Moses’ Story: Rally ‘Round the Banner

Exodus 17:8-16

The Ten Signposts of the Bible
CAMDE—400—CALY
Creation. Abraham. MOSES. David. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to Come.

MOSES
Israel enslaved. Moses rescued. Midian. Burning bush. Excuses. 
Plagues. Passover. Exodus. Manna.

Do you ever feel tired? Weary from the struggle? Exhausted by the temptation that always seems just one stumble or one weak moment away from leading you into sin? Do you ever feel alone, as if you're the only one fighting the battle? Do you have anyone who walks with you, encourages you, and lifts you up when you are feeling vulnerable? 

As we explore God’s story through familiar characters in the Bible, we are reminded that we can't win our battles alone. In today’s passage, we learn two main lessons: we need others to walk with us on the journey, and most importantly, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus throughout. 

When God led Israel out of Egypt, he didn't take them on the shortest route to the promised land because they weren't ready for the inevitable battles ahead. The Philistines guarded the northern route, which was a concern. God didn’t want Israel to become overwhelmed by the enemy and turn back to Egypt (Ex. 13:17). But now, after crossing the Red Sea and experiencing the daily provision of manna, it’s time for Israel’s first battle—with the Amalekites. 

The Amalekites were desert nomads living south of Canaan. They were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. These wanderers earned their living by raiding others. I have read accounts that credit the Amalekites with mastering the use of camels in warfare. Certainly, two million former slaves wandering through the desert, pulling carts loaded with Egyptian plunder, would be easy targets. 

Moses instructed his military leader, Joshua, to prepare the men for battle because “Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand” (Ex. 17:9). Moses was never without the staff of God.

The next day, Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to a hilltop overlooking the battlefield to watch the Israelites fight the Amalekites. “Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed” (Ex. 17:11). But when he lowered his hand, the Amalekites gained ground. When Moses could no longer keep his hands raised, he sat down, and Aaron and Hur supported them. “So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword” (Ex. 17:12-13). 

Three observations to note here.

First, the word “steady” derives from the Hebrew root meaning “faithfulness—firm, steady, reliable, dependable.” There appears to be a double meaning here. As long as Moses’ hands remained steady, Israel was winning. It also acknowledges Moses as a steady, firm, reliable, and faithful servant.

Second, Moses held the staff of God, a visible symbol of his power, presence, and might. Moses lifted the staff high above his head as a tangible sign that God, who is supreme over all, was ensuring the victory. 

Third, God is supreme, and Moses was his faithful servant; yet Moses needed Aaron and Hur to help him hold up the staff. He couldn’t do it alone. In God’s story, his people do not sit on the sidelines. Moses, Aaron, and Hur worked together atop the hill while Joshua and the soldiers fought hand-to-hand on the battlefield. God remained supreme over it all.

After the battle, God said this to Moses:

Exodus 17:14-17
“Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner, saying, “A hand upon the throne of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

Moses called God, Yahweh Nissi, “The LORD is My Banner.”

In the ancient world, armies carried banners made of wood or metal, usually attached to a long staff or pole. The banner acted as an army’s identifying symbol. During the chaos and intensity of battle, it signaled where the army could rally, regroup, or return for instructions. 

Moses raised the staff of God high like a banner, seeking his power and blessing. He recognized God as Israel’s protector, the One to always trust and rely on for guidance and instruction. 

Today, you might feel lost in the heat of battle. You're worn down, weak, and spiritually disoriented. Sometimes, in the middle of the fight, it’s hard to tell friends from enemies. 

Maybe you've given up the fight and completely stepped away from the battlefield. You've gone off on your own. We understand that facing the enemy alone often results in defeat. 

Today, it's time to return home. Look up and identify the rallying point—the banner—the Person of Jesus. Make your way back to him. He is the One—the only One—to gather around. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Read and reflect on Exodus 17:8-16. What practical steps help you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus as your banner when the battle intensifies?

Talking to God: Ask God to help you apply these practical steps.

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