Exodus 17:12 Meaning and Explanation
“But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses' arms grow tired; Aaron and Hur support his hands steady until sunset.
The Context of Exodus 17:12
Exhaustion is overcome through communal support; the leader is sustained by those around him.
What Does Exodus 17:12 Mean?
The battle is long. Moses' arms grow tired from holding them raised, yet lowering them risks Amalek's resurgence. Rather than abandon their leader, Aaron and Hur act: they place a stone for him to sit upon and position themselves on either side to hold up his arms, keeping them steady throughout the entire day.
This image captures the essence of community: when the leader cannot sustain the burden alone, the community shares it. Aaron and Hur do not question whether this will work; they simply hold. Their faithful support enables Moses to persist until the battle's natural conclusion at sundown.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 17:12
What does Exodus 17:12 mean?
Moses' arms grow tired; Aaron and Hur support his hands steady until sunset.
What is the context of Exodus 17:12?
Exhaustion is overcome through communal support; the leader is sustained by those around him.