Daily Devotions
Exodus
"For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; for how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another." Isaiah 48:11
Text: Exodus 17 : 8-9
ALL NEEDS MET
On three occasions, the children of Israel complained and contended with Moses concerning the issue of water supplies! They had also been deeply concerned about food supplies! Graciously, God met all their needs and more! The concerns of the children of Israel were essentially of a very mundane nature! Their spiritual eyes seemed to have been closed even when God graciously and lovingly provided for them!
A NEW AND POTENTIALLY MORE DANGEROUS SITUATION
Suddenly a more serious situation developed! Israel came under attack from the Amalekites!
“Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.”
EXODUS 17:8
The Amalekites were a war-like nation living in the vicinity of the Promised Land! They mounted a pre-emptive strike against Israel before they entered Canaan! Good military thinking on the part of the Amalekites. They must have thought that the best time for them to attack would be before Israel had a well-organised army! The children of Israel seemed easy prey at this point of time!
ORGANISED FOR WAR
Did the children of Israel question the leadership of Moses? They blamed him for leading them out of Egypt and making them go through moments of fear where they worried about fundamental problems like water and food supplies! What would they now say about his leadership with this new threat looming up next?
There was no time to lose. With great instinct and insight, Moses hurriedly prepared Israel for war.
“And Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose us some men and go out,
fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill
with the rod of God in my hand.'”
EXODUS 17:9
Two elements in Moses’ war strategy stand out. One was ordinary, the other extra-ordinary!
1. “Fight with Amalek”
Israel must not be afraid of war! We are first introduced to Joshua here! He would assume the role of military commander of the militia that had to be organized quickly. The army of Israel must take the battle to the Amalekites! This experience would stand them in good stead!
2. “I will stand on the hill with the rod of God in my hand”
The second element may not stand out in military strategies! Nevertheless, Moses had it right! He must invoke the name of God as the army of Israel entered into battle!