Exodus 17
-The children of Israel made their way in stages to Rephidim
in the wilderness further south into the Arabian Peninsula. The problem here,
as with many places in the wilderness (desert), is that water supply is limited
and can get virtually non-existent. You can image the fear that this naturally produces.
It led to quarreling with Moses and testing of the LORD (Exodus 17:2). They
felt like they were being brought out to be killed rather than delivered at
this point, but God produced another miracle of provision for them. Moses
struck the rock at the LORD’s command at Horeb and water poured out of it.
Therefore the name of this place was Massah (test) and Merribah (quarrel)
because the people doubted that God was amongst them. *Application* God often
puts us through these tests and trials in life to reveal our heart towards him.
His design is to build our faith in ever increasing measure. He will never
leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Joshua 1:5, Hebrews 13:5). This is
His promise that we must depend on and cling to in every circumstance. Rest in
Him with your faith (Hebrews 11:1-6).
-Now Amalek invades. This is a tribe of the grandson of Esau
who were nomadic warriors who lived in the desert and made frequent raids on
settlements for booty (Genesis 36:12). They basically killed for pleasure. An
ancient pirating system if you will. The nature of man doesn’t change and his
heart is only for evil continually apart from the grace of God (Genesis 6:5,
Titus 2:10-12). Joshua, introduced for the first time in Scripture, is given
leadership in this first battle against the enemy as Moses stations himself on
the top of the hill with the staff of God in hand. Moses took Hur and Aaron and
went to the top of the hill where he could see the battle and raise his staff
of the LORD over the scene. When he lifted his staff Israel prevailed, and when
he let his hand down, Amalek (the enemy) prevailed (Exodus 17:11). Moses had
assistance to give him a seat and keep his hands raised from Hur and Aaron and
the victory was gained. *Application* This underscores how devoted men of God
should help and assist spiritual leaders in the spiritual battles that take
place. They stood with him and would not let him down shouldering some of the
responsibility of the outcome.
-*Application* Amalek is a picture (or type) of Satanic
forces that invade in a new believers life once rescued from the domain of
darkness into the everlasting light of Jesus Christ. Just because one is free
from the burden of slavery, doesn’t mean that there will not be attacks of the
enemy as we see here in the passage. In fact just as with Amalek we with the
LORD as our helper will have war with Satanic forces perpetually from
generation to generation (Exodus 17:16). God will eventually blot out the
memory of Amalek from under Heaven (Exodus 17:14), but there is going to be
turbulence in the meantime. The tension is real and there will always be
resistance. The key is living life in the power of God through his Holy Spirit
to thwart off the attacks of the enemy every time they arise, and they will
arise guaranteed. Keep your hands raised in victory as Moses and get faithful
accountability partners who will help you in the fight. Amalek can be overcome!
-One last word in this chapter. Joshua’s development as a
leader is important. He will be the one to eventually take the children of
Israel into the Promised Land and devour the enemies of the LORD there. This
was a training ground where he learned skills and strategy with the help of God
Almighty.
Verse to Memorize:
Exodus 17:6
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