Daily Devotions
Exodus
"I, even I, have spoken; Yes, I have called him, I have brought him, and his way will prosper." Isaiah 48:15
Text: Exodus 17 : 12-16
DETERMINED TO WIN
What was in Joshua’s mind as he battled Amalek with his brave army? One may be very sure that they were determined to win the battle! Moses must have possessed the same mindset! As the hours wore on, Moses began to tire. However, the battle was not decisively won yet. He determined that he would not let Joshua down. That young man was doing his part as best he could. He knew however that it was not enough. He must prevail in intercessory prayer!
“But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone
and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur
supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on
the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down
of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with
the edge of the sword.”
EXODUS 17:12-13
Moses did not let Israel down! He had chosen a good military commander in Joshua. He, in turn had chosen his band of fighting men well! They had fought bravely! All knew that the victory was God-given in answer to the prayers that Moses had offered to the Lord in intercession! God, had taught Israel many spiritual lessons at this time! Had the children of Israel learned the appropriate lessons?
BATTLE WITH AMALEK TO BE REMEMBERED
The war waged against Amalek was an important one. It was not to be forgotten! Thus the following word was to be spoken to the children of Israel.
“Then the LORD said to Moses. ‘Write this for a memorial
in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will
utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.'”
EXODUS 17:14
Amalek was to be punished for daring to attack the children of Israel! Their punishment was severe, but it befitted their malice against Israel! Their name would be forever blotted out!
“THE-LORD-IS-MY-BANNER”
In commemoration of this event, and in the tradition of the patriarchs, Moses erected an altar to offer grateful worship to the Lord.
“And Moses built an altar and called its name,
‘The-LORD-Is-My-Banner,’ for he said,
‘Because the LORD has sworn: The LORD will have war
with Amalek from generation to generation.'”
EXODUS 17:15-16
The LORD was indeed Israel’s Banner! If only Israel would appreciate Him!