JOSHUA – A MAN OF FAITH

At a place called Rephidim, the Lord provided water, a necessity in the hot, dusty desert (Exodus 17:1-7). Soon they would leave Rephidim and travel the short distance to Mount Sinai, where they would meet God on His holy mountain (Exodus 19:2).

At Rephidim, as the nation enjoyed the cool waters bubbling from the rock, marauding Amalekites attacked (Exodus 17:8-16), likely in an attempt to run the Israelites away from miraculous and abundant source of water. Now, the Amalekites were descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:12), arch-enemies of the offspring of Jacob, who lived in the northern Sinai desert. They were well-known for their military prowess.

On the other hand, Israel had never fought a battle. They weren’t warriors. They were brick-makers and at a definite disadvantage against the Amalekites.

When they attacked, “Moses said to Joshua, ‘Select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with God’s staff in my hand’ ” (Exodus 17:9).

Who was Joshua? We’ve never heard of him prior to this account. He would later become Moses’ assistant, but until this, he’s never mentioned.

“Hey, Joshua! Lead the brick-makers into battle against the well-armed, well-trained army of Amalekites! … I’ll be praying high on the mountainside.”

One day in the future, Joshua would be called upon to leave Kadesh-Barnea to explore the land of Canaan. Upon his return, “Joshua, the son of Nun … said to the entire Israelite community, ‘The land we passed through and explored is an extremely good land. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and give it to us’ ” (Numbers 14:6-8).

Joshua was faithful! He trusted God to win life’s battles. He did exactly what God asked. Joshua formed an army and led them into battle! But Joshua wasn’t alone on the battlefield. “Jehovah-Nissi” (Exodus 17:15) led the charge!

In the English translation of the Hebrew text, “Jehovah-Nissi” is translated “The Lord Is My Banner” (Exodus 17:15). The banner was the flag that went before the military, the flag that marked the way, the flag that directed their advance. Jehovah-Nissi was their leader and director!

With Jehovah-Nissi’s help, “Joshua defeated Amalek and his army!” (Exodus 17:13).

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).