10

Having left the Red Sea and the Egyptians behind them, Moses led the Israelites toward the Promised Land. Daily they were being guided by the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Every phase of their continuing journey brought new and unexpected developments. In each situation Moses turned to the place of prayer with the Lord to discover His will and plan.

At Marah, where the water was bitter, "The people murmured against Moses! … And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD showed him a tree." (Exodus 15: 24, 25)

In the wilderness, where the people complained that Moses intended "to kill this whole assembly with hunger! … Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven." (Exodus 16: 3, 4)

At Rephidim: "Thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children with thirst …And Moses cried unto the LORD." (Exodus 17: 3, 4)

"God never does anything, except in answer to prayer!" (Wesley) The essential place of prayer in the work of God with His people is also clearly demonstrated in the next developments.

"Amalek" was a nomadic tribe which had taken their name from the grandson of Esau: Amalek. (Genesis 36:12) Throughout the Old Testament they are most often referred to as the Amalekites. They had broken away from the main group of the descendents of Esau, who are referred to as the Edomites. The nomadic tribe had set up their own tribal structure independent of this main group.

It obviously meant nothing to this nomadic tribe of Amalek that they, like the Israelites, were the descendants of Abraham. Having gone their own way, they answered to no one, and identified with no one else either. Their way of life and other characteristics suggests that they had totally rejected everything which may have identified them with Abraham.

Unlike the Israelites, they had lived free for centuries, wandering through the deserts which they had made their home. They had developed the fighting skills which had enabled them to hold their own against other tribal groups which may have invaded their territory. These facts placed the Israelites at a marked disadvantage when the Amalekites decided to attack. The Israelites had been in bondage in Egypt. They had been systematically denied the opportunity to develop any military skills, either offensive or defensive. These circumstances gave to the Amalekites a clear advantage as they prepared to attack the Israelites.

The Amalekites had become aware that the Israelites were planning to move through their territory. They were well informed as to who this huge crowd of people were, as well as having some idea of what their objective was. They saw a people who appeared to be most vulnerable to attack. Even as they felt convinced that they could not only win in such a confrontation, but also that there promised to be considerable spoils of war waiting to be claimed.

Initially they would have launched probing attacks on some of the smaller groups of stragglers. In doing so, they discovered that these Israelites were untrained and ill-equipped to repel such attacks. This experience made the Amalekites much bolder in their attacks. The point was reached where they were convinced that the entire group was completely vulnerable. The spoils were theirs for the taking. So they launched an attack on the entire group.

There are important lessons which the Christian can learn from these developments. For example, the attacks which we will inevitably face will come much sooner than we often anticipate... most often from quite unexpected sources. New converts and weak Christians are always subject to antagonism and opposition. Yet the enemy will not limit his attacks to such as these. Most Christians today are so very vulnerable. The reason for this is in the fact that they have allowed themselves to remain both poorly equipped and untrained in the area of spiritual conflict. They assume that they would never have to face such situations.

We should also notice the fact that when the enemy is able to win easy victories, it gives him greater boldness in his attacks on the people of God. He must be resisted in the Name of the Lord and in His strength! What a challenge this is -- a challenge to every Christian who seeks to effectively live for the Lord -- a strong challenge to develop and deepen our prayer lives!

Moses immediately identified the danger and moved to counter the threat. He was determined that the very serious threat seen in the attacks of Amalek would not be allowed to grow increasingly dangerous.

There was a twofold threat involved in these attacks. The immediate threat was to the very lives of the Israelites, or, at least, to many of them. Moses accepted it as his responsibility to move to meet and deal with that possibility. Beyond that, there was the threat which was being made against the will and purpose of the Lord for His people. If the Amalekites had their way, the Israelites would never make it to the land which the Lord had promised to give to them.

Once again, these things are recorded for our benefit. Have we really understood these issues? When the enemy attacks the people of God today, there is always a twofold objective which he is attempting to grasp. The first is his immediate objective: to inflict as much damage as he can to the people of God. Beyond that, he is attacking the perfect will of God... seeking to thwart the eternal purposes of God for His people, thus to rob the Lord of the glory which is due to Him.

Therefore, Moses recognized that action must be taken immediately, so he appointed Joshua to select men to form an army to defend the people. Remember, these people had just been released from slavery. They had neither training nor experience in fighting battles. Yet this was the very challenge which confronted them as they were being selected.

They had a choice. They could respond to the call to take up arms against the enemy, or they could let the enemy have his way. This is still the choice which continually confronts all of the people of God today! Will we willingly respond to the Lord's call to take a stand, or will we allow the enemy to do as he pleases?

"Fight!" That was their responsibility! Go out and take a stand against the vicious attacks of the enemy! This challenge called for real courage... for boldness ... the willingness to meet the enemy face to face with true determination ... committed to give to the utmost for the Lord and for His people!

But, it may be argued, they had no training! They had no experience. How could they be expected to stand against these experienced fighting Bedouins who were so ferocious in their assaults? This was not the time to debate. It was the time to take a stand and fight! That was their responsibility, even as it is our responsibility today! There is no time for debate. Someone must be ready and willing to take a stand and fight.

Far too many Christians today have opted to be spectators! They have so readily justified their attitude by a wide variety of empty excuses... excuses which are nothing but a futile attempt to cloak their cowardice and disobedience to the Word of the Lord. The need today is so very urgent. The consequences of our failure to respond are so very extensive -- eternally so! Vast numbers will be lost. Is it any wonder that the call rings out with increasing urgency: stand and fight!

"The rod!" It is so very significant for us to notice that a progressive transformation has taken place. When "the rod" was first mentioned, it was simply "a rod!" "And the LORD said unto him, what is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. And He said, Cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent." (Exodus 4: 2. 3) At that crucial time, the Lord had drawn Moses into fellowship with Himself in the place of prayer. It was in that fellowship of prayer that Moses began to see that, in the purposes of God, "a rod" began to take on special significance.

Later, at the Red Sea, which the Egyptians had become such an ominous threat, "a rod" is mentioned again. Moses was again sharing in the place of prayer with the Lord. He heard the Lord speak, "Lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea" (Exodus 14: 16).

First: "a rod!" Then God said to Moses: "Thy rod!" Now Moses says: "The rod of God!" The rod had become a vital symbol. It's significance was always being emphasized in the place of prayer. There it spoke of God's witness to His activity in power on behalf of His people!

Moses had appointed Joshua to lead the army out to fight the Amalekites. As he did so, he knew that the victory could only be won by the intervention of God in power as He moved to deliver His people. To "stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand” gave clear witness of the crucial role of Moses. He was committed to enter into fellowship with God in the place of prayer, there to share the battle as he gave himself to the most urgent intercession.

His objective: to seek and to claim by faith the intervention of God ... God's involvement in the battle in power on behalf of His people. This was their most urgent need. In the attitude of Moses, we see the confirmation of the principle: "God never does anything, except in answer to prayer!"

It is so crucial that we grasp the significance of the combination -- fight and pray! Do everything humanly possible to win the day as though everything depended on you. At the same time look to God in urgent prayer and intercession, claiming His intervention. As though everything depended on Him.

Both are so absolutely essential. Today, we must do everything we possibly can as though everything did depend solely on our efforts. We must urgently look to God in prayer and intercession knowing that everything does depend on His intervention in power. Which of these is the most important? The following verses so clearly answer that question

"Joshua did as Moses said unto him!" Do not pass lightly over the order of the statements in these verses. The Holy Spirit is throwing light on crucial spiritual principles which are of the utmost importance to us. First, Moses told Joshua, "Choose us out men, and go out, and fight." And, "I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand." Second, "Joshua did as Moses said!" Then, "Moses and Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill!"

The principle which is so clearly illustrated is that obedience is the first priority! The commitment to obey the Word of the Lord is the foundation on which to stand and pray. There is no other foundation!

There is no one who illustrates this principle more clearly than the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul wrote of Him: "He became obedient!" (Philippians 2: 8) "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him." (Hebrews 5: 8, 9) In His prayer, "I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do!" (John 17: 4)

Without obedience, prayer becomes nothing but an empty charade! Without that sincere commitment to obey, all attempts at intercession are utterly futile. This truth reveals the reason that so much "prayer" goes unanswered. The Lord seeks, in fact, requires, the sincere love and devotion which honors Him, which is committed to humbly obey His Word. As He finds it, He always answers prayer ... gloriously. "The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." (2 Chronicles 16: 9)

So “Joshua fought with Amalek." He fully accepted the obligation which Moses had entrusted to him. "Go and fight!" He went and fought!

It is well to remember this fact: Joshua himself entered into this obligation in spite of the fact that he was completely inexperienced. He had no training. He knew that every man under his command was as ill prepared for this assignment as he himself was, yet this was their responsibility. They accepted it! They applied themselves to the best of their ability. They went into battle against an experienced fighting force knowing that it could cost them their lives.

As Joshua accepted his obligation, he knew that Moses would faithfully carry out his responsibility. While one was in the valley fighting, the other would be on the hill interceding. He was counting on it! This combination was so crucial. In the valley, these men with their very limited resources were committed to do their utmost. They were trusting that the intercession of Moses on the hill would ensure that they would not have to face the battle alone!

What an inspiration this is to us. Our commitment is to be faithful in our obligation in the service of the Lord, knowing that the prayer of intercession is the one factor which can, and will, make the vital difference.

"And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed." (vv. 10, 11)

Moses was faithful to his commitment. He climbed to the top of the hill. He was accompanied by Aaron and Hur. From the top of the hill they would be able to observe the battlefield and the developments there. As soon as he arrived at the place of prayer, Moses gave himself to earnest, urgent intercession. This fact is so well illustrated by the expression: "Moses held up his hand!" The hand which held "the rod of God!"

He was not merely a spectator curiously watching the events as they unfolded in the valley below, he was a most serious and dedicated participant in the struggle! The fact that he was making a most vital contribution soon became remarkably clear.

There are some who claim to pray who, in reality, are little more than curious spectators. In the place of prayer, they know so little of the real struggle and wrestling in intercession. Yet it is that determined struggle and striving which is so vital in such prayer. Paul requested, "Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me." (Romans 15:30)

Moses, striving in intercession, was being used so effectively by the Lord! "When Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed!" The prayer on the hill was dramatically influencing the progress of the battle in the valley below! God used prayer! He still does! This is God's chosen method of giving to His people effective victory. Remember: "God never does anything, except in answer to prayer."

Some would want to dismiss this as nothing but coincidence! "When Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed!" The following statement contradicts such a claim: "When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed!"

It is unmistakably obvious! They key element in that battle was not the relative strengths of the two armies engaged in the conflict ... not their training, nor their experience ... not even their equipment. The one vital factor was not even to be found down on the actual battlefield ... rather it was found up on the hill ... there where one man fully entered into the conflict by agonizing in intercession for the people of God!

This is a most incredible demonstration for us -- revealing the unique and vital place of prayer. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, which can be substituted for prayer.

When Moses had climbed the hill, his eyes were on the Lord. His faith was fully focused on the Person of the Lord. He was convinced that Israel's victory could, and would, be claimed as the power of the Lord was released. There can be no doubt about the fact that his entire personality was utterly given over to claiming, in faith, all that God alone could do for His people.

There is an interesting difference between the statement in verse 11 and the one in verse 12. In verse eleven it is revealed: "Moses held up his hand!" -- the hand in which he held "the rod of God!" During the initial time of his intercession, his one strong hand was all he needed to confidently and boldly hold high "the rod of God!" But, then in verse twelve: "Moses hands were heavy!" "Hands!" -- both of them!

As Moses had persisted in his cry of faith for the presence, power, and victory of the Lord, he discovered that he had to patiently persevere in his intercession. At the beginning, the hand in which he held "the rod of God" was strong, but the passing of time spent in urgent intercession saw his hand begin to become tired.

The utter loyalty of Moses to the cause of God is seen as he refuses to rest. Instead, he raises his other hand to give added strength to the one holding "the rod of God". He was determined to continue to pray through until the victory was won.

Yet, still the battle continued. More time was spent in urgent intercession. Remember, Moses was more than eighty years of age, yet he sought to drive himself on in this most urgent ministry of intercession! He was human! The passage of time brought him inevitably to the point where his hands and arms became like lead. Though he struggled so valiantly, the moment came when his hands began to droop.

How this must have so deeply concerned him, greatly grieving him. The one thing he wanted to do was to be able to continue to hold his hands high ... identifying with the Lord ... holding on in desperate determination until the Lord gave the final victory! In this we see intercessory prayer in its most genuine, agonizing commitment ... resolved to hold on to the very last, no matter what the cost. He must not fail, either the Lord, or his people!

What do we know of such prayer? So many of those who would quickly criticize Moses for letting down his hands, reveal their complete ignorance of the true cost of genuine, vital intercession. God must do it! God alone could give to Israel the victory! In faith, Moses so desperately attempted to hold on until the victory was assured! He knew "God never does anything, except in answer to prayer!" "But, Moses' hands were heavy!”

"But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side: and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun." (v. 12)

As the hands of Moses became increasingly heavier, and he struggled to continue to hold high "the rod of God", he had help available to sustain him. Initially, Aaron and Hur may have been providing moral support for Moses as he interceded for the people of Israel. But the situation changed, revealing just how vital their personal presence proved to be.

As Moses grew increasingly weary, and his hands and arms became heavy, they were by his side to help him. Their role called for actual personal involvement ... not to be mere spectators. This vital team work made the crucial difference. Aaron and Hur realized that it was essential for Moses to be able to continue to hold high "the rod of God" in urgent intercession. They immediately made their commitment to do everything they could to enable him to continue interceding. They provided a stone for Moses to sit on. Then, one on each side, they provided the added strength necessary for Moses to continue to hold his hands high until the desired goal was achieved.

What an inspiration this should be to us today! The servant of the Lord faithfully seeking the face of the Lord in urgent intercession, pursuing this responsibility until utter physical exhaustion threatens to thwart his efforts. It does happen, even today! What is our response when we witness such developments? Do we stand back and criticize or, do we become personally and fully involved ourselves, making the commitment that we will share to ensure that the ministry of intercession perseveres until the victory is claimed?

What a team! Moses sitting on the stone ... physically exhausted, yet determined to continue to hold his hands high .... persevering in urgent intercession until the final victory is fully assured. Aaron and Hur willingly accepting the subordinate, yet very vital role of sustaining their leader ... resolved to stand by him and hold high his hands ... helping him until the final objective of the intercession is claimed in faith and victory.

God is never reluctant to respond to such sacrificial and faithful commitment. He does not reject such a genuine cry of faith in intercession, seeking to enlist His intervention on behalf of His people. He does hear! He does heed! He does answer! It is true: "God never does anything, except in answer to prayer." It is equally true: "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much!" (James 5:16)

By the help of Aaron and Hur, Moses was enabled to hold on to God! God so gloriously and graciously responded to his urgent and persistent intercession. This is a most exciting revelation, revealing as it does the vital personal relationship into which the Lord had drawn His servant.

What a thrilling inspiration this is to us today. What a challenge! Think of it: Everything that God accomplished for, in, and through His servant Moses, He desires to accomplish in His people today.

The victory was won! The attack of the Amalekites was so effectively repulsed! The Israelites would be able to proceed unhindered. There are three elements which contributed to this victory. It is of the greatest importance to us today to make careful note of each of these.

On the hill: Moses, Aaron, and Hur on the hill where the effective and powerful intercession takes hold of the Lord in persevering faith. Without this faithful urgent, persistent intercession, there could have been no victory.

On the battlefield: Joshua with the fighting men whom he had chosen ... all committed to give of their utmost in the battle. It is equally true to say that without their faithful and sacrificial commitment to personally enter the conflict; victory could not have been won!

The third essential: The Lord! He gave the victory. No one would dispute His right to claim the glory for the victory. Yet the Lord, in His will and wisdom, chose to make the urgent prayer of intercession absolutely essential to His being able to give them the victory ... even as He chose to make the sacrificial commitment of Joshua's fighting force essential to the victory!

Each one of us must seek and find our place in the plan and will of God. Each of us must recognize that we all do have an essential part to play, so that we can all together share the victory which the Lord gives -- the intercessory prayer of faith -- the humble response of complete obedience -- the constant reliance on the Lord to do all that He alone can do. "This is the LORD's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes."

"God never does anything, except in answer to prayer." What glorious, amazing things, the Lord seeks to do, when His people give Him the opportunity He desires. The key: PRAY!