Today’s “hero behind the hero” is a man whose name may not be familiar, even if you’re familiar with Moses, Miriam, Aaron, and, perhaps, even Jethro. His name was Hur.
Sometimes being a hero for God doesn’t mean leading the charge; it means holding up someone else so that they can lead or perform the task God has called them to.
In Exodus 17, the Israelites are in battle against the Amalekites. While Joshua leads the fight down in the valley, Moses is the one the people are looking to for confidence and victory. So, Moses climbs to a hilltop where he can be seen by his people, holding the staff of God aloft in his hands. Sometimes, winning at war – just like living in life and at faith – is all about having a winning attitude and a positive mindset.
As long as Moses held God’s staff high, the Israelite people believed they could, and would, win the battle. But when his arms grew tired and started to drop, they faltered, and the Amalekites began to prevail.
Enter Aaron, the brother who has been by Moses’ side from the beginning, and Hur, the heretofore unknown.
“When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” (Exodus 17:12)
It’s such a simple image, but it’s one of the most beautiful pictures of teamwork and spiritual support in all of Scripture. Moses may have been the leader, but without Aaron and Hur, his arms would have dropped … and the battle would have been lost.
Hur doesn’t get much more mention in the Bible. He isn’t famous for miracles or speeches or saving lives. But for one exhausting day, he did exactly what God needed him to do: he stood beside a weary friend and held up his hands.
Sometimes faithfulness looks like that—quiet, unseen, and supportive. There are no trumpets or spotlights for people who hold up hands. They just show up, offer a steady presence to those who are faltering, and keep them lifted until the battle turns.
Have you ever been called to be a “Hur” — holding up someone who’s exhausted through your prayer, encouragement, or practical advice? Perhaps that’s been your main calling. If so, it’s natural to wonder whether what you’re doing has really been important. The real Hur is a reminder that “Hurs” matter. Or maybe you’re the one whose arms are shaking, the one in need of a “Hur.” If so, don’t feel like you’re not enough, like God expects you to go it alone. Even the great Moses needed Hur. With God, neither role is lesser; both are sacred.
God works through the spotlight and the sidelines alike. And often, it’s the unseen supporters—the Hurs of this world—who make victory possible.
So here’s to the quiet heroes. The encouragers, intercessors, hand-holders, and burden-sharers. You may not be on the hilltop in glory, but you’re part of the miracle.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for those who hold me up when I grow weary. Help me to see the value in quiet support, in showing up, in holding on. Teach me to be a faithful friend, even when no one notices but you. Amen.
