Support in the Lord’s Battle

 “Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.”  So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.  And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.  But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.  So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.” (Exodus 17:8-13).

One held the rod of God in his hand.  Another led the army of Israel in battle.  Others fought.  And two men supported Moses’ hands, one on one side and one on the other.

The gravity of Aaron’s and Hur’s service is evident because when Moses let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

Aaron’s and Hur’s service was effective, for Moses’ hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

So Aaron’s and Hur’s service was related directly to the defeat of Amalek and his people.

Support of the weak is needed in the kingdom of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:14), not so that they can stay weak, but so that they might become strong.  There is a responsibility on both ends.  The strong humbly and graciously gives it; the weak humbly and graciously receives it and takes responsibility for self to grow.

Support of the teaching and preaching of the truth is needed.  Such is accomplished through encouraging words (2 Timothy 3:10-14), intercessory prayers (Ephesians 6:19-20), and the first day of the week collection (Philippians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 16:2).

To the contrary, upholding the hands of  and justifying wrong-doers is an abomination:  “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 17:15).  And weakening the hands of and condemning those who do right is equally abominable.

Similar to Israel and Amalek battling, there is a great battle today for the souls of men.  Will you be on the side of truth and righteousness with all your support?               -Larry Jones