Stayed Up His Hands

Reading:   Exodus 16:11-36, Exodus 17-19

DAY 100!!

There is, surprisingly, a lot more murmuring in these chapters but I think I've ridden that horse enough and will discuss a different topic.  As the Israelites continued on their journey they came across a militant people led by a man named Amalek.  Moses selects an able man, Joshua, from among the Israelites and appoints him to gather together an army and march forth against Amalek.  Joshua does as he was directed and battles mightily with Amalek.  Moses, Aaron, and Hur (possibly the brother-in-law of Moses and Aaron) go to a hill above the battle in order to watch the proceedings.  At some point during the battle, Moses raises his arms up over his head and his troops seem to rally, when he lowers his arms the troops tend to falter.  Moses, therefore, decides to hold up his arms indefinitely...

EXODUS 17:14-15

11    And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 

12    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. 

This is an awesome example of a mighty man accepting assistance in a time of need.  There is no indication that he asked for help but Aaron and Hur produced a chair for Moses to sit upon and then each steadied one of the outstretched arms of Moses and held it in place throughout the day.  Unwavering willingness to assist their literal brother.  What a great, inspiring, moment! And yes, the servant army of Israel won the day.

~Kipling