The Amalekites Defeated

The Amalekites Defeated

Q: The Israelites were winning against the Amalekites as long as

• a. Moses held his staff up.
• b. the sun was high in the sky.
• c. a sacrifice was burning on an altar.

While the Israelites were camped at Rephidim, where God gave them water from a rock, the Amalekite warriors attacked. Moses called for Joshua and put him in charge of the battle. Moses said he would stand at the top of the hill and hold up his staff. This was the same staff he’d used to part the Red Sea and to bring forth water from the rock. So while Joshua and some men went to fight, Moses climbed to the top of the hill, along with his brother, Aaron, and their friend Hur.

As long as Moses held his staff up, the Israelites were winning. When he lowered it, the Amalekites began to win. If you’ve ever tried to hold your arms up over your head for very long, then you know the problem with that. Moses’ arms became tired. Aaron and Hur found a rock for Moses to sit on. Then they held his arms up for him. The fighting went on until sunset, when the Israelites finally defeated the Amalekites.

It might seem like Moses’ staff had special powers, but the power was really God’s. The staff was a reminder that God was with them, and that the Lord has the power over any enemy. Moses couldn’t continue to hold the staff by himself, but with the help of two friends he was able to hold it up until the Israelites were victorious.

For You

Even though God called Moses to be a leader, Moses still needed help. It’s important to have Christian friends to pray for you, offer you encouragement, and help you as you try to live the way Jesus wants you to live each day. You can do the same for them. Can you think of two friends who would support you like Aaron and Hur did for Moses?

Answer: a

As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage.   Exodus 17:11

(The Whole Story: Exodus 17:8-16)