The Way
Two Raised Hands
Hands that did not come down until sunset
Story
At Rephidim, Amalek came and attacked Israel. Moses said to Joshua, Choose some men and go out to fight Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand. The next day Joshua went out to fight, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. From the valley below rose the clash of swords.
Whenever Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. As the battle wore on, Moses' arms grew heavy. Aaron and Hur brought a stone and sat him on it, and they held up his hands, one on one side and one on the other. His hands stayed steady until the sun went down.
Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. The Lord said to Moses, Write this in a book to be remembered, and make sure Joshua hears it. I will blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Moses built an altar there and called it The Lord Is My Banner.
Walk this scene on the map →God's Words
Write this in a book as a reminder, and make sure Joshua hears it. I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.
Choose some men and go out to fight Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Ex 17:8–16
Background
This is the first appearance of Joshua in the Bible. The Amalekites were descendants of Esau, nomads who roamed the Negev in the south and the Sinai wilderness. Deuteronomy says they attacked from behind those who were weary and lagging.
Pause and Reflect
Who will gladly hold up my hands when I grow tired?