Exodus 17:8-16

⁸ Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. ⁹ So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” Given Moses description in Deuteronomy, I think Amalek fought a kind of guerilla warfare. Moses had to send an army after them to engage them head on. Apparently, God had given Moses instructions as to how to deal with these marauders.

I would like for us to consider the sovereignty of God in the matter. They did not go one way to face a more sophisticated and better-equipped army, but they did face these people who were a better match for them. This was a way of teaching battle to the fighting men of Israel. God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. (1Corinthians 10:13[notes1] ) Neither does He always expect us to just sit back and watch like He had them do at the Red Sea. (Exodus 14:13[notes2] ) God is training us little by little.

The same is true in the spiritual realm. He gives us those tests that won’t overwhelm us but will teach us and help us grow. You can be sure that God will never give you a test that will defeat you if you will look to Him. That is the point of this encounter. It is a different situation with a unique solution, but the answer is the same. Look to God. They had just learned that lesson in this very place as God provided manna and quail. Now, will they look to God and listen to His word as they face an enemy in battle? (Deuteronomy 8:3[notes3] ) Will you look to God in the battle you are facing today and count on His strength?

Moses is going to take the rod of God to a hilltop where the soldiers can see him. In his hands is that symbol of the authority of Almighty God, the rod of God. Some have speculated that it may have been ornamented with some shiny objects which would make it more visible, and that is why it is referred to later as a signal pole or banner.

Moses took his brother Aaron and a man named Hur with him. Hur is Hebrew equivalent of “Whitey”. It was a common name. Josephus tells us that he was Miriam’s husband.

We don’t know if the LORD commanded them to come along or if Moses just had the good sense to bring along some assistants. There are some things we should do alone and there are others that wisdom would dictate the need for assistance.

Joshua was to muster an army in one day. This is the first we read of Joshua. He is half the age of Moses and may have already been a natural leader preparing men to protect their family and herds. (Joshua 14:7[notes4] ) The Scripture tells us that they went up from Egypt armed, so we know that they do have weaponry. (Exodus 13:18[notes5] )

¹⁰ So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. Sword and shield battles were often won or lost dependent on who tired or lost hope first. As soon as someone turned to run, they were exposed to sword and arrow. Once a few fell, others would frighten and turn. Battles were often one-sided massacres depending on who turned to run first.

Moses presence on the hill with the rod of God as an ensign was assurance for the novice warriors of Israel. It would remind them of the defeat of Egypt with that same rod. It would remind them that God fought for them. (Exodus 14:14[notes6] )If we will look to God and keep our eyes fixed on Him, we will have the courage to stand and fight. Whatever you do, don’t turn allow the enemy to scare you into running. Look to God and trust in Him to see you through.

13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

[notes2] Exodus 14:13 (ESV)

13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.

[notes3] Deuteronomy 8:3 (ESV)

3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

[notes4] Joshua 14:7 (ESV)

7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought him word again as it was in my heart.

[notes5] Exodus 13:18 (ESV)

18 But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.

[notes6] Exodus 14:14 (ESV)

14 The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

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