By Kevin Blackwell, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Ministry Training Institute/Assistant to the President for Church Relations, Samford University
AARON AND HUR
Exodus 17:8–13; 24:13–15
Exodus 17 records a challenging time of leadership for Moses.
In the first seven verses, Moses was fighting a battle of thirst as the people of God found themselves in Rephidim without clean water to drink. God instructed Moses to take a few elders and the staff of God to provide clean water for the people (vv. 5–6).
After the people’s thirst was satisfied, another battle loomed for Moses as the Amalekites approached looking for a fight. The Amalekites were descendants of Esau’s grandson Amalek, and apparently the sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau carried on to the next generations.
In the battle between Israel and the Amalekites, we are introduced to a young man named Joshua. Moses commanded Joshua to lead the battle while Moses took his spot on top of a hill to watch the proceedings but more importantly, to intercede for the Israelites.
By the end of the chapter, God wins two victories through the leadership of Moses — one over thirst and one over a bloodthirsty mob.
Through Moses’ example in this text, we find three leadership principles.
Be present when leaders face difficult situations. (17:8–10)
We find in this chapter Moses facing difficult situations, yet through it all it was God’s strength that prevailed and not the strength of Moses. When godly leaders face difficult moments, they can be assured that God will fight their battles and His strength will overcome.
Moses stated, “Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with God’s staff in my hand.” The staff of God was a consistent presence in miraculous moments throughout Moses’ leadership. Not only was the presence of God critical for Moses in facing this difficult situation but also for the people of God. Joshua, Aaron and Hur all assisted their leader in critical ways so that victory was attained.
Be supportive when leaders grow weary. (17:11–13)
Leaders need others to assist them in battle. As Moses held up the staff of God during the battle, his arms and legs became weak. Thanks to the assistance of Aaron and Hur, Moses was able to stay strong while the battle raged below.
Good leaders have people around them who will help share the burden of the battle. Tired leaders usually do not lead well. Tired leaders are susceptible to bad decisions and moral failures.
As I look back on my leadership, I can see how God has been faithful to provide people like Aaron and Hur to assist me, especially in times of weariness. If you are a leader, find your Aaron and Hur, and if you are in a supportive role, hold up the arms of those God has called to walk alongside you.
Be dependable when leaders are not around. (24:13–15)
Leaders need people they can trust when they are not around. In Exodus 24, God calls Moses to Mount Sinai for a law consultation. He leaves Aaron and Hur behind to serve as judges to the people in his absence.
Sometimes leaders are hesitant to get away and spend time with God because they have no one to turn over the decisions to. Leaders need dependable people to serve with them to effectively lead people.
Aaron would fail in his dependability as he led the people to worship a golden calf (Ex. 32) but Hur stayed faithful. Dependability is proven by faithful longevity, not only immediate availability.
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