Exodus 17:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

“And when Moses lifted up his hands, Israel prevailed; and when he put down his hands, Amalek prevailed.” What is the significance of this representation? Those who wish to downplay the glory of Christ’s cross might argue that this image is merely a depiction of prayer, not a foreshadowing. However, if this were the case, if the victory stemmed solely from prayer, then why does Scripture attribute the triumph not to prayer (as it does not state, “when Moses prayed,” indicating that the victory was not a mere result of prayer), but rather to the posture of his hands? Indeed, when Moses lowered his hands, the Israelites experienced defeat; when his hands were raised, the Amalekites were vanquished. If it was merely a matter of prayer, we would be inclined to say, “and when Moses prayed, he overcame.” However, Scripture deliberately omits any mention of prayer, not as a redundancy but to emphasize the significance of the cross image, therefore attributing the victory to his gesture. When Moses stretched forth his hands, Israel triumphed. What does the act of raising one’s arms symbolize? Picture those outstretched hands, and you will discern the glorious image of the cross that deserves our reverence.

Although Moses was not physically present with the fighting Israelites, he contributed significantly to their victory by extending his arms to empower his people and instill fear in their foes. Just as the power of love transcends physical distances, so does the efficacy of prayer; love connects those separated, and likewise, prayer can greatly benefit those who are apart. Let us then approach the battle with confidence; for we find ourselves engaged in a different kind of warfare—not against the Amalekites as in times of old nor against any other invading forces, but against demonic forces.

It is upheld with a tangible support so that it may rise—through the work of the hands—to reveal its intention to those who behold it. Those who grasp these truths within the law encounter the mystery of the cross. Thus, the Gospel proclaims, "not one jot or one tittle shall pass from the law" (Matthew 5:18), referring to two lines, one horizontal and the other vertical, which together form the cross—a symbol evident in Moses, representing the law itself. For those who contemplate this, it becomes a source of triumph and victory.

His achievements far surpass the inactivity of one who spent forty days on the mountain receiving the entire law. In that solitude, he conversed with God. Therefore, David states, "I will hear what the Lord God shall say in me" (Psalm 84:9). How much greater is the significance of speaking with God than merely conversing with ourselves!

Some among those escaping Egypt are akin to individuals who seek to heal the soul’s passions through the assistance of skilled healers, while others aim to cleanse the impurities of the flawed body; thus, they too require an angel, or a person of angelic stature, to assist them. The decay of wounds demands the expertise of a highly skilled physician.

The divine Gregory of Thessalonica articulates a profound idea in his discourse on the veneration of the cross, stating that the cross of Christ was mystically foretold in ancient generations, and no one can be reconciled to God without its power.

Furthermore, in the absence of the figure of the lawless one, the Antichrist, the beloved Disciple of Christ notes that the Antichrist is now present (1 John 2:18): yet, the cross had already existed before its fulfillment in suffering. Indeed, the great Apostle Paul clarifies that the mystery of the Antichrist, even before his arrival, is being realized among us (2 Thess. 2:7). In previous ages, the cross of Christ was present among our forefathers, although not yet manifest, as its mystery was at work through them. He cites examples from Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, among other ancestors and prophets.

Beloved reader, what reflection do you gather from this troparion? It is truly nourishing and beneficial for the soul. For as long as Moses held his hands aloft in the form of the cross, the Israelites overcame Amalek; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. The Scripture records that when Moses raised his hands, Israel was victorious; when he lowered them, Amalek gained strength. Likewise, as long as you maintain your hands raised in prayer, shaped like a cross, you will defeat your inner Amalek—the adversary that opposes you and prevents you from entering into the heavenly Jerusalem. But if through carelessness you let your hands drop, eroding the victorious image of the cross, then our inner Israel, or discerning mind, will be vanquished according to Basil the Great, as 'Israel' signifies 'the mind that sees God.' Therefore, just as the prophet David did, and as Paul advises, let us lift our hands in prayer. For what purpose? To mark upon ourselves the victorious image of the cross. The former proclaims, "Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" (Psalm 140:2). The latter encourages, "I desire that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands" (1 Tim. 2:8).

This is why the Church established seats in the temple, so that praying Christians, resting their hands at their sides—since it is not feasible to keep them raised throughout the entirety of prayer—may together form an honorable cross in their supplication, just as Moses did when he extended his arms. The sign of victory called a trophy was historically marked by those who, after routing their enemies, would erect a stone or wall inscribed with their victory, so that future generations might remember it. In the same way, the cross of the Lord, which He bore while enduring suffering, stands as a sign of His triumph over Satan, for through it He abolished death and emerged victorious from the grave.

As Apostle Paul states, "He disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it" (Colossians 2:15). Just as a courageous king showcases the armor and weapons of a defeated foe as a trophy, so Christ displayed death and condemnation upon the cross as a testimony to His victory, visible to heavenly powers above, humanity below, and even the malevolent spirits who were vanquished.

Indeed, the image of the cross can be seen not only in humanity but across all creation, as birds in flight form a cross shape, fish swim in a cross-like manner, weavers create cross-patterns in their textiles, and even trees and their leaves often take on a cross-like form.

The Monk Seraphim, known for his profound dedication to prayer, like the great saints of old who committed themselves to prayer day and night, instructed those who sought his counsel first and foremost to pray. Effective prayer is not merely an outward expression or a routine recitation; it requires engagement of both the mind and the heart. St. Seraphim referred to this integrated approach to prayer as 'invincible victory.' He highlighted the example of the Old Testament patriarch Moses, who prayed internally while leading his people, prompting the Lord to ask, “Moses, Moses, why do you cry out to Me?” When Moses raised his hands in prayer, he triumphantly overcame Amalek.

This illustrates the essence of prayer: it embodies an unfailing conquest. Following St. Seraphim’s teachings, we can, through sincere and heartfelt prayer, overcome 'mental Amalek,' which represents sinful inclinations and enemies of our salvation. The Monk emphasized the importance of keeping alive in our hearts and on our lips the profound prayer passed down to all Christians since the early days of monastic practice. This is known as the Jesus Prayer: 'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' 'Let us call upon the Name of the Lord and we shall be saved!' was a favorite saying of Monk Seraphim.

In this context, Moses lifting his hands symbolizes Jesus Christ, who extended His arms on the Cross and was sacrificed for humanity. Therefore, the figure of Moses serves to illuminate and proclaim this profound truth. Just as the elevation of Moses’ hands as a servant of God led to Amalek’s defeat at the hands of Israel, so too did the Lord, by willingly bearing the Cross and extending His arms upon it, decisively conquer and nullify the power of the devil, the adversary and destroyer of human souls.

It is also noteworthy that Joshua, who achieved a remarkable victory over Amalek as a valiant leader, shares the same name as our Savior. This significant name bestowed upon the Israelite commander hints at a deeper meaning. The account of Joshua reveals that he selected capable and strong individuals for this battle, mirroring how Christ chose the holy and divinely inspired Apostles for the mission of proclaiming His Gospel.