Exodus 17:11-13 And as long as Moses held up the rod in his hands, Israel was winning; but whenever he rested his arms at his sides, the soldiers of Amalek were winning. Moses’ arms finally became too tired to hold up the rod any longer; so Aaron and Hur rolled a stone for him to sit on, and they stood on each side, holding up his hands until sunset. As a result, Joshua and his troops crushed the army of Amalek… [Living Bible translation]
Summary
Under the yoke of the Egyptian bondage, the children of Israel constantly prayed for deliverance. GOD heard “their groaning” and sent Moses so that the people could enter into covenant relationship with GOD. Once the people left Egypt, undoubtedly many of them thought everything would be perfect. When things “were not perfect,” many of the people not only stopped praying to GOD, but many became angry. Some even argued with GOD and became arrogant and indignant. When there was no water, some of the people even “got an attitude” demanding, “Is JEHOVAH (GOD) going to take care of us or not?” (Exodus 17:7) Yet GOD continuous tried to teach the Israelites what it meant to for them to be “HIS people.” The defeat of Amalek is one of those important lessons.
The warriors of Amalek decided to fight the children of Israel at Rephidim, one of the places where the Israelites were camped. The name, “Rephidim” means “resting place.” Many of the Israelite probable saw this camp as a time when they could just “lay back and enjoy themselves.” So it must have been a surprise to learn that once again things “were not perfect” and they would soon have to defend themselves against an approaching army, the warriors of Amalek. In preparation for what was to come, Moses instructed Joshua to take a group of men to fight. Moses explained that he would stand on the top of the hill overseeing the battle, along with Aaron (Moses’ brother) and Hur (from the tribe of Judah) to ‘intercede” on behalf of the fighting Israelites with GOD. (See Exodus 38:22).
So the Israelites fought and Moses prayed. When Moses’ hands were lifted up, the people won. When Moses grew spiritually and physically weary and lowered his hands, the Amalek warriors prevailed. When the Israelites “saw” that they were in a physical and spiritual battle against their enemy, Aaron and Hur started to “prop” Moses up so that his hands would “constantly” be lifted up. They got a stone for Moses to sit on and then Aaron went to one side and Hur went to the other so that Moses' hands were “steady” until “the setting of the sun.” With Moses hands high, their enemy was defeated.
Hand Raising Exercises
It sounds like a simple thing---simply raising one’s hands over one’s head or allowing one’s hand to make a complete circle form the front over the head and to the back. But, without exercise, many will find they can’t raise their hands high or raise their hands in a complete circle “pain free.”
A number of muscles are involved in a stretch over the head from front to back: there is the coordinated movement of shoulder muscles, the rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder blades are involved, the deltoid muscles of the outer shoulder, the sides of the ribcage, the shoulder sockets, the hands, back muscles and balance are just some of the things that are involved in this coordinated movement.
For a simple movement exercise, you might consider the following:
- Stand up straight, or sit in a firm chair.
- Look straight ahead, then breathe in as you raise both arms over your head and reach toward the ceiling. [Or alternatively, raise one hand at a time.]
- Reach back with your arms to stretch your shoulders. [Or alternatively, interlace your fingers and turn your palms toward the ceiling]
- Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Then, return to the starting position and repeat 3-4 times.
Another simple above the head stretch is the “Superman” stretch. This involves lying down on the floor with your hand outstretched above your head (belly side down) in a Superman “flying pose.” You want to hold your hands straight out breathing normally for 15 to 30 seconds. First lift your hands only and then lift only your feet. Then alternate right hand, left foot and then left hand and right foot, then raise your hands and your feet straight out together and repeat the sequence.
If you want more advanced stretches, you may want to consider taking a yoga class, a Pilates class, a Zumba class, a weightlifting class or working out with a trainer.
As always, if you have a medical condition, you are concerned about your balance or you are on medication, consult your personal physician about what over the head exercises are right for you.
Keep Praying Until the Setting of the Sun
Like the Israelites, we often mistakenly think that “at some point in life” things ought to just “be easy.” Or, we may sometimes think that after one of “life’s trials” that “we simply deserve a break” from adversity. Some may even think that retirement time or accumulating a “nice home,” or obtaining a certain position in life as their “Rephidim” (i.e. their resting place). But, unfortunately, “the enemy” is ready to strike anytime and anywhere. This means that GOD’s people can never stop praying.
Paul tells us that GOD’s people must pray “without ceasing.” (I Thessalonians 5:17) How long? According to the lesson of Exodus 17, GOD’s people must keep praying from the rising until the setting of the sun---every day, every hour, in season and out of season, “on vacation” or “not on vacation-- for the rest of their earthly life.” GOD’s people need to stay physical and spiritual fit for physical and spiritual warfare.
Finding others who will pray with us and help “steady” us is essential. Understanding the need to stand on “THE ROCK of AGES,” (JESUS) is critical. As HIS hands were raised high, our hands must be raised high too!
Please continue to pray one for another. Be supportive. Exercise and don’t stop moving.
Keep your hands high and, BE BLESSED!
