Good Morning.
And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. (Exodus 17:11-12)
In Moses’ raised hand was the rod of God — the same rod that had been used in Egypt to strike the Nile and the same rod that had been used to strike the rock at Horeb. In this instance, he used the rod as a banner. When Israel could see “the banner,” they prevailed; when they didn’t see it, Amalek prevailed. It was as if to demonstrate, once again, what happens when God is with Israel and what can happen if He is not.
Something else that is noteworthy is presented in these verses as well. As anointed as Moses was, he was just one man and all of us — including the choicest of men — have limits and can grow weary. In other words, we all need a little help from our friends. Top accentuate this point, the Bible says that when the two men supported his arms, Moses’ hands were steady. Actually, the Hebrew word is emunah which is commonly rendered as “faithful.” Thus we see an important concept for all of us to receive.
Aaron and Hur were there to faithfully assist, not only Moses, but Israel as a whole. We could presume that, if they had not been there or had they not been ready to assist, Amalek could have prevailed. There was a need for Aaron and Hur to stand ready, to remain faithful, and to make sure the “banner” remained lifted for Israel to see. In other words, we all have a part to play in God’s purposes which can have a significant influence on the people of God as a whole. Furthermore, we see God’s faithfulness in this story as well; He sends people into our lives to help us in those times when “Amalek” is posing a threat. And so let us remember that, as the Scripture says at the conclusion of this battle, He is Yahweh Nissi — the LORD our banner. Through Him and by Him we can prevail over our enemies.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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