Steady Hands

As Joshua led in the battle against Amalek, Moses, Aaron, and Hur stood on a hill in plain sight of all the people. When Moses held God’s rod up (without doubt, praying), Israel prevailed. The rod was a reminder of God’s power when Moses supernaturally summoned plagues upon the land of Egypt. The raised rod symbolized God’s presence, authority, and prayers going upward on behalf of Israel, a reminder that the battle was the Lord’s. But when Moses’ arms became weary, and his hands lowered, the enemy triumphed. So, God supplied the help he needed. Aaron and Hur sat him on a stone, and standing on either side, kept his hands raised all day: “. . . and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun” (Exodus 17:12). Israel prevailed in that battle.

Joshua was the commander going before Israel, fighting. Moses was the intercessor who stood above Israel praying. Aaron and Hur stood beside Moses in his weariness. Our Triune God is the Commander going before and fighting for us, the Intercessor standing before the Father on our behalf, and Strength standing with the weary. He supplies everything we need through Jesus Christ, but we must receive His offer. Child of God, our struggles, and sometimes weeping, may last for a while, but joy will come (Psalm 30:5). Praise Him—the battle is the Lord’s, and He is the victor.