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.

Israel Tests the Lord at Rephidim

1
The whole community of the people of Isra'el left the Seen Desert, traveling in stages, as ADONAI had ordered, and camped at Refidim; but there was no water for the people to drink.
2
The people quarreled with Moshe, demanding, "Give us water to drink!" But Moshe replied, "Why pick a fight with me? Why are you testing ADONAI?" ​
3
However, the people were thirsty for water there and grumbled against Moshe, "For what did you bring us up from Egypt? To kill us, our children and our livestock with thirst?"
4
Moshe cried out to ADONAI, "What am I to do with these people? They're ready to stone me!"
5
ADONAI answered Moshe, "Go on ahead of the people, and bring with you the leaders of Isra'el. Take your staff in your hand, the one you used to strike the river; and go.
6
I will stand in front of you there on the rock in Horev. You are to strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so the people can drink." Moshe did this in the sight of the leaders of Isra'el. ​
7
The place was named Massah [testing] and M'rivah [quarreling] because of the quarreling of the people of Isra'el and because they tested ADONAI by asking, "Is ADONAI with us or not?" ​

War Against Amalek

8
Then 'Amalek came and fought with Isra'el at Refidim. ​
9
Moshe said to Y'hoshua, "Choose men for us, go out, and fight with 'Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with God's staff in my hand." ​
10
Y'hoshua did as Moshe had told him and fought with 'Amalek. Then Moshe, Aharon and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
11
When Moshe raised his hand, Isra'el prevailed; but when he let it down, 'Amalek prevailed. ​
12
However, Moshe's hands grew heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aharon and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side and the other on the other; so that his hands stayed steady until sunset. ​
13
Thus Y'hoshua defeated 'Amalek, putting their people to the sword.
14
ADONAI said to Moshe, "Write this in a book to be remembered, and tell it to Y'hoshua: I will completely blot out any memory of 'Amalek from under heaven." ​
15
Moshe built an altar, called it ADONAINissi [ADONAI is my banner/miracle], ​
16
and said, "Because their hand was against the throne of Yah, ADONAI will fight 'Amalek generation after 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.

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