In Exodus 17 we find the Israelites up against Amalek. Verse 9, Moses tells Joshua to choose out his men and to fight; meanwhile, Moses will stand on top of the hill with the rod of God. Verse 11 states, “And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed and when he let down his hand Amalek prevailed. 

When I first read this to be completely honest I thought, what a weird response from Moses. But, this passage holds a beautiful picture to so many truths because of it. First it shows us, once again, that is not about us or what we do at all; it is all about our obedience to the Lord.

1 Samuel 15:2 “Behold, to obey is better to sacrifice.”

 Sacrifice here in this passage can be also translated to the word, worship. So, to obey is better than worship. Here we see Saul going up against Amalek, and he destroys them. But he did not obey the Lord’s command completely. Instead of destroying the Amaleks, Saul wanted to keep some for trophies or something of the sorts (I am not really sure of his reasoning). The scripture in 1 Samuel, says that he was keeping them in order to offer them as sacrifice to the Lord. I think it is easy for us to look at this and say what a good thing. Typically we tie sacrifice to the Lord’s will. However, the key is Saul did not act in complete obedience to what the Lord told him.

Are you acting in obedience to the Lord today?

Then continuing on in the passage of Exodus we see the second important truth shown; Moses’ arms get weary. The bible tells us that Aaron and Hur were on both sides of Moses holding his arms up. Showing that even a great leader as Moses needed help. He had the humility to let Aaron and Hur help. All they did essentially was hold Moses’ arms, but that was the turning point in the battle that allowed Israel to take the victory. 

Would you allow for Aaron and Hur to hold your arms up today?

I sat and pondered this question with the Lord this morning. It honestly is easy for me to run to the Lord. I have become such a Mary that could sit in the Lord’s Presence all day. But, with that the Lord has been teaching me to be interruptible for those who are around me. I have realized that a lot of the time I have missed out on my Aaron and Hur. This stems mainly from pride. To be honest with you, most of the time I do not want to invite people on my hillside with the Lord. It holds so much beauty to invite others in those broken places; And plus victories are often never reached alone.

Lastly, there is beauty in being willing to be a Aaron and Hur to those around us. I am sure if we all had a choice we would want to be the Moses: the one to whom the Lord gives the direct orders, the one who leads, the one whose name is mentioned the most. But, here in this passage without aaron and Hurr the battle would have been lost. 

Are you willing to be an Aaron and Hur to someone today?

Wow, Jesus, thank you for bringing me this passage right when I needed it the most. Thank you for Your Word that is so relevant and speaks directly to our needs today. God, I pray that Your Voice is the loudest and most clear above all the noise. I long to act in direct obedience to You and Your Word. Lead and guide us to be people as Aaron and Hur.

Your Beloved, Kel