Bible Strands
Exodus 17:12
When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator describes Moses during the battle against Amalek, while Aaron and Hur provide physical support as the conflict unfolds.
The words — כְּבֵדִים (ke.ve.Dim) translates literally as "heavy," describing the physical fatigue of Moses’ arms. אֶ֛בֶן ('E.ven) means "a stone," which the companions placed beneath him so he could sit.
The thread — The motif of sustaining weary hands appears in Isaiah 35:3 and Hebrews 12:12, which command the strengthening of limp hands and weak knees.
Why it lands — The text requires acknowledging that sustained exertion demands communal support to maintain stability until the task concludes.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 35:3 Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees!
- Philippians 1:19 because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance.
- Hebrews 12:12 Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.
- Mark 14:37 Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked. “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour?
- 2 Corinthians 1:11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers.
- Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brothers, pray for us as well.
- Psalms 35:3 Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers; say to my soul: “I am your salvation.”
- Matthew 26:40 Then Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter.
- Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,