While the Israelites are still at Rephidim in the wilderness, they face another trial of a different kind. This time they are attacked by the Amalekites. This was the first time they encountered a military force to fight against in battle. The Amalekites were most likely descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau. This will not the last time that Israel will battle these desert-dwelling people. In our text we are introduced to Joshua and Hur the son of Caleb. Joshua’s appearance in this battle foreshadows his role in taking the Promised Land. The description of the battle is brief, but amazing – Moses said to Joshua “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword. (Ex 17:9-13)
