The answer is: Joshua

Ex 17:8

In Exodus 17, we witness a pivotal moment in Moses’ leadership where he delegates the responsibility of military leadership to Joshua. This is significant for a number of reasons. First, it marks Joshua's rise in prominence as a leader among the Israelites. Before this point, Moses had been the head of the people, frequently communicating God’s commands. But here he sees fit to empower Joshua, suggesting the importance of developing future leaders who can take on pivotal roles.

Now, let’s add a little extra juice to Moses's decision. The Amalekites are not just a random foe; their attack on the Israelites symbolizes a deeper spiritual struggle. Amalek attacked from the rear, targeting the weak and vulnerable (Ex 17:8), which reinforces the cycle of human conflict we often see in spiritual and communal uprisings. There are echoes of several Biblical themes here, such as defense against oppression and the importance of solidarity among the people during a crisis.

Interestingly, while Joshua fights below on the battlefield, Moses stands atop a hill, holding up the staff of God. This staff symbolizes divine authority and reminder that victory doesn't merely come from human effort—it’s a partnership with God’s will. Notably, when Moses’ hands grow weary, the battle shifts, emphasizing the preciousness of support and community in struggles—an echoed lesson throughout the Scriptures!

Moreover, Joshua’s name means "Yahweh saves." This gives us a post-Exodus glimpse into the connection to prophecies about redemption that culminate in the New Testament, enriching our understanding of continuities across Scripture. How intriguing is that!