The authority we have in Christ plays a vital part in all of our battles, without it we are powerless! It is the will of God that the Body of Christ come to know through revelation the authority we have in Christ. The Apostle Paul prayed for this revelation to be given to the Church.

(1) Ephesians 1:15-23 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

e). Jesus is waiting and expecting us His people to exercise the authority that He won for us, to be used by us to make His enemies which are also our enemies His footstool.

(1) Hebrews 10:12, 13 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.