שמות, פרק י״ז, פסוק י״ד

The conflict with Amalek transcends a mere physical battlefield, evolving into an enduring historical and spiritual struggle. God commands the documentation of this unprovoked attack to permanently etch the enemy's nature, the severity of their actions, and the promise of their ultimate destruction into the national consciousness. The primary approach among commentators is that this mandated documentation refers to the Torah itself, where the Commandment to remember Amalek would eventually be recorded [רמב״ן, ספורנו, מלבי״ם]. Other perspectives suggest it refers to a dedicated historical record that was lost over time, such as the Book of the Wars of the Lord [אבן עזרא, חזקוני, רלב״ג]. Alternatively, the instruction may simply be a general directive to record the events on a scroll to prevent them from fading from memory [שד״ל, קאסוטו].

The necessity of writing this down is rooted in Amalek's unique audacity. They were the first to attack the Israelites after the Exodus, establishing a dangerous precedent for other nations [רש״י, מזרחי, גור אריה]. While nations like Edom, Moab, and Philistia were terrified by the miracles of the Exodus, Amalek traveled from afar, displaying an absolute lack of fear toward God [אבן עזרא, הטור הארוך, חזקוני]. Recording this event also serves to publicize Amalek's profound sin, ensuring that future generations understand exactly why such a severe punishment was decreed against them [בכור שור, חזקוני].

The directive to transmit this historical charge specifically to Joshua prompts significant discussion, especially since Joshua himself did not complete the eradication of Amalek. The primary approach among commentators is that because Joshua was destined to lead the Israelites into the land, he carried the responsibility of passing this Commandment to future generations, as the obligation to destroy Amalek would only take effect once the nation was settled and at rest [רמב״ן, רש״י, חזקוני]. Through this instruction, Moses also received a subtle realization that Joshua, rather than his own sons, would succeed him in leadership [רש״י, משכיל לדוד, הדר זקנים]. Other scholars view this transmission as an act of comfort. Joshua, having led the military campaign, managed only to weaken Amalek rather than destroy them completely. To prevent him from feeling distressed over this incomplete victory, he was secretly promised that God Himself would ultimately finish the task [אור החיים, אלשיך, ביאור יש״ר]. Some suggest this oral transmission to Joshua represents the passing down of the oral tradition, complementing the written record to ensure accurate future pronunciation of the Commandment [פרדס יוסף], or to reveal the ultimate destiny of Amalek at the end of days [העמק דבר]. Another perspective proposes that Moses dictated the events while Joshua physically wrote them down, serving as an honor and reward for his dedication in battle [שד״ל].

The promise to wipe out Amalek implies a multi-dimensional destruction. This is understood as a process occurring in historical stages: initially during the era of King Saul, later in the days of Mordecai and Esther, and culminating in a final eradication at the end of days [אור החיים]. Others interpret this as a division between realms, where God will first destroy the heavenly prince representing Amalek, followed by the physical destruction of the nation on earth [רבנו בחיי, אלשיך, צאינה וראינה], or as a destruction spanning both this world and the world to come [תולדות יצחק, דעת זקנים].

A tension exists regarding who is responsible for this destruction, as later instructions place the obligation on the Israelites rather than on God. One explanation resolves this by stating that the responsibility lies with the Israelites until Amalek attacks the Temple, after which God Himself takes over the task [רא״ש]. A deeper approach views the conflict as fundamentally spiritual and cognitive. Amalek embodies the denial of Divine providence, championing the belief that everything is mere coincidence while glorifying power, violence, and the sword [העמק דבר, פרדס יוסף]. God's promise to erase them means that at the end of days, when Divine morality governs the world, the Amalekite worldview and the glorification of war will be completely eradicated from human consciousness [רש״ר הירש]. The scope of this eradication is destined to be absolute and universal, mirroring the destruction of the flood. It ensures that no descendant will survive, and even their livestock will be wiped out. Consequently, no living creature or object will bear the name of Amalek, erasing their memory from the world entirely [ספורנו, תורה תמימה, קיצור בעל הטורים].