Exodus 17:12
But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
Exodus 17:12 · King James Version
Meaning
When reading the verse "But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun," we see the significance of community and support. This verse comes from the book of Exodus in the Bible, where Moses is portrayed as a powerful leader who led the Israelites out of Egypt. In this particular situation, Moses was in a battle, and as long as his hands were raised, the Israelites were winning. However, as time passed, Moses grew weary, and his hands became heavy. In this moment, Aaron and Hur stepped in to support Moses by holding up his hands. They placed a stone under him so he could sit and be more comfortable. This act of physical support reflects the importance of unity, teamwork, and helping one another in times of need. It also serves as a powerful reminder that no one can succeed alone and that we all need support from others to overcome challenges and achieve our goals.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of the verse about Moses' hands being heavy and Aaron and Hur supporting him with a stone to sit on while they held up his hands, can be seen as a symbol of the importance of community and support in times of spiritual warfare. Just as Moses needed Aaron and Hur to physically support his hands in prayer to ensure victory in battle, believers today need the support of fellow Christians to stand firm in their faith and overcome spiritual battles. The verse highlights the concept of unity in prayer and the power of intercession. Additionally, the mention of Moses' hands being steady until the going down of the sun can be interpreted as a lesson on perseverance and endurance in prayer. It teaches us the importance of standing firm in prayer, even when faced with challenges and fatigue. Through studying the words and actions in this verse, we can gain insight into the significance of community, support, and persistence in our spiritual lives.
Exodus 17:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; And his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
World English Bible
But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side. His hands were steady until sunset.
Douay-Rheims
And Moses's hands were heavy: so they took a stone, and put under him, and he sat on it: and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands on both sides. And it came to pass, that his hands were not weary until sunset.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Nowe Moses handes were heauy: therefore they tooke a stone and put it vnder him, and hee sate vpon it: and Aaron and Hur stayed vp his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side: so his hands were steady vntill the going downe of the sunne.