Moses, Aaron, and Hur on the Hill
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Topical Encyclopedia
Biblical Context:
The account of Moses, Aaron, and Hur on the hill is found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 17:8-16. This narrative occurs during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, a period marked by divine guidance and miraculous interventions. The Amalekites, a nomadic tribe, attacked the Israelites at Rephidim, prompting a significant battle that underscored the importance of faith, leadership, and divine assistance.

Moses:
Moses, the central figure in this narrative, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. Known for his close relationship with God, Moses often acted as an intermediary between God and the people. In this particular event, Moses ascended a hill overlooking the battlefield, taking with him the staff of God, a symbol of divine power and authority. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites prevailed in battle. This act demonstrated the necessity of reliance on God for victory and the power of intercessory prayer.

Aaron:
Aaron, the brother of Moses, played a crucial supportive role in this event. As the first high priest of Israel, Aaron was accustomed to serving in a capacity that required both leadership and support. During the battle, when Moses' hands grew weary, Aaron, along with Hur, provided physical support by holding up Moses' hands. This act of assistance ensured that the Israelites continued to prevail, highlighting the importance of community and cooperation in achieving God's purposes.

Hur:
Hur, though less frequently mentioned in the biblical narrative, was a significant figure in this event. Tradition holds that Hur was a leader among the Israelites, possibly from the tribe of Judah. His role in supporting Moses alongside Aaron illustrates the value of steadfastness and the willingness to serve in whatever capacity is needed. Hur's presence on the hill signifies the collective effort required to fulfill God's plans and the strength found in unity.

The Battle with the Amalekites:
The battle against the Amalekites was not merely a physical confrontation but also a spiritual one. The Amalekites' attack on the Israelites was unprovoked, representing opposition to God's chosen people. The victory achieved through Moses' upheld hands symbolized the triumph of faith and obedience over adversity. The Lord instructed Moses to record this event as a memorial and to ensure that Joshua, the military leader, understood the significance of divine intervention in their victory.

Divine Command and Memorial:
Following the victory, Moses built an altar and named it "The LORD Is My Banner" (Exodus 17:15), signifying that the Lord was the source of their triumph. This act of worship and remembrance served as a testament to God's faithfulness and power. The Lord declared that He would be at war with Amalek from generation to generation, underscoring the ongoing spiritual battle between God's people and those who oppose His will.

Theological Significance:
The narrative of Moses, Aaron, and Hur on the hill emphasizes the importance of faith, prayer, and community in the life of believers. It illustrates the necessity of relying on God's strength rather than human ability alone. The account also highlights the role of leaders in guiding and supporting their communities, as well as the power of collective action in achieving divine purposes. Through this account, believers are reminded of the enduring presence and assistance of God in their spiritual battles.
Subtopics

Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses

Miscegenation: Moses

Moses

Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb

Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel

Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt

Moses: 120 Years Old at Death

Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram

Moses: A Type of the Messiah

Moses: Along With Aaron

Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor

Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes

Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People

Moses: Body of, Disputed Over

Moses: Character of Called the Man of God

Moses: Character of Complainings of

Moses: Character of Faith of

Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend

Moses: Character of Impatience of

Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad

Moses: Character of Magnified of God

Moses: Character of Meekness of

Moses: Character of Obedience of

Moses: Character of Respected and Feared

Moses: Character of Unaspiring

Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites

Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh

Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed

Moses: Death and Burial of

Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh

Moses: Face of, Transfigured

Moses: God Reveals to Him his Purpose to Deliver the Israelites and Bring Them Into the Land of Canaan

Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush

Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket

Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision

Moses: His Loyalty to his Race

Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored

Moses: His Virility

Moses: Institutes a System of Government

Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward

Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness

Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian

Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt

Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness

Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab

Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah

Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron

Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration

Moses: Prophecies of

Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against

Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord

Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased

Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh

Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings

Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf

Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt

Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster

Moses: Unbelief of the People

Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt

Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses

Patriotism: Moses

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Inheritance (263 Occurrences)

Jubilee (25 Occurrences)

Equally (21 Occurrences)

Estates (4 Occurrences)

Domain (5 Occurrences)

Portions (49 Occurrences)

Patrobas (1 Occurrence)

Benefits (12 Occurrences)

Chimham (4 Occurrences)

Sale (12 Occurrences)

Nero

Receives (43 Occurrences)

Equal (70 Occurrences)

Possessions (84 Occurrences)

Due (93 Occurrences)

Sold (92 Occurrences)

Patriarchs (6 Occurrences)

Portion (227 Occurrences)

Besides (178 Occurrences)

Moses Writes the Words of the Covenant
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