2-989-170 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Joshua Defeating Amalek, Unknown date. After the people of Israel had fled from Egypt and arrived at a place called Rephidim they were attacked by the Amalekites (an ancient nomadic tribel). Moses then decided that Joshua was to select soldiers and fight Amalek while he stood on the top of a hill and prayed. Moses was accompanied by Aaron (his brother and senior by three years) and Hur. Moses lifted up his arms. When he did so the Israelites prevailed, but when he lowered them they began to lose. After a time Moses became tired and sat on a stone while Aaron and Hur supported his arms. In this way Moses could keep his arms raised to heaven until sunset and Joshua could defeat Amalek. In the foreground we can see knights in battle: King Amalek has fallen from his horse and is lying wounded while an enemy raises his sword above him and a horseman his lance. In the foreground a wounded Amalekite flees along the road on the right dressed in a turban and a green mantle, a mounted archer follows at a distance. On a height to the left in the central ground the seated Moses can be seen at prayer.