“The Amalekites attacked the Israelites…Moses said to Joshua, “go out and fight against the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with THE STAFF OF GOD IN MY HANDS.” So Joshua fought against the Amalekites. Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses HELD HIS HANDS UP, the Israelites WERE WINNING. But every time he lowered his hands, the Amalekites BEGAN TO WIN.” (Exo. 17:8-11) This was the same staff Moses used to part the sea so the Hebrews could be delivered from Egypt. It was a sign of God’s power and presence, and so it would be lifted up before the people as a reminder that God would FIGHT FOR THEM against their enemies. The lifted rod served to bolster the faith and encourage the fearful hearts of Israel as they warred against the Amalekites. When we know that GOD IS WITH US, that it is by HIS POWER WE ARE SAVED, our faith is strengthened and the battle goes our way.
Remember, “The 1effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man 2avails much.” (James 5:16) 1energeō: be mighty in, 2ischuō: the Lord strengthening with combative, confrontive force. Moses’ task to lift up the rod was not merely an encouragement to the Israelites of God’s presence, but it was, his MIGHTY COMBATIVE AND CONFRONTING FORCE OF INTERCESSORY prayer to God.
-Bill Stockham