Exodus 17:13

Exodus 17:13

I. Amalek, as we learn from Deuteronomy 25:18, had "smitten the hindmost, even all that were feeble." The stragglers are always a temptation to the foe. The hindmost and the feeble are sure to be the first attacked, and therefore should have special care.

II. Joshua discomfited Amalek,not Moses or some other friend. Let us keep our bitterness for sin, and our swords for the King's enemies.

III. Amalek is not to be beaten without a fight. The struggle against sin is real, as we shall find to our cost if we are not wary.

IV. Moses was for each minding his own work, Joshua to fight, and himself to take the top of the hill.

V. Moses on the hill is an emblem of public prayer. There is a mystery about prayer that we cannot unravel. One of the bravest of Christian soldiers, scarred with many a fight, said, "I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands."

VI. How much even the mightiest of men are dependent upon others much weaker than themselves. It was well for the fortunes of the day that Moses was not alone.

VII. An altar marked the place of battle, and glory was given to the Lord of hosts. The soldiers of the Cross should call the battlefields where they have won their bravest fights by the name of Him to whom they ascribe all might and majesty.

T. Champness, New Coins from Old Gold,p. 66.