WEDNESDAY October 6, 2021

How to Win the Battle

Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to 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.”
Exodus 17:8-9

Do you remember the story in the Old Testament of Israel’s battle against Amalek? When Israel left the area of the Wilderness of Sin, they came to Rephidim, a place where the people of God contented with Moses over their thirst for water. It is here that Amalek attacked Israel. Interestingly, in typology Amalek is always seen as a type of the flesh––the fleshly desires. In the Christian life, Amalek always needs to be defeated.

Moses strategically went on top of a hill and stood with the rod of God in his hand, while Joshua was sent into the battle against Amalek with some of his men. Moses raised his hands to the Lord. Try doing that one day and see how quickly you get tired! As long as Moses’ hands remained held high, Israel had victory over Amalek; but the moment his hands became weary and heavy, they started to come down. This is when Amalek prevailed (Exodus 17:10-11).

Moses was given a stone to sit upon, and his hands were continually held up by Aaron and Hur. With their help, Moses’ hands stayed steady all day long––until the setting of the sun. Meanwhile, Joshua defeated Amalek that glorious day––but victory was accomplished through prayer (Exodus 17:12-13).

What does this biblical account teach us? Moses’ hands that were held up represent prayer. He was interceding for Israel while Joshua was fighting with his sword down in the valley. Joshua’s sword represents the sword of the Spirit––the Word of God. Listen, it takes both prayer and the Word of God to defeat Amalek––our fleshly desires. That is the only way we can defeat the enemy. Prayer and God’s Word are needed for the victory.

Prayer brings inner strength to God’s warriors and sends them forth to spiritual battle with their muscles firm and their armor in place.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!