D'var Torah: "And Moshe said to Yehoshuah, 'Choose people for us and go fight against Amalek, and tomorrow I will stand on the top of the mountain" (Shemot 17). Moshe Rabenu instituted several changes in the war with Amalek. Firstly, instead of leading the battle as he usually did, he appointed Yehoshuah to fight this war. Secondly, he ascended a mountain overlooking the battlefield and raised his hands heavenward. At times his arms grew so heavy he needed to support them on rock pillars. Also, in contrast to previous battles, this battle was not a one-sided romp of their enemy. Rather, it was a see-saw battle, sometimes Klal Yisrael had the upper hand, and other times Amalek. The reason for all these unusual events was that Klal Yisrael wasn't absolutely sure that it was HaShem who freed them from Egypt. They suspected that Moshe Rabenu worked all the supernatural wonders though his own magic. Therefore, HaShem instructed Moshe to sit out this battle. Klal Yisrael was left with one choice: to put their heartfelt trust in HaShem, alone. When Klal Yisrael had the proper trust in HaShem they prevailed, when their trust weakened Amalek prevailed. Ultimately, Moshe inspired Klal Yisrael to fully trust in HaShem and they triumphed over their enemy.
Moral: When Klal Yirael removes all doubts from their hearts and trust wholly in HaShem, they succeed and prevail in all of their endeavors.
Application: Envision yourself as a Jewish soldier on the battlefield against Amalek. See Moshe Rabenu standing on the mountain with his arms raised to Heaven. Be inspired by Moshe and place your wholehearted trust in HaShem. See Klal Yisrael's trust in HaShem power them to triumph in a great victory.
(Based on the commentary of the Be'er Yoseph on the Torah)
