But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one. ~~Exodus 17:12
The Israelites are still traveling, still journeying through the wilderness–the wild lands of the desert–when Amalek catches up to the Israelites intent on overpowering them. There’s a couple of things that struck me about this part of the Exodus story.
First, the Israelites are still traveling to the promised land when they are attacked–they are on the road encamped in the wilderness. I found this interesting because with this battle, the Israelites fought for their right to continue on their journey. The journey had not been easy, and they didn’t have any idea how far they still had to go. What they did know is that if they didn’t fight for their right to continue, they would not get to the land that was promised to the forefathers.
Then, leaders were called to serve and respond in the wake of the battle with the Amalekites. Leaders had to come forward–first, before the Israelites could even engage in the battle and they had to serve in various ways, together, as one body. Here in Exodus, I see God working through a team of leaders. This battle was fought and won through the collective efforts of many, all of whom had to fulfill a particular role as they focused on God. Moses sat on the rock while Aaron and Hur held up each of Moses’ arms. Joshua was on the battlefield.
What would this story have looked like, and more importantly, what would the outcome have been if one of the leaders didn’t step up to the plate and serve as called? What would’ve happened on the battlefield if Joshua wasn’t there? How would Moses have held himself up, if not for Aaron and Hur? And where would they all have been if not for Moses’ faith that God would be there with them (“Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand” v. 9b).
This scene brought to mind 1 Corinthians 12 and verse 4 where Paul writes to the Corinthians, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.”
This battle brought with it the opportunity for the Israelites to take an active role, as a team together…as a body, in their journey to the promised land as God’s chosen people. After all is said and done, Moses builds an altar to commemorate this event and called it, “The Lord is my banner” so that God would be remembered…above all else, God would be remembered.
© 2005 ginny rogers
