Battles

O.T. #182  "Battles"
Dec. 5, 2013
Exodus 17-Part 3
And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the 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

LET IT GLOW

Are we ready for the battle that is coming? For Joshua, it was the next day. It could be today for us. How strong is our faith? Am I prepared to help others in their battle?

In verses 8-13, we read of the first battle the Israelites encounter after crossing the Red Sea.
Here's what happened?

• Moses told Joshua the game plan. This is the first mention of Joshua in Scripture.
• Joshua was directed to choose out men, and go out, fight with Amalek tomorrow.
• Meanwhile, Moses would stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in his hand. Aaron and Hur went up the hill with Moses.
• So it happened, as long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage.
• Moses' arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up.
• Aaron and Hur  found a stone for Moses to sit on. Then they stood on each side of him, holding up his hands.
• Moses' hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle. (NLT version)
• Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. (verse 13) Discomfitted means to overthrow, decay, weaken. (Strong's Concordance)

How did Israel overcome the enemy? They had an intercessor on the mountain and a commander in the valley! Moses' role on the mountain illustrates the intercessory work of Christ, and Joshua with his sword illustrates the Spirit of God using the Word of God against the enemy (Heb. 4:12, Eph. 6:17-18). Of course, Moses is an imperfect picture of Christ and His intercessory work, since our Lord never wearies and needs no assistance (Heb. 4:16, 9:24). Moses had the rod of God in his hand, which speaks of God's almighty power.  (Wiersbe)

Are we encouragers to those who need help in their life's battle? Are we intercessors, holding up our brothers and sister to the Lord in prayer?  Do we help carry their load, meeting their needs? I know so many who are doing battle with cancer, my sister, sister in law, our youth director, a friend. There are so many battles-diseases, abuse, financial, marital, family, spiritual.  Also, let's remember those who have lost loved ones this year and pray for them during this holiday season. I want to share the love of Jesus around me.

LET IT GROW

Why did the Israelites fight the Amalekites?
According to Deuteronomy 25:17-18, Amalek (descendant of Esau) attacked Israel's rear, killing the feeble and the weary, young and aged, in the back of their procession. God would not put up with them. The Amalekites had no fear of God. In fact, God told the Israelites to destroy the Amalekites and erase their memory from under heaven. (NIV)

What did God tell Moses to do?

• Moses was to write this as a memorial in a book, referring to the book of Exodus. It was to be a permanent reminder of what happened at Rephidim.
• Read the book aloud to Joshua.
• He would utterly destroy the Amalekites, erasing the memory of Amalekite under heaven. (verse 14)

Do we read this account to our children and grandchildren?

LET IT GO

Be prepared for the next spiritual battle-pray and read God's Word daily.

Help the widows, orphans, weary and needy.

Share God's Word with others.

Obey God's instructions.

Give God the glory for my victorious battle.