Rev. E. Anderson

PRAYING FOR A DRAMATIC CONQUEST

Reading    Exodus 17: 8-16

Text          v11

Introduction

God’s people found themselves unexpectedly with a fight on their hands so soon after their deliverance from Egypt. An enemy, the Amalekites, were desirous of engaging in a conflict and to reduce this newly born nation to great straits. It was not something that the Israel wanted but the issue had to be faced and effectively dealt with. Thankfully they had a leader who knew what to do and he was not overcome by this sudden turn of events.

He knew what divine strategy had to be adopted in order to see this enemy off and enable Israel to be victors. There was no way that he was to resort to human designs and means but made it obvious that if there was to be supreme triumph then the Lord must step in and show His power.

There are a number of lessons to be gathered from this incident and above everything is the knowledge that Moses was praying and believing for dramatic conquest.

1/.  HE TOOK A POSITION OF VISION AND AUTHORITY – v11

He realised that he needed to have a clear perception of the battle that was to ensue and so he secured a position of advantage where he would miss nothing as the clash proceeded. It was imperative that he was in touch with all that was to occur and he must have believed that where he was that was where the thing would be resolved. The rod of God was symbolic of spiritual power and might and with the possession of it and its right use would ensure the outcome. That rod had been employed before to immense success and it would not fail again as it was held up to determine this encounter.

2/.  HE ACCEPTED THAT HE REQUIRED ASSSITANCE - v10

 Moses was not going to be a loner in this enterprise but was glad that Aaron and Hur were willing to accompany him on this mission. Just to have these two men with him made him realise that he was not alone in this crucial conflict. For them to be present and see what was to happen was vital training and instruction and as they saw what was about to see take place would be a lasting lesson learned. It is evident Christ sought partnership in prayer when He was engaged in spiritual conflict – Matthew 26: 38, 40.

3/.  HE LIFTED UP HIS HANDS IN INTERCESSION – v11

       The raising of the hands in this fashion is indicative of a prayerful, mediatorial posture, where the individual is pleading for some divine intervention. As he keeps his hands up the significance is that Israel prevailed so it was essential that he maintained this stance. It was imperative that he be able to perform this task so that there would be overwhelming victory. But there is the unveiling of the human and natural element. His hands and arms begin to tire and began to droop and as they did so the enemy started to gain the upper hand. It could be discerned that this was the place where the conflict would be resolved.

4/.  HE APPRECIATED THE SUSTAINING SUPPORT OF OTHERS – v12

       Aaron and Hur were alerted to this fact and sensed they were providentially there to play an active role. They didn’t wait to be asked because they knew that they must get alongside and uphold the arms of Moses. This great servant would not be able to say it was he that was responsible for the supreme conquest because he needed moral and spiritual support. These two men became major pillars and props that day and so saved a situation.

5/.  HE RECEIVED CONFIRMATION THAT THIS VICTORY WAS A SETTLED ISSUE – v14

       The divine promise came assuring that Amalek would never be a threat again, ever. It would not simply be an initial success; Amalek would be effectively dealt with in the future so that God’s people should never fear any uprising in the future. This people were destined to defeat.

6/.  HE COULD RAISE UP AN ALTAR OF THANKSGIVING AS A CONSEQUENCE – v16

       When battles have been engaged in and been won according to divine direction then there will be every reason to raise an altar of praise to God. The Lord would always be a banner amongst them and it did not matter who the nations were that threatened their existence and continuance, as they raised it, he would be there alongside to give strategy and victory as long as they prayed.

CONCLUSION

The first battle and conquest was to be but the forerunner of many more. As they dealt with this formidable force in such a manner, there was no reason why all other antagonists shouldn’t be overcome.