Moses and the Battle Against Amalek
(Exodus 17:8-16)
While the people of Israel were traveling through the desert, a group of fierce warriors called the Amalekites came out to attack them at a place called Rephidim. Moses told a brave young leader named Joshua to choose some men and go out to fight. Moses said, "Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands."
The next day, as Joshua led the army into battle, Moses went to the top of the hill with his brother Aaron and a man named Hur. Something amazing happened: as long as Moses held up his hands toward heaven, the Israelites were winning the battle! But Moses was a human being, and his arms eventually became very, very tired. When his hands started to drop, the Amalekites began to win.
Aaron and Hur saw what was happening and jumped into action. They found a large stone for Moses to sit on. Then, Aaron stood on one side and Hur stood on the other, and they held up his hands steadily until the sun went down. Because his hands stayed up, Joshua and the Israelites won a great victory. Afterward, Moses built an altar to thank the Lord. He called it "The LORD is my Banner," because he knew it was God's power that saved them, not their own strength.
Just as Moses needed his friends to support him, we see how God designed us to work together. Even though our bodies have limits, God's strength is endless. When we face hard times, we don't have to carry the weight alone. God provides people to stand by our side, and when we lift our hearts to Him in prayer, He provides the victory we need. By trusting in God's power and helping one another, we can stand firm in the promises He has given to all His children.
A Curious Question
If God is all-powerful and could have defeated the Amalekites in one second, why do you think He chose to wait and watch for Moses to keep his hands raised up?
Jesus Connection
Moses standing on the hill with his arms stretched out reminds us of Jesus Christ on the cross. While Moses had to have his arms held up by friends because he was tired, Jesus willingly kept His arms stretched out to win the ultimate victory over sin and death. Because of the gospel, we know that Jesus is our "Banner" of victory, and He is always in heaven right now praying and "holding up His hands" for us so that we can live in salvation and peace.
Discussion Questions
- How did Aaron and Hur help Moses when he got tired?
- What happened to the battle when Moses lowered his hands?
- What does it mean that "The LORD is my Banner"? (Hint: A banner is like a flag people follow into battle).
- Why is it important to have friends who help us follow God?
“So What” What Can I do?
- Who is someone you can "hold the hands up" for this week by praying for them or helping them with a chore?
- When you feel tired or like things are too hard, how can you ask God to be your "Banner" of victory?
- Is there a "battle" or a hard situation you are facing where you need to ask a friend or teacher to pray with you?
Memorize God's Word
"Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner." - Exodus 17:15
- Moses built an altar: Pretend to stack stones on top of each other.
- And called it: Put hands around mouth like a megaphone.
- The LORD: Point both index fingers up to the sky.
- Is my Banner: Wave one arm back and forth high in the air like a waving flag.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank You for being our victory and our Banner. Thank You that when we are tired or weak, You are strong. Help us to be like Aaron and Hur, looking for ways to support our friends and leaders. Thank You for Jesus, who won the biggest battle of all for us. Amen.
Craft: The Victory Banner
Kids will create a "Jehovah Nissi" (The Lord is my Banner) flag to remind them that God gives them strength.
Materials Checklist
Instructions
- Cut a large rectangle or triangle shape out of the felt or construction paper.
- Write the words "The LORD is my Banner" or "God is my Strength" in the center of the flag.
- Decorate the flag with stickers, drawings of mountains, or symbols of victory.
- Apply glue along one short edge of the paper and wrap it around the wooden dowel.
- Hold it in place for a moment until the glue sets. Now you have a banner to wave!
Effective Teaching Techniques
- Visual Aid: During the story, have a volunteer stand at the front and try to hold their arms straight out to the sides for 2 minutes. This helps the kids realize just how difficult it was for Moses to keep his hands up all day.
- Team Building: Use this lesson to emphasize that no one in the church "does it alone." Even the greatest leaders like Moses need help from people like Aaron and Hur.
- Vocabulary: Explain that "Amalek" was a tribe of people, not just one person, to help them visualize the scale of the battle.