February 16 - Nº 47 Exodus 17:8–16; 18:1-27 and Deuteronomy 25:17-19
While they were enjoying the water God had provided for them at Rephidim, the Israelites were suddenly ambushed by Amalekites. The Amalekites were descendants of Esau—Jacob’s twin brother (see #19 - January 19). They had no respect for Israel or their God, and they began to target the weak and weary travelers who had difficulty staying up with the group.
Moses felt obligated to defend the people God had placed under his leadership, so he commanded Joshua to gather some of the stronger men and lead them into battle against the Amalekites the next day. This would be the first battle that Israel ever fought as a nation. Moses realized that victory would be completely dependent on God’s presence and power since they were facing an army with much more equipment and experience.
Moses wanted to demonstrate his dependence on God in a way that both the Amalekites and the Israelites could clearly understand. So, the next morning he stood at the top of a hill overlooking the battlefield with his arms held high and his staff extended toward the heavens. It was a posture of prayer and praise. It didn’t take long for him to realize that the outcome of the battle depended on how long he could hold this position. As long as his arms were raised, the Israelites advanced against the Amalekites; but if he lowered them, the Amalekites had the advantage.
Fortunately, Moses had invited his brother Aaron and a companion named Hur to join him at the top of the hill. Springing into action, they found a rock for him to sit on. Then they held his arms steady with the staff extended until the sun went down. With Joshua fighting in the valley below and Moses, along with Aaron and Hur, lifting his staff on the hill above, the Israelites were able to defeat the Amalekites. Moses built an altar there to praise God and signify the victory He had just won for His people.
Not long after this, Moses’ wife and sons joined him in the wilderness near Mount Sinai. Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, accompanied them. He listened with excitement to all the amazing things that the Lord had done to rescue the Israelites from Egypt. Then Jethro worshiped God and led the Israelites in offering sacrifices.
The next day, Jethro watched as Moses spent all day settling disputes and teaching the people what God wanted them to do. That evening he gave Moses some advice. “You are wearing yourself out,” he explained. “The job you have taken on is far too big for one man to handle. Your priority should be to represent the people before God and teach them what He says.” Jethro advised Moses to appoint trustworthy leaders to settle the people’s everyday disputes.
Moses followed Jethro’s advice. He was able to set up an efficient system of leadership that satisfied the people and allowed him to get some rest.
Do you have friends who are willing to help you when things get tough? Are you willing to listen to others when they offer godly advice? There are times we cannot accomplish all the things God wants us to do without accepting the help of others. God never intended for us to make it through life on our own.
Comments