Truths from the OT: Victory through Community

Victory through community.  As the nubile nation of Israel escaped from Egyptian incarceration, they quickly fell prey to the marauding Amalekites.  In a queer display of divine intervention, the Israelites only achieved victory while Moses held up his arms; however, as the strength of man fails, so too did Moses arms, but victory was achieved through brothers of the faith (Aaron and Hur) who each upheld Moses' arms (Ex. 17:8-13).  King Solomon's wisdom echos this strength in numbers by revealing how even cords of multiple strands are not easily broken (Eccl. 4:12).   The Kingdom of God cannot advance with lone-wolf Christians who forsake the assembly, but calls for community that spurs one another on toward love and good deeds as the various body members of the church (Heb. 10:23-25).  Contrary to common cultural opinion, victory over sin can never be achieved by individual strength or will-power alone, but can only be found in a community of believers who mutually confess and pray for one another so that they may be forgiven and that they may be healed (James 5:15-16).