In the heart of Rabat, Malta, nestled between the bustling Republic Street and the ancient Roman Villa, lies a small, often overlooked museum. The Wignacourt Museum houses a peculiar artifact: a 17th-century painting depicting the biblical story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho. But it’s not the painting itself that’s peculiar; it’s the inscription below it, in Maltese, that reads: “Intu, ħattx, ubbega Amalek” – “Now go, attack Amalek”.

Malta’s biblical ties run deep, with stories from the Old Testament echoing through its history and culture. The Book of Exodus tells us that the Israelites, after wandering in the desert for 40 years, sent spies to scout the Promised Land. These spies, according to tradition, were shipwrecked on the island we now call Malta. The island’s name itself is believed to derive from the Phoenician word ‘Maleth’, meaning ‘refuge’ or ‘shelter’.

But why ‘attack Amalek’? The inscription refers to the Israelites’ first encounter with the Amalekites, a nomadic tribe they met at Rephidim. The Israelites, exhausted and thirsty, were attacked by the Amalekites while Moses was on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments. God commanded Moses to write an account of the incident, and to ‘blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven’ (Deuteronomy 25:19).

While the idea of the Israelite spies finding refuge in Malta is intriguing, it’s important to note that it’s not historically verified. The Book of Exodus doesn’t explicitly mention Malta, and the earliest references to the spies’ shipwreck on the island appear centuries later in the works of Roman historians Pliny the Elder and Tacitus. Some argue that these references are mere legends, while others see them as evidence of Malta’s ancient Jewish community.

Malta’s Jewish community has a rich history, dating back to at least the Roman period. The ancient Jewish catacombs in Rabat and the medieval synagogue in Birgu are testament to this. Today, the Maltese Jewish community is small but vibrant, with the Great Synagogue of Malta in Valletta serving as a hub for Jewish life on the island.

For those interested in exploring Malta’s biblical ties, there’s plenty to see and do. The Wignacourt Museum is a great starting point, as is the nearby St. Paul’s Grotto, said to be where the apostle Paul was shipwrecked on his way to Rome. The ancient catacombs in Rabat and the medieval synagogue in Birgu offer insights into Malta’s Jewish history. And for a unique perspective on Malta’s biblical connections, consider visiting the annual Wignacourt Art Festival, held at the museum, which often features biblical themes.

So, the next time you’re in Rabat, take a moment to pause in front of that peculiar painting. Let your imagination wander back to ancient times, to the Israelites and the Amalekites, to the spies who may or may not have found refuge on these very shores. And remember: in Malta, history is never far from the surface.