Exodus 17:8-16

¹¹ Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. Some believed that this was a picture of Moses interceding in prayer and is a lesson in persevering in prayer. Though that is a valid lesson, I don’t think that is the main message of this passage.

The lesson here is first and foremost that we look to God to be our strength. Secondly it is that we often need the help of the people of God because of the weakness of the flesh. (Proverbs 24:6[notes2] ) That lesson will be reinforced in the next chapter. We are physical beings that get weary. As Moses arms tired and the rod was lowered, the soldiers below lost sight of the rod and would get discouraged. When it was raised again they encouraged themselves with the memories that rod invoked. If their eyes were not on the sign of God’s presence with them, they would have been the first to turn and would have been defeated.

¹² But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. Aaron and Hur may not have known why they had come, but it didn’t take them long to figure it out. They were there to help Moses do what God had called him to do. (Proverbs 27:10[notes3] ) They were the physical strength behind Moses’ obedience. Moses couldn’t obey on his own. God and Moses both knew that. That is why Aaron and Hur were called.

Most tasks the Lord assigns us are carried out with an Aaron and Hur The church worship service relies on numerous people, the elders, the worship team, the office administrator, the deaconesses, Children’s church teachers, intercessors, and greeters. . I had help from two different couples proofreading my books. The lone ranger jobs are the exception rather than the rule.

When we receive the tabernacle we’ll need Aarons and Hurs from every church that are willing to help. Later in the Scriptures, David will declare that all people should share in the reward that comes from the effort, frontline people and those who stay behind. (1Samuel 30:24-25[notes4] ) From the preacher to the technical person at the soundboard, everyone shares the reward because together they make it possible.

God seems to delight in cooperative efforts. That is one reason He has blessed the churches in Sedona. We are more than willing to work together and help one another. Look at the Trinity! The Father gives the plan, the Son carries it out, and the Holy Spirit illuminates what the Son did. God even uses us to share His love with others. God blesses us when we work together under His ordained leaders for His glory. (Psalm 133:1[notes5] )

[notes2] Proverbs 24:6 (ESV)

6 for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

[notes3] Proverbs 27:10 (ESV)

10 Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.

[notes4] 1 Samuel 30:24-25 (ESV)

24 Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.” 25 And he made it a statute and a rule for Israel from that day forward to this day.

[notes5] Psalm 133:1 (ESV)

1 A SONG OF ASCENTS. OF DAVID. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

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