God directs his the people to move from the Wilderness of Sin to an area called Rephidim, where there was no water. The people complain and demand water from Moses, asking why he has taken them out of Egypt to kill them of thirst. Moses asks them why they quarrel and test him. This sounds like every family roadtrip I have ever endured.

Moses passes the complaint on to God. God tells him to take the elders with him to a rock. Accompanied by the leaders, Moses strikes the rock with his staff and water comes out. Moses names the place Massah and Meriba, meaning testing and quarreling. 

Before anyone can settle down, Amalek (Esau’s grandson) shows up and attacks them. Moses calls his assistant Joshua to take men and fight while Moses, Aaron and Hurr watch from a hill. When Moses holds up his hands the Israelites prevail, but when his arms go down, the Amalekites prevail. Moses holds up his arms as long as he can, but gets tried. Aaron and Hurr prop him up with a stone to sit on and each holds up an arm. By sunset, the Israelites win the battle.

The Lord prompts Moses to write all this down in a book, saying he will blot out the Amelikites, but it will take several generations for it to happen. 

This section highlights the importance of not panicking and sticking together. When difficulties arise the first instinct is complain, blame and exaggerate. In modern psychology it’s called catastrophizing.

Instead of going alone, God has Moses delegate other leaders to help carry his load. Joshua is young and can lead an army, Aaron and Hurr can emotionally and physically support Moses. Our lesson is to not struggle alone, bring some friends along and let them help you. 

God also prompts Moses to write these lessons down in addition to naming physical places. These journals will provide a way for the next generations to remember and reflect on all the Lord has done for them because there are battles still to come.