Thoughts on the readings for February 9th (Exodus 17, 18, Psalm 72, Mark 5)

Exodus 17 tells us how Israel’s God provided water in the desert from the rock, when His people were extremely thirsty. And as the people had shown they always grumbled against the LORD, verse 3. This was typical of God’s provision, for us in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ (see1 Corinthians 10 verses 1-6). Moses struck the rock, representing Israel’s crucifying our Lord Jesus; out of whose side flowed water (John 19 verses 34-35,1 John 3 verses 6-8; note that the three that bare witness are the Spirit, the water and the blood – verse 7 in the AV is a faulty insertion by a Jesuit monk (in the Middle Ages). The finding of water immediately brought Israel into war with the Amalekites, who were killing the stragglers of Israel(Deuteronomy 25 verses 17-19 contrast with the attitude of the Israelites who had triumphantly departed Egypt in Psalm 105 verse 37. Their spirit failed with time and they failed to put their trust in the Living God (see Hebrews 3). Amalek came and fought with Israel and were defeated – not by might, nor by power, but by Yahweh’s Spirit being exercised energetically on the behalf of His people in response to Moses’ prayer. Note when Moses’ hands dropped Amalek prevailed; but when they were extended upwards invoking the LORD’s help for His people, Israel prevailed(see Hebrews 12 verses 12-14). He was supported in prayer by two men – Aaron the high priest; and Hur, (meaning “white” speaking of those who gain the victory through Christ) the prince of the tribe of Judah. So collectively these three men spoke of prophet, priest and king. Moses, Aaron and Hur agonised in prayer in order to aid Yahweh’s warriors, led by Yahoshua (meaning “Yah’s salvation). Israel’s weapons were not carnal, but mighty to God (2 Corinthians 10 verses 3-6). This battle was against sin; and secondly symbolised Armageddon, when Gog (the chief of Russia) and its clans invade Israel in the near future). Consider Moses’ prophecy about this in Numbers 24 verse 19. This is the reason that in verse 16 of the 17th chapter of Exodus God declared perpetual warfare on Amalek. And as emblem of His declared will a banner, or ensign was set up – verses 14 and 15 and a book written, and its words rehearsed in Joshua’s ears – compare Isaiah’s 4th chapter as speaking of the end of the process of destroying Amalek.Chapter 18 of Exodus explains the wise advice given to Moses by his father in law, Jethro. Jethro had taken custody of his daughter Zipporah and his two grandchildren from Moses, apparently when Moses had confronted Pharaoh in Egypt. Moses showed great respect for his father in law, who met him to return Moses’ family back to him. Jethro was delighted by the report of Yahweh’s wonders, which had been seen in Egypt. And Jethro, who appeared to have some familiarity with the Lord GOD of Israel, now acknowledged Yahweh’s supremacy. The following day Jethro observed the great effort Moses exerted in judging the people. Jethro told Moses such efforts were not sustainable. He needed support in the work from honest, trustworthy men who hated bribery and covetousness. A hierarchy of help was established; leaving Moses as judge only in the most difficult cases. It also enabled Moses to prioritise his work as the mediator between God and His people. After this Jethro returned to his home in Midian.cont ...https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-february-9th-exodus-17-18-psalm-72-mark-5/