Daily devotional · September 20
Hands Held Up
“After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.” Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 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.”
Israel is fighting Amalek in the valley while Moses, Aaron and Hur stand on the hill above. As long as Moses holds up his hands, Israel prevails; when he lowers them, the enemy gains ground. His arms grow heavy, as anyone's would. Then his friends do something beautiful: they place a stone for him to sit on, and each stands at one side to hold up his arms until sunset. The victory in Exodus 17:12 is won by a team, some fighting below, some praying above, and some simply holding a tired friend steady. We often imagine spiritual strength as a solo achievement. But God designed us to hold each other's arms. Today, think of a person who is close to exhaustion, in ministry, caregiving, or a long illness. Send them a note that says, I am holding you up, and add a concrete offer, such as a meal, an errand or an hour of your time.
Also read
“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.”
Exodus 17:12
Prayer
God, thank you for the people who hold up my arms. Show me whose arms I can hold up today.