Read Exodus 17:8-16 Israel Defeats the Amalekites

"And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. And Moses builds an altar and called its name, "The LORD-Is My-Banner." (Exodus 17:11, 15)

I like tug-of-war while in school. We are careful to choose the strong one with strong feet as well. Here is another one quite similar but not dependence on skill and strength of the puller but on God.

It was not over for the Israelites as yet even after they had left Egypt and crossed the Red Sea. They were tested with bitter water when they came to Marah, then at the Wilderness of Sin there was lack of food. God provided them both water and manna. Now at Rephidim they got into a battle with the Amalekites.

The Amalekites were descendants of Amalek, a grandson of Esau. They came around the backside to attack the Israelites at their weakest point (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). Israel was instructed to destroy them when they come into the land.

What was their battle plan? The rod! Moses held up as a pledge of God's symbol of victory. Visible image of the power and the presence of God. The lifting up of the rod speaks of intercession (Exodus 17:8-16). Each time Moses lifts up his hand, that is raising the banner of the Lord Himself; the Israelites won.

The Amalekites is a type of the flesh. It is the idea of carnality that opposes God. The world system is anti-God in its philosophy. The flesh or the old sinful carnal nature remains in us even after we are saved. However, it has no more power to control us. We have the new nature in Christ. Paul wrote of it, For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. (Galatians 5:17)

We engage in spiritual warfare by putting on the full armour of God and lifting up the Name of the Lord. As leaders we intercede for our members and our hands do grow weary. We need the Aaron and Hur to come along and support us. Playing the second fiddle is thus as important to see the victory for God's people.

Prayer: Father God, the battle is Yours and You have entrusted us to engage in it. Lord, You are my Jehovah Nissi. You are the Captain of host of all angelic beings. I am engaged in warfare. Not of the flesh and blood but in spiritual realm. I take my stand from the place of victory You have given me in the power of Your Name. It is not by my might or power but by Your Spirit through intercession.

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