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Daily Devotions

Exodus

Exodus 
Day 
Day 225

"I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies." Psalm 119:125

Text: Exodus 24 : 14

IN CLOSE ASSOCIATION WITH MOSES

None of the seventy elders of Israel was chosen to accompany Moses as he planned another trip to meet with the Lord in a higher part of Mount Sinai. Though Aaron and his two sons were mentioned by name, they were not invited to ascend the mountain with Moses either. Joshua was selected instead.

“And he said to the elders, ‘Wait here for us
until we come back to you. Indeed, Aaron and Hur
are with you. If any man has a difficulty, let him go to them.'”
EXODUS 24:14

How privileged Joshua was! “Wait here for US until WE come back to you,” Moses said! Joshua never felt anything but respect and love for this great man of God! There were tens of thousands of young men like himself in Israel, but Moses had chosen him to be his assistant! That was a privilege that he was not going to take for granted! Was he chosen to ascend the mountain with Moses? Then he would be sure that he discharged his responsibility most faithfully!

LEADERSHIP IN THE ABSENCE OF MOSES

Moses had already organized Israel. He had followed through with Jethro’s advice. Many were involved in helping to govern Israel (Cf. Exodus 18:24-26). This may appear to have been an ad hoc arrangement, at best “a loose structure”. Ultimately, the leadership of the nation fell upon the shoulders of Moses! This multi-talented man wore many hats and fulfilled many roles! The following is a short list of the roles he played:-

1. He was the great emancipator

2. He was the Lawgiver

3. He was the great Intercessor

4. He was the outstanding shepherd of Israel

Moses knew that he had to assign duties to cover the period when he would be away to receive the tablets of stone that God had promised him! Who could he appoint to look after the nation in his absence? God had not laid His hand on anyone and that made it more difficult.

Aaron and Hur had stood by Moses as he interceded for Israel when it was attacked by Amalek (Cf. Exodus 17:12). They were probably among the oldest people in Israel too! Their standing as Elders in Israel, their experience of serving the Lord alongside Moses should stand them in good stead!

Moses must have thought that his absence from Israel for a short period of time would not constitute a problem! Aaron and Hur were appointed overall in charge!