The Unseen Soldier

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Exodus 17:8-15

TO CHEW ON: "So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning." Exodus 17:10,11

As the dust clouds on the horizon got bigger, word spread through the camp: “Someone is coming!” Soon the Israelites could make out galloping camels and on their backs, desert nomads. It was the Amalekites. Did they come in peace or war? Before the men could get organized, the raiders reached the camp and attacked.

The Bible doesn’t tell us if the Amalekites came to kill people or to steal the stuff. But we do know that soon after this attack, Moses told Joshua to pick some men and go after those quarrelsome Amalekites.

While the men fought, Moses stood on a hill above the battle, watching and raising his hands as a prayer for God’s help. Soon he noticed an interesting thing. As long as his arms were up, the Israelites were winning. But as soon as his arms got tired and he put them down, the Amalekites were winning.

"Moses on the mountain during the battle" - James Tissot

1. How did Moses solve the problem of keeping his arms up? (Ex. 17:12)
2. Who finally won the battle? (Exodus 17:13)
3. What two things did the Israelites need to win this battle?

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for helping us in our battles. Amen

MORE: Fighting Your Battles
Though you probably don’t fight enemies with swords on camels, like the Israelites did, I’m sure your battles are just as real.

- What battles do you fight?

- You too can win those battles with the two things the Israelites used: 1. Prayer and 2. Actions.

Next time you face a hard test at school, are having trouble with a bully, are trying out for the team – or whatever your ‘battle’ -- ask someone (parents, grandparents, friend, Sunday School teacher) to hold up their hands for you in prayer. Then go out with confidence to do what you need to do, and win your battle!

Answers

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.