We have seen now three episodes of complaining in a row. In each one, God provided. He gave water in the desert — twice. He gave food in the desert. He gave the Sabbath. Now, though, Israel is attacked from outside — and that occasion allows God to reveal more of Himself. The occasion of God's further revelation is an assault from the wild tribesmen of Amalek. Amalek was a descendant of Esau and lived in the desert near the Promised Land. He had a problem with Israel; we don't know what that problem was, but evidently whatever went wrong, Amalek was mad enough to come out and attack Israel. And as a result of this attack, God took the opportunity to reveal more of Himself. He revealed His total power for victory, through giving victory whenever Moses' hands were raised. But more than that, He revealed His total commitment to protecting His throne from any and every hand raised against it. God preserves His Kingdom — and therefore He preserves His people from all His and their enemies.