Exodus17

The Israelites, journeying to Rephidim, lacked water and chided Moses, testing the LORD. Moses, by divine command, struck a rock at Horeb, causing water to flow for the people. Subsequently, Amalek attacked Israel, leading to a battle where Israel prevailed as Moses held up his hands, supported by Aaron and Hur, and Joshua led the fight, resulting in Amalek's defeat and the LORD's vow of perpetual war against them.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

Israel Tests the Lord at Rephidim

1
Then the whole congregation of Israel left the Desert of Sin, moving from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.
2
So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?” ​
3
But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled against Moses: “Why have you brought us out of Egypt—to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”
4
Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What should I do with these people? A little more and they will stone me!”
5
And the LORD said to Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel with you. Take along in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go.
6
Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. ​
7
He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” ​

War Against Amalek

8
After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. ​
9
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.” ​
10
Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
11
As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. ​
12
When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. ​
13
So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his army with the sword.
14
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” ​
15
And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner. ​
16
“Indeed,” he said, “a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD. The LORD will war against Amalek from generation to generation.”

Study Notes for Exodus 17

Verse 2

The people’s complaint quickly escalated from a demand for water to testing God’s faithfulness. To 'tempt the LORD' implies challenging God's power or questioning His presence among them despite recent miraculous deliverance.

Verse 6

God instructed Moses to strike the rock at Horeb (Sinai). This miraculous provision of water is often interpreted typologically, with the rock later identified by Paul as a symbol of Christ (1 Cor. 10:4).

Verse 7

The names Massah ('Testing') and Meribah ('Quarreling' or 'Strife') permanently memorialize Israel’s failure of faith and their central doubt: 'Is the LORD among us, or not?'

Verse 8

The Amalekites were a nomadic group descended from Esau (Gen. 36:12). Their unprovoked attack on the weary Israelites marks the beginning of a perpetual spiritual and political enmity with Israel.

Verse 9

This is the first mention of Joshua, who is immediately established as Moses’ military deputy. His selection highlights his competence and begins his preparation for future leadership.

Verse 11

Moses’ raised hands functioned as a sign of intercession and reliance on God’s power. The physical act demonstrated that Israel’s victory was secured not by military might, but by divine intervention.

Verse 12

The support provided by Aaron and Hur underscores the necessity of communal support in spiritual battles. They ensured that Moses could maintain the posture necessary to channel God’s power into the conflict.

Verse 14

The command to record this event emphasizes its profound theological significance: God declares perpetual war against Amalek for their wickedness and lack of reverence (cf. Deut. 25:17-19).

Verse 15

Moses named the altar *Jehovah-nissi*, meaning 'The LORD is my Banner.' This title celebrates God as the standard or rallying point, confirming that He alone grants victory.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options