The battle against Amelech – Preaching
Preaching Outline Exodus 17:8-13 – ⁸ Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us men, and go out and fight against Amalek; tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill, and the rod of God will be in my hand. So Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought against Amalek; but Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it happened that when Moses raised his hand, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.
But Moses’ hands were heavy, so they took a stone and put it under him to sit on it; and Aaron and Hur held up their hands, one on one side and the other on the other side; so their hands remained firm until the sun went down.
So Joshua destroyed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
Introduction to Exodus 17:8-13
When the people of Israel were leaving Egypt, the Amalekites came to fight against them in the Valley of Rephidim. Moses ordered Joshua to choose the men and go out to fight against their enemies. Meanwhile, Moses would be on the top of the mountain with the Staff of God in his hand.
DEVELOPMENT
While the people were fighting in the valley, Moses, Aaron and Hur went up on the hill to be in the presence of the Lord in intercession.
When Moses’ hands were raised holding the rod, Israel prevailed in battle; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed (vs. 11).
The Lord’s church has faced many struggles every day on its journey through this world, like Israel on its journey through the desert. God has used the ministries (his hand) to, through his Holy Spirit, guide the church and grant it victory against the adversary.
Victory depends on the position of the ministry, that is, on a ministry that is adjusted and ordered according to the guidance of the Spirit (the staff, the rod), on a government exercised in obedience (hands raised). In this position, the church will be victorious. However, if the ministry faces difficulties and falters in raising its hands, the church will be defeated.
There were times when Moses’ hands became too heavy, and he put them down. At various times in our lives we face great struggles, and weariness comes, sometimes discouragement and the desire not to walk. Moses is a type of each one of us on this journey before the Lord, regardless of our service in the Church, each one of us faces many struggles.
Aaron and Hur very much represent the communion of brothers, of the Lord’s servants. When we see that there are some who are faltering along the way, we help them in prayer and come to their aid, whatever the need.
So Aaron and Hur took a stone and put it under him to sit on it, and then they held his hands and steadied them until sunset.
The first help comes from the Lord, the stone laid for Moses to sit on. Jesus is the cornerstone, the rock of salvation, in him we can rest. Then hands are raised, faith is restored and God’s action prevails to give us victory.
So Joshua cut Amalek down with the edge of the sword (vs. 12 and 13).
Conclusion of Exodus 17:8-13
Each of us has our own service in God’s house, but in communion with the Lord and with our brothers and sisters, the Lord strengthens us and gives us victory.
Preaching Outline Exodus 17:8-13 – ⁸ Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us men, and go out and fight against Amalek; tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill, and the rod of God will be in my hand.
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