In It Together! - Moses, Aaron, And Hur

Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.

Exodus 17:12

Ornithologists (scientists who study birds) have observed a great example of cooperation in common gulls. Like other birds, gulls need to preen themselves regularly to remove parasitic ticks. However, gulls have trouble reaching the parasites on their own heads. The birds solve that difficulty through cooperation. After they preen their own bodies, they take turns grooming one another’s heads.

Moses, Aaron, and Hur experienced the importance of cooperation during the Israelites’ battle against the armies of Amalek. Moses ordered Joshua, his top military man, to gather some men and go to battle. Moses’ important part in the battle plan was to provide spiritual support for his army.

Moses stood on a hill overlooking the battlefield, raised his hands, and held up the staff of the Lord, which represented Israel’s dependence on God. When he held up the staff, the Israelite soldiers had the advantage. When he became tired and dropped it, the Amalekites gained the upper hand.

Israel ran into problems when Moses became too tired to hold the staff up any longer. Israel’s army was in big trouble unless Moses, Aaron, and Hur could come up with a solution.

Thinking quickly, Aaron and Hur found a stone for Moses to sit on, then stood on either side of him and held up his hands. From that moment on, what had been a fierce battle became a decisive victory for the Israelites.

The problem was solved through cooperation!

Time and time again, God taught the people of Israel that they must utterly depend on him. That day, they learned another lesson on the importance of cooperation.

Are you a cooperative person? God never intended for you to live or operate independently of others. He has placed other believers in your life—including your own family and close friends—to give you encouragement, support, and assistance when you need it.