Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
Then came Amalek. Some time probably elapsed before they were exposed to this new evil: and the presumption of there being such an interval affords the only ground on which we can satisfactorily account for the altered-the better and firmer-spirit that animated the people in this sudden contest. The miracles of the manna and the water from the rock had produced a deep impression and permanent conviction that the Lord was indeed among them; and with feelings elevated by the conscious experience of the Divine Presence and aid, they remained calm, resolute, and courageous under the attack of their unexpected foe, fought with Israel.
The language implies that no occasion had been furnished for this attack; but, as descendants of Esau, the Amalekites entertained a deep-seated grudge against them, especially as the rapid prosperity and marvelous experience of Israel showed that the blessing contained in the birthright was taking effect. According, to Lepsius, 'Wady Feiran belonged to them. They had allowed the great host to march into and encamp in the Steppes without opposition, but were not very likely to surrender without a struggle the gem of the peninsula.' But the Israelites gave no evidence that they had the remotest intention of either injuring the persons or seizing on the territory of the Amalekites, which does not appear to have formed any part of the land of which the Jews were commanded by God to take possession.
The attack, therefore, made upon them by this fierce Bedouin tribe was altogether unprovoked and gratuitous; and whatever was their impelling motive, they seem to have premeditated a systematic, obstinate, and exterminating contest. At all events, it is evident that the assailing force was not some stray parties who had unexpectedly fallen in with the advancing hosts of Israel; but that it comprised the whole or the chief strength of Amalek; and, as their headquarters were at a distance on the borders of Palestine (cf. Numbers 24:20), they must have marched in full force from the south of Canaan, across the wilderness to the Sinaitic peninsula, with the determined purpose of making this attack upon Israel.
Considering that the Amalekites were the first (Numbers 24:20) to oppose the march of the Israelites after the miraculous passage of the Red Sea, their assault was a mean, dastardly, insidious surprise on the rear (Numbers 24:20; Deuteronomy 25:17), and an impious defiance of God. The scene of this attack is, by those who place Rephidim in Wady Feiran, supposed to be in Husseiyeh, not far from the ruins of the ancient town of Paran. It was close to the palm groves, and being the most fertile spot in the beautiful valley, affords, in the opinion of Lepsius, a sufficient reason for the Amalekites resolving with vigour to resist the occupation of it by the Israelites. In support of this view, he considers that a double assault, in front and in the rear, was simultaneously made, founding on Deuteronomy 25:18. But it will be shown on that passage that such an interpretation is totally unsupported by the language of the sacred historian.