Hands Held Up

On the way to Sinai

Exodus 17:10–13

¹⁰Joshua did what Moses told him and went out to fight the Amalekites. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of the hill. ¹¹Whenever Moses raised his hand, Israel prevailed. But whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. ¹²Moses' 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. ¹³Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the sword.

Read Exodus 17

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About this passage

Prayers of MosesHands Held Up

What happened

During the battle with Amalek, Moses stood on a hill with the staff of God. While his hands were raised, Israel was winning. When he grew tired, Aaron and Hur held up his hands until sunset.

Where this fits

One of 17 passages in Moses' Prayers of Moses, in the group “On the way to Sinai.”

Good to know

Exodus does not call this a prayer, but many readers see Moses' raised hands as one.

Keep exploring

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