Israel’s celebration (Exodus 15) regarding their exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:29-51) was halted as they entered into the wilderness (Exodus 13:17-21) where they encountered a pursuing Egyptian army (Exodus 14), lack of water (Exodus 15:22-27), and lack of food (Exodus 16). God overcame each obstacle, but the Israelites were struggling to trust in Him for protection and provision. Even though God had already provided water for the children of Israel once before (Exodus 15:22-27), God gave them another chance to trust His daily provision in the wilderness. Israel left their camp in the Wilderness of Sin and journeyed to Rephidim, “…but there was no water for the people to drink” (17:1). Rather than asking God to provide for their needs, they fought against Moses saying, “Give us water, that we may drink” (17:2a). Moses quickly responded to their complaints by asking, “Why do you contend with me? Why do you tempt the Lord?” (17:2b). Moses’ words warned the people against evoking God’s anger for their obvious lack of faith; however, they did not seem to care about his warning because they continued to complain saying, “Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” (17:3). The continued complaints of the Israelites caused Moses to cry out to the Lord saying, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me” (17:4). God heard the prayer of Moses and told him to go with his staff and strike the rock, which would result in water coming out of it so that the people could drink (17:5-6). Moses obeyed God’s instructions and water miraculously flowed from the rock as God had promised. Moses called the place Massah and Meribah, meaning “testing” and “contending” (17:7). Israel was still not convinced that God would be faithful to them.
While Israel was encamped in Rephidim, Amalek (leader of the Amalekites) came to battle with them so Moses told Joshua, “ Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand” (17:8-9). Joshua obeyed Moses and an army of Israel went out to fight against Amalek; furthermore, Moses took Aaron and Hur to the top of the hill to watch the battle (17:10). ”And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed” (17:11). The outcome of this battle was being controlled by Moses lifting up the staff, which came to signify the personal presence of God. When Moses’ hands became tired from lifting up the staff, Aaron and Hur “…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 the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun” (17:12). This is a wonderful picture of the importance of supporting one another during times of testing. With the help of Aaron and Hur, Moses was able to keep the rod of God lifted up and the Israelites defeated the Amalekites (7:13). God wanted Joshua to remember this victory so He commanded that Moses write that Amalek would be remembered no more (17:14). Also in celebration of the victory, Moses built an altar and named it “The Lord is My Banner” (17:15-16). God was evidencing His faithfulness to Israel, but they would need to learn to trust Him.
Dear God, may my trust always be in You.
I am really enjoyed your studies. It is very helpful to me.
I’m glad they have been helpful, John! Thanks for reading.