Prayer is Mightier than the Sword
I am going to make this post of my thoughts on Exodus 17:8-16 on the importance of prayer in case in the future I preach on it and research more nevertheless here’s my initial thoughts looking at the passage. The passage overall purpose is prayer is important; its so important that prayer might be mightier than the sword.
The holding up of the hands is an action of prayer; see Psalm 63:4 and 1 Timothy 2:8.
Problem: Attack of the Amalekites: “8 Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim” (v.8)
Plan of action: “9 So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” ” (v.9)
- Joshua would lead attack
- Moses would pray
Personal responsibilities are important: “10 Joshua did just as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.” (v.10)
- Notice Joshua did his responsibility.
- Likewise Moses also did his responsibility.
Priority of prayer: “11 So it came about, when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed; but when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.” (v.11)
- Remember “held his hand up” is an action of prayer; see Psalm 63:4 and 1 Timothy 2:8.
- Focus of this section of Scripture is not on the military tactics, strategies and weapons; rather its on prayer!
Prayer is pressing: “12 And Moses’ hands were heavy…” (v.12a)
Partners are a blessing: “So they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. So his hands were steady until the sun set.” (v.12b)
Providential result: “13 And Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.” (v.13)
- Prayer accomplish God’s will.
- Caution: Sometime though God’s will might not be what we want or think it is.
Prayer produces Praise: 14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly wipe out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 And Moses built an altar and named it The Lord is My Banner; 16 and he said, “Because the Lord has sworn, the Lord will have war against Amalek from generation to generation.”” (v.14-16)
The Domain for Truth 
May we all hold our hands to bring about the victory. Prayer is so important.
Shalom!
Without that supernatural assistance through Moses’ prayers Joshua might have been tempted to think he won the battle alone.
Indeed I think God had it this well in this narrative to show the importance of prayer and ultimately the importance of God with winning this battle!! Thanks for your thoughts and comments. Also I appreciate all the likes and comment on Mewe.
Reblogged this on clydeherrin.
I like this point “Prayer accomplish God’s will.”. Generally speaking we may think prayer accomplishes our will but God is Sovereign right ?
Amen God is sovereign. I think I be a very different man without the anchor that is the truth that God is sovereign.
Such important truths, cannot be overstated! And vital call for leaders. It seems Samuel, for one, saw prayer as a crucial part of leadership. “…far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you.”
(In my thru the Bible, im up to I Samuel)
Thank you Pastor for teaching and encouraging.
That’s a good verse from 1 Samuel. This and also with this Exodus passage shows us the importance of praying and supporting our leaders. And praying is important! I appreciate you sharing what you are reading! Blessings to you!!! I’ll have to get to your blog today and read your latest post!!!
Thanks for this good post on the importance of prayer. I’ve always wondered why Moses’ hands had to be raised for his prayers to be heard? Perhaps God is teaching (via Aaron and Hur) that we need to support our spiritual leaders in their ministry?
I wonder too with why the need for raise hands. I think it was a visible spiritual lesson on the need for prayers; and like you said with supporting leaders. How are you doing, how is your shift today?
RE: Shift
Thanks! Worked my tail off today. So tired.
How did your Friday go?
It sounds like a great topic for a sermon to me, Pastor Jim. This post reminded me of the verse in 1 Thessalonians about praying without ceasing.
The internet says:
“To pray without ceasing means not to give up prayer. It means praying continually, even when it doesn’t make sense anymore. It means not abandoning your faith but constantly looking to God in all things. Praying without ceasing is repeatedly praying without stopping.”
Well, I fall woefully short of this description but I think I am getting better a bit at time due to the grace of God over the years.
Posts like this are very needed in our day.
I love what you said here especially this: “Well, I fall woefully short of this description but I think I am getting better a bit at time due to the grace of God over the years.” The same is true in my life! Far from perfect but praying more! May we realize more and more how God gives grace through prayers!
Amen, Pastor Jim. I’m glad you could relate to my comment. I think it is probably the usual Christian experience. God’s grace is amazing, indeed!
Prayer is indeed mightier than the small-ess sword, but is it mightier than the cap-ess Sword of Hebrews 4:12? Hum….. 😉 Your title got me thinking. 🙂
Sounds like a post with that theme will be coming up on your blog? If so feel free to link to it on this post! So others can read it too!
The abstract: My prayer may fail due to fleshly faults (James 4:3) but God’s (S)Word is perfect (Proverbs 30:5). 😊
This is one of my most favorite passages. Great job!!!! Have you considered preaching through Exodus?! I know God would help you with it!!!!
Wow didn’t know this was a favorite passage of yours! I did think about Exodus…but it made me think I need to do Genesis before Exodus! I am really weighing preaching for Sundays either through Genesis next or Esther…can’t make up my mind lol.
Honestly, in my humble opinion, Esther is overdone. I also feel like more people are familiar with Genesis. I feel like many Christians do not know or understand Exodus and the significance of being saved by grace through faith. Anyway, I’m in your corner no matter what!!!
Good one! Amen to Jesus!
Blessing to you hope your evening or night is going well
Amen!
An important reminder, not only during these days right now!
Amen prayer is important and we must not forget that in the spiritual warfare around us! May God give you strength to be a light in these dark times!
Powerful testament to prayer! Thank you Jim for sharing. The cautionary reminder is important to note. When God leads us, the ultimate glory is His.
[…] for a sermon he’ll preach in the future. In these notes, he points to the truth that Prayer is mightier than the Sword as he reflects on Exodus 17:8-16. You’ll get helpful teaching on prayer, but also a glimpse […]
Praise the Lord! The power of prayer. Thanks for this encouraging word.
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