Perhaps Moses displayed this wonder-working rod in the sight of the people to animate them; as if he had called to Israel to look at it, and be strong. Psalms 20:3.
Related Commentaries of Exodus 17:10
Exodus 17:10
10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.