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Hands Toward Heaven, March 30
Exodus 17:8-16
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without
wrath and doubting.
1 Timothy 2:8
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Because of Israel’s disobedience and departure from God, they were allowed
to be brought into close places and to suffer adversity; their enemies were
permitted to make war with them, to humble them and lead them to seek God in
their trouble and distress....
When Israel was assailed by the Amalekites, Moses gave Joshua directions
to fight with their enemies
Moses and Aaron and Hur were stationed on a hill overlooking the battle-
field. With arms outstretched toward heaven, and holding the rod of God in his
right hand, Moses prayed for the success of the armies of Israel. As the battle
progressed, it was observed that so long as his hands were reaching upward,
Israel prevailed, but when they were lowered, the enemy was victorious. As
Moses became weary, Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands until the going down
of the sun, when the enemy was put to flight.
As Aaron and Hur supported the hands of Moses, they showed the people
their duty to sustain him in his arduous work while he should receive the word
from God to speak to them. And the act of Moses also was significant, showing
that God held their destiny in His hands; while they made Him their trust, He
would fight for them and subdue their enemies; but when they should let go their
hold upon Him, and trust in their own power, they would be even weaker than
those who had not the knowledge of God, and their foes would prevail against
them.
As the Hebrews triumphed when Moses was reaching his hands toward
heaven and interceding in their behalf, so the Israel of God prevail when they
by faith take hold upon the strength of their mighty Helper. Yet divine strength
is to be combined with human effort. Moses did not believe that God would
overcome their foes while Israel remained inactive. While the great leader was
pleading with the Lord, Joshua and his brave followers were putting forth their
utmost efforts to repulse the enemies of Israel and of God
[96]
48
Testimonies for the Church 2:106-108
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49
Patriarchs and Prophets, 299
.
97