Battle with the Amalekites  The Amalekites attack Israel at Rephidim. Moses commands Joshua to lead the army while he stands on a hill with God’s staff. As long as Moses’ hands are raised, Israel prevails; when he lowers them, Amalekites gain ground. Aaron and Hur support Moses’ hands until sunset, ensuring Israel’s victory. God commands Moses to record this event, promising to blot out the Amalekites. Moses builds an altar and names it “The Lord is my Banner”, declaring that the Lord will fight against Amalekites for generations. Dependence on God: Israel’s survival hinges on God’s provision of water and victory. Leadership under pressure: Moses faces both the people’s anger and external enemies. Community support: Aaron and Hur’s role shows the importance of shared strength in leadership. God’s covenant faithfulness: He provides, protects, and promises justice.

(It reads in Exodus 17:8–16)

At Rephidim, the Amalekites came and they fought against the Israelites.  Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose some of our men. Then go out with them and fight against the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill, and I will hold God’s stick in my hand.’ So, Joshua fought against the Amalekites. He did what Moses had told him to do. Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. When Moses lifted up his hands, the Israelites were winning in the fight. But when Moses brought his hands down, the Amalekites were winning. Moses’ hands became very tired. So, Aaron and Hur put a big stone under Moses for him to sit on. Then Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands. Aaron stood on one side of Moses, and Hur stood on the other side. They held his hands up, until sunset.  As a result, Joshua and his men destroyed the Amalekite army in the fight. Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write down what happened here in a book. Then people will remember it. Read it aloud for Joshua to hear. Say that I will completely destroy all the Amalekites. Nobody in the whole world will remember them anymore.’ Then Moses used big stones to build an altar. He called it ‘The Lord is my flag in war’. Moses said, ‘Take hold of the Lord’s flag! The Lord will always continue to fight against the Amalekites.’

Father God, my Defender, You are the Banner lifted high over my life. When battles rise against me, remind me that victory comes through Your strength, not mine.  Thank You and praise You for the companions who hold me up when I grow weary, and for the promise that You fight for me from generation to generation. Let my hands be raised in faith, my heart steadfast in trust. Love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.