Old Testament
Exodus 17:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Moses' hands grew heavy, so they brought a stone and set it under him to sit on. Aaron stood on one side and Hur on the other, each holding up one of his hands. His hands stayed steady until sunset.
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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.
What Exodus 17:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Moses faced a physical challenge as he led his people. His hands grew tired, symbolizing the weight of leadership and responsibility. To support him, Aaron and Hur stepped in, showing the importance of teamwork and friendship. They provided a stone for Moses to sit on, allowing him to rest while they held up his hands. This act of support was crucial, as it helped maintain the strength needed for victory. Their combined efforts ensured that Moses could continue to lead effectively until sunset. This story highlights how we all need help sometimes, and that leaning on others can make a significant difference in overcoming challenges. It teaches us that collaboration and support are vital in achieving our goals, especially when we feel overwhelmed. Together, they demonstrated that no one has to face their struggles alone, and that unity can lead to success in difficult times. This powerful image of support reminds us of the strength found in community and the importance of being there for one another.
How to apply Exodus 17:12 to your life
When you feel overwhelmed, remember that it's okay to ask for help. Surround yourself with supportive friends or family who can lift you up. Just like Moses, you can achieve more when you work together with others. Don't hesitate to lean on your community during tough times. Together, you can overcome challenges more effectively than alone. “,”chapter_summary_teaser”: “This passage illustrates the importance of support in leadership. Moses, with the help of Aaron and Hur, shows
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Victory over Amalek (Exodus 17:8–16)
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Moses
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 17:12 mean?
Exodus 17:12 describes a moment when Moses, feeling the weight of leadership, needed support from Aaron and Hur. They helped him by holding up his hands, symbolizing the importance of teamwork and community in overcoming challenges.
What is the significance of Aaron and Hur in Exodus 17:12?
Aaron and Hur play a crucial role in Exodus 17:12 by supporting Moses during a critical moment. Their actions highlight the value of friendship and collaboration in leadership, showing that even leaders need help to succeed.
How does Exodus 17:12 relate to teamwork?
Exodus 17:12 exemplifies teamwork through the actions of Aaron and Hur, who assist Moses by holding up his hands. This act of collaboration demonstrates how collective effort can help achieve goals and overcome difficulties.
What lesson can we learn from Exodus 17:12?
The lesson from Exodus 17:12 is that it’s important to seek help when feeling overwhelmed. It teaches us that support from others can make a significant difference in facing challenges and achieving success.
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