Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered: Moses, in the Battle With the Amalekites

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The account of Moses and the battle with the Amalekites is a profound example of answered prayer and divine intervention in the history of Israel. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 17:8-16. The narrative highlights the power of intercessory prayer and the importance of faith and obedience in the face of adversity.

Context and Background

The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe that descended from Esau and were known for their hostility towards the Israelites. As the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land, the Amalekites attacked them at Rephidim. This unprovoked assault led to a significant confrontation between the two groups.

The Role of Moses

Moses, the leader of the Israelites, played a crucial role in this battle. He instructed Joshua to choose men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Meanwhile, Moses, along with Aaron and Hur, went to the top of a hill overlooking the battlefield. The strategy was not merely a military one but deeply spiritual, relying on God's intervention.

The Power of Intercessory Prayer

As the battle commenced, Moses raised his hands, holding the staff of God. This act was symbolic of prayer and supplication to the Lord. The Bible records that as long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites prevailed, but whenever he lowered them, the Amalekites gained the upper hand. This vivid imagery underscores the belief that victory in battle was directly linked to divine support, accessed through prayer.

Exodus 17:11-13 states: "As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his army with the sword."

The Role of Aaron and Hur

The support of Aaron and Hur was instrumental in ensuring the success of Moses' intercession. By holding up Moses' hands, they demonstrated the importance of community and support in spiritual endeavors. This act of cooperation and unity among the leaders of Israel was crucial in maintaining the posture of prayer that led to victory.

Divine Victory and Memorial

The victory over the Amalekites was attributed to the Lord's intervention. After the battle, the Lord instructed Moses to write this event on a scroll as a memorial and to recite it to Joshua. This was to ensure that future generations would remember the power of God in delivering His people.

Exodus 17:14-16 records: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.' And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner. 'Indeed,' he said, 'a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD. The LORD will war against Amalek from generation to generation.'"

Significance

The battle with the Amalekites serves as a powerful testament to the efficacy of prayer and the necessity of reliance on God for victory. It illustrates the principle that while human effort is essential, ultimate success is granted by the Lord. The account of Moses' intercession is a reminder of the importance of steadfast faith, communal support, and the assurance that God hears and answers the prayers of His people.

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Exodus 17:8-14
Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
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Library

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A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
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The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
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