Joshua did just as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. So it came about, when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed; but when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. And Moses’ hands were heavy. So they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. So his hands were steady until the sun set. And Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
~ Exodus 17:10-13
If you’re not already doing so, please spend time daily in the Bible. God’s Word is so amazing—and every book and chapter, from Genesis to Revelation, points to and reveals Jesus. It’s living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and the Holy Spirit will consistently show you things you never saw before…even from verses you’ve read seemingly a thousand times. Don’t know where to start? The book of 1 John is a wonderful launchpad to a Biblical view of the Christian life. I say all that to say this: In reading Exodus 17 the other day, I came upon the Israelites’ first battle post-Egyptian-escape and smiled at the beautiful scene in verses 10-13 that struck me afresh.
See, the millions of Israelites who Moses led out of slavery were not fighters—they were brick makers/layers. But to enter into the land that God promised them, they had to defeat and conquer the enemies currently in the areas they needed to go. These were God’s enemies too, by the way. Enemies He promised to help His people overcome by fighting for and with them. This journey to the Promised Land is full of the Israelites grumbling, doubting, complaining, and disobeying—but that’s way too much to go into now. Suffice it say that in this, their first battle, they went in faithfully. Moses went up a hill overlooking the battlefield, taking Aaron (his brother) and Hur with him, along with the staff of God. As he held the staff high, the Israelites prevailed. But when he lowered it, they would start losing. According to my favorite commentary, the staff symbolized God’s personal and powerful involvement. Moses’ uplifted arms represented his appeal to the Lord. And the upholding/lowering of the staff demonstrated the people’s dependence upon God for victory—not their own strength and zeal (per John MacArthur’s Study Bible).
All wonderful insights. But what the Holy Spirit reminded me of in reading this familiar scene is this: We all need Aaron and Hurs in our walk with the Lord. To uphold our arms as we weary of our own fight. To remind us of our own dependence on the Lord. To encourage us with words and actions.
Friend, who supports your hands (and heart and mind and spirit) in your battles? If you have an Aaron and Hur in your life, praise the Lord! Cultivate those mat-carrying friendships (Luke 5:17-26) through consistent time, authenticity, and intentionality. But you may be thinking, “Huh, I’m not sure who I could call on to walk up a mountain with me and support my arms toward a victorious outcome.” Beloved, please make this a priority in your life. We are not meant to walk through this world alone—the Lord made us for community.
So, if you need to find an Aaron and Hur (or “him/hur”, as the case may be), let’s get practical.
First, if you don’t attend a local church, GO! The post-Covid online opportunities for worship have made many Christians lazy. The Bible is clear that we’re not to give up meeting together (Hebrews 10:24-25). So, get out of your pajamas on Sunday and go to church! If you go, but don’t know anyone there beyond facial recognition and a weak, “Good morning” greeting, SERVE! By joining a serve team (greeting, pouring coffee, holding babies), you’ll get to know your church family members and start fostering friendships. Bonus, you’ll be filled with the joy of the Lord in the service of others (Acts 20:35). Feeling lost amid the big Sunday crowd? JOIN!I’m certain that within whatever kind of church you attend there are small groups (aka, life groups, family groups, disciple groups, etc.). This is how we forge strong bonds—meeting weekly in small community to dive deeper into God’s Word, share struggles and wins, and pray for one another.
Girls, find your Hur. Guys, your Aarons are out there. Go. Serve. Join. And enjoy the victory.
Lord, You made us for community—to be a reflection of the inherent community within the Trinity. May I vigorously pursue and intentionally cultivate relationships that bring me closer to my brothers and sisters…and to You.
encouraged by grace 