Exodus 17: Water from the Rock and Victory in Battle

Key Verse: Exodus 17:6"Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink."

The wilderness is testing Israel’s faith.

First, it was hunger. Now, it’s thirst. The people arrive at a place called Rephidim, but there is no water. Instead of trusting God, they complain—again.

"Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?" (Exodus 17:3)

Their doubt is growing. They even ask, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

But once again, God provides.

He tells Moses to take his staff—the same one that parted the Red Sea—and strike the rock.

Moses obeys, and water flows out. The people drink, their thirst is satisfied, and God proves His faithfulness again.

Victory Over Amalek

But the testing isn’t over. An enemy approaches.

The Amalekites attack Israel, and for the first time, the people must fight.

Moses tells Joshua to lead the army, while he stands on a hill, lifting up his staff.

As long as Moses' hands are raised, Israel prevails. But when he lowers them, the enemy gains ground.

Moses grows tired, so Aaron and Hur step in. They hold up his arms, ensuring that the staff stays raised. And Israel wins the battle.

A Lesson for Us

Two powerful moments happen in this chapter:

1. God provides water from the rock. Just as He gave Israel what they needed in the wilderness, Jesus is our Rock, and He gives us living water. (John 7:37)

2. Victory comes through dependence on God. The battle wasn’t won through military strength—it was won when Moses lifted his hands in surrender to God.

The same is true for us.

• We thirst—He provides.

• We face battles—He fights for us.

• We grow weary—He sends people to hold us up.

  
  

Are you in a dry place? A battle? Feeling weary? Trust the Rock that never runs dry. Lift your hands. He is fighting for you.