📅 February 9: Exodus 17, 18: Through Struggles and Wisdom

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February 9: Exodus 17, 18: Through Struggles and Wisdom

Introduction

In today’s reading, we witness how God, through Moses, continually caters to the needs of the Israelites amidst their journey. We also see the importance of wise counsel as exemplified by Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law.

The Battle at Rephidim, and Provision at Massah and Meribah

In their desert journey, the Israelites were faced with the lack of water and feared for their lives. Despite their doubts, God provided for their needs once again through Moses, striking a rock in Horeb for water to flow.
Key Verse: “And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What am I to do with these people? They are ready to stone me.” (Exodus 17:4)

Victory Over Amalek

The first instance of an actual battle in Exodus: Moses realized that Israel’s victory was dependent on his upheld hands praying to God.
Key Verse: “As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.” (Exodus 17:11)

Jethro’s Wise Counsel

Recognizing the demanding load on Moses, Jethro wisely advised him to delegate responsibilities. This effectively decentralized power, allowing matters to be handled more efficiently.
Key Verse: "Listen now to my words… select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials…” (Exodus 18:19-21)

Key Themes and Reflections

In these chapters, the themes of God’s provision, our dependence on Him, and the importance of wisdom and counsel from others ring clear.

Provision From God: Despite the Israelites’ gripes and doubts, God continues to provide for their needs. Like them, we may falter in faith, but can rest assured that God is always there for us.

Dependence: Just as Moses realized the battle was won only when his hands were uplifted towards God, we too must keep our focus on God for victory in life.

Wisdom and Counsel: Moses didn’t ignore Jethro’s advice. Instead, he utilized it for better leadership. As we navigate life, we stand to benefit from the wise advice of others.

Today’s Application

We should learn to rely on God always, seeking His guidance through prayer as we make decisions. Furthermore, we can benefit from listening and applying wise advice from others in various aspects of our lives.

Hidden Gem

The “rod of God” that Moses held aloft during the battle against Amalek is the first mention of prayerful intercession in the Bible.

Reflective Q&A:

Provision at Massah and Meribah: Why did God choose to provide water in such a manner?
A: God’s provision goes beyond our limits of understanding, teaching us to trust Him fully.

Why did Moses’ hands have to be kept raised for Israel’s victory?
A: This reflects our dependence on God, teaching us the importance of constant prayer and trust in God.

How does Jethro’s advice apply to our lives today?
A: It illustrates the importance of listening to trusted counsel and the wisdom of delegation.

Join the Discussion

How do these chapters resonate with your experiences or struggles? How have you experienced God’s provision in your life?

See You Tomorrow in Exodus 19, 20:
Prepare for the crucial moment of Israel’s history – receiving divine laws on Mount Sinai. Join us as we journey deeper into Exodus. May these readings enrich your understanding of God’s word, encouraging us to continually depend on Him, stay open to wise counsel, and experience His unfailing provision.

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Exodus 17,18
Again the people complain. There is no water to satisfy their thirst, and instead of relying upon the goodwill of He who was revealed at the Bush, the people “chide” with Moses (ch. 17:2). The same situation occurred in the life of the Lord, when he offered his teachings as the water that can spring up into everlasting life (John 4). What a difference from that of the people is the attitude of Moses (Exo. 17:4). It was characteristic of him, that in time of crisis he instantly carried the burden to Yahweh. Power was given to Moses to provide water from the rock, and thus set the type for what would later occur in a more dramatic and wonderful moment in the work of Messiah. Then is described the three men on the hill – with Amalek at war with Israel. The power of Amalek appears for the first time, and remains in the history of mankind until finally the conflict concludes when the power of the flesh is destroyed at the hand of the divine Conqueror (Rev. 20:8). The divine contract is declared through Moses: “Yahweh has sworn that He will have war with Amalek from generation to generation” (Exo. 17:16). So ch. 17 reveals: [1] Introduction into the Land of Thirst: v. 1. [2] Revolt at Rephidim (Rest): vv. 2-4. [3] Yahweh’s Answer: “I will provide”: vv. 5-6. [4] Israel’s Defection Commemorated: v. 7. [5] Enemies from Without; Gog’s unprovoked attach: vv. 8-13. [6] Yahweh’s Unceasing Hostility against The Sin Power: vv. 14-16. Then the war in the Valley of Rephidim gives way to the organisation of Israel in Exodus 18. [1] Moses’ family united: vv. 1-6. [2] Moses proclaims the Gospel to Jethro: vv. 7-12. [3] Moses profits from Jethro’s advice: vv. 13-26. [4] Jethro leaves Moses: v. 27. Following the advice of Jethro, the judgment of the nation is given to a tiered “decimal” system of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens (v. 21). It was a measure of wisdom, for it enabled the lesser matters to be considered by the heads of tens, and the more involved issues to be delegated to those over fifties, hundreds or thousands. This again will be reflected in the Millennium, when the Jewish Levites will first consider matters brought to them in the great temple (Eze. 44:24), allowing the greater matters to come before the immortal saints and their royal head: the Prince himself (Psa. 72:1). — Logos…