Exodus 17:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Moses is reported to have grown tired, his physically weakened hands unwilling to uphold the symbol of the cross. What happened next? To ensure that the victory was not forfeited with the lowering of the symbol, Aaron and Hur rose to support his hands, preventing the image from collapsing and losing its significance. Why did Aaron and Hur uphold Moses' hands? Aaron, dear friends, possessed the priestly authority, while Hur descended from a royal lineage. In this way, both the priesthood and kingship safeguard the symbol of the cross. Similarly, at the Lord’s transfiguration on the mountain, Moses and Elijah appeared at either side to honor the royal image of Christ. Thus, here too, Aaron, who embodies the priesthood, and Hur, representing royal dignity, protect the cross.

Upon witnessing this, they approached Moses from both sides and helped to sustain his hands, which were becoming burdensome and faltering for some unknown reason. However, lacking the strength to keep Moses standing, they placed a stone beneath him to support his seat, thereby enabling him to raise his hands toward heaven with their assistance.

Moses imparted this lesson when his arms grew weary, causing Joshua to struggle; yet, the people triumphed because their actions were significant and noble. Their victory was not based on the fluctuations of a restless heart, but on the determination of a resolute spirit.

Yet, even amidst that struggle, the one who shared in the redemption of our Savior signaled victory when he was bestowed with this name and enlisted selected companions for the mission, just as the Lord Christ appointed the holy apostles as His servants.

Moses' supplication was not a result of the people's triumph, but rather because the authority of Jesus was prominent in the conflict (Exodus 17:13), where he himself represented the cross. Who among you is unaware that such a prayer, offered in sorrow and earnestness, accompanied by prostration and humility, is greatly esteemed before God? In this manner, neither he, resting upon the stone, nor any other individual engaged in prayerful petition. Furthermore, the stone itself served as a representation of Christ, as I have previously indicated.

When Moses raised his hands, the forces of Amalek were overcome, yet if his hands were lowered even slightly, their strength grew. The upright beams of ships and the sails ascend, reminiscent of our cross. Similarly, the birds that ascend into the sky with their wings spread wide symbolize the cross. Even the awards and symbols of victory in celebrations serve as crosses, which we are called to bear not only on our foreheads but within our very souls. This spiritual armament enables us to trample upon the serpent and the viper, as stated in Psalm 90:13, in Christ Jesus, to whom belongs glory forevermore.

Moses remained on the rock as long as the Law held authority within the Church. However, this Law was burdensome, as it did not extend mercy to all sinners but rather struck them with harsh judgement. Aaron signifies "mountain of strength," while Hur translates to "flame." Therefore, who does this mountain of strength represent, if not our Savior, as proclaimed by the prophet: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be made the head of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it" (Isaiah 2:2)? And who could symbolize fire besides the Holy Spirit, whom the Redeemer declares, "I have come to bring fire upon the earth" (Luke 12:49)?

Why was Moses chosen for this task, particularly when Jesus, in His battle against Amalek, prayed with His hands raised while seated? In such dire circumstances, one might expect that prayers would be offered on bended knee, with hands clutched to the chest and face bowed to the ground. Yet, perhaps it is because the very name of the Lord Jesus, destined to combat the evil one, was invoked in this fight, necessitating the presence of the cross, through which Christ would ultimately triumph.

The Amalekites, as noted by Cook, were not simply a nomadic group like the contemporary Bedouins; they were a formidable and battle-hardened society, having gained combat experience through their ongoing conflicts with Egypt. This perspective was similarly held by the Chevalier Folar in the Diet, de la Bible, and by Dom Calmet. The confrontation was fiercely contested, lasting the entire day until the sun set.