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Commentary on Exodus 17 verses 8–16
We have here the story of the war with Amalek, which, we may suppose, was the first that was recorded in the book of the wars of the Lord, Num 21:14. Amalek was the first of the nations that Israel fought with, Num 24:20. Observe,
I. Amalek's attempt: They came out, and fought with Israel, Exo 17:8. The Amalekites were the posterity of Esau, who hated Jacob because of the birthright and blessing, and this was an effort of the hereditary enmity, a malice that ran in the blood, and perhaps was now exasperated by the working of the promise towards an accomplishment. Consider this, 1. As Israel's affliction. They had been quarrelling with Moses (Exo 17:2), and now God sends Amalekites to quarrel with them; wars abroad are the just punishment of strifes and discontents at home. 2. As Amalek's sin; so it is reckoned, Deu 25:17, Deu 25:18. They did not boldly front them as a generous enemy, but without any provocation given by Israel, or challenge given to them, basely fell upon their rear, and smote those that were faint and feeble and could neither make resistance nor escape. Herein they bade defiance to that power which had so lately ruined the Egyptians; but in vain did they attack a camp guarded and victualled by miracles: verily they knew not what they did.
II. Israel's engagement with Amalek, in their own necessary defence against the aggressors. Observe,
1.The post assigned to Joshua, of whom this is the first mention: he is nominated commander-in-chief in this expedition, that he might be trained up to the services he was designed for after the death of Moses, and be a man of war from his youth. He is ordered to draw out a detachment of choice men from the thousands of Israel and to drive back the Amalekites, Exo 17:9. When the Egyptians pursued them Israel must stand still and see what God would do; but now it was required that they should bestir themselves. Note, God is to be trusted in the use of means.
2.The post assumed by Moses: I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand, Exo 17:9. See how God qualifies his people for, and calls them to, various services for the good of his church: Joshua fights, Moses prays, and both minister to Israel. Moses went up to the top of the hill, and placed himself, probably, so as to be seen by Israel; there he held up the rod of God in his hand, that wonder-working rod which had summoned the plagues of Egypt, and under which Israel had passed out of the house of bondage. This rod Moses held up to Israel, to animate them; the rod was held up as the banner to encourage the soldiers, who might look up, and say, "Yonder is the rod, and yonder the hand that used it, when such glorious things were wrought for us." Note, It tends much to the encouragement of faith to reflect upon the great things God has done for us, and review the monuments of his favours. Moses also held up this rod to God, by way of appeal to him: "Is not the battle the Lord's? Is not he able to help, and engaged to help? Witness this rod, the voice of which, thus held up, is (Isa 51:9, Isa 51:10), Put on strength, O arm of the Lord; art not thou it that hath cut Rahab?" Moses was not only a standard-bearer, but an intercessor, pleading with God for success and victory. Note, When the host goes forth against the enemy earnest prayers should be made to the God of hosts for his presence with them. It is here the praying legion that proves the thundering legion. There, in Salem, in Sion where prayers were made, there the victory was won, there broke the arrows of the bow, Psa 76:2, Psa 76:3. Observe, (1.) How Moses was tired (Exo 17:12): His hands were heavy. The strongest arm will fail with being long extended; it is God only whose hand is stretched out still. We do not find that Joshua's hands were heavy in fighting, but Moses's hands were heavy in praying. The more spiritual any service is the more apt we are to fail and flag in it. Praying work, if done with due intenseness of mind and vigour of affection, will be found hard work, and, though the spirit be willing, the flesh will be weak. Our great Intercessor in heaven faints not, nor is he weary, though he attends continually to this very thing. (2.) What influence the rod of Moses had upon the battle (v. 11): When Moses held up his hand in prayer (so the Chaldee explains it) Israel prevailed, but, when he let down his hand from prayer, Amalek prevailed. To convince Israel that the hand of Moses (with whom they had just now been chiding) contributed more to their safety than their own hands, his rod than their sword, the success rises and falls as Moses lifts up or lets down his hands. It seems, the scale wavered for some time, before it turned on Israel's side. Even the best cause must expect disappointments as an alloy to its successes; though the battle be the Lord's, Amalek may prevail for a time. The reason was, Moses let down his hands. Note, The church's cause is, commonly, more or less successful according as the church's friends are more or less strong in faith and fervent in prayer. (3.) The care that was taken for the support of Moses. When he could not stand any longer he sat down, not in a chair of state, but upon a stone (v. 12); when he could not hold up his hands, he would have them held up. Moses, the man of God, is glad of the assistance of Aaron his brother, and Hur, who, some think, was his brother-in-law, the husband of Miriam. We should not be shy either of asking help from others or giving help to others, for we are members one of another. Moses's hands, thus stayed, were steady till the going down of the sun; and, though it was with much ado that he held out, yet his willing mind was accepted. No doubt it was a great encouragement to the people to see Joshua before them in the field of battle and Moses above them upon the top of the hill: Christ is both to us - our Joshua, the captain of our salvation who fights our battles, and our Moses, who, in the upper world, ever lives making intercession, that our faith fail not.
III. The defeat of Amalek. Victory had hovered awhile between the camps; sometimes Israel prevailed and sometimes Amalek, but Israel carried the day, v. 13. Though Joshua fought with great disadvantages - his soldiers undisciplined, ill-armed, long inured to servitude, and apt to murmur; yet by them God wrought a great salvation, and made Amalek pay dearly for his insolence. Note, Weapons formed against God's Israel cannot prosper long, and shall be broken at last. The cause of God and his Israel will be victorious. Though God gave the victory, yet it is said, Joshua discomfited Amalek, because Joshua was a type of Christ, and of the same name, and in him it is that we are more than conquerors. It was his arm alone that spoiled principalities and powers, and routed all their force.
IV. The trophies of this victory set up. 1. Moses took care that God should have the glory of it (v. 15); instead of setting up a triumphal arch, to the honour of Joshua (though it had been a laudable policy to put marks of honour upon him), he builds an altar to the honour of God, and we may suppose it was not an altar without sacrifice; but that which is most carefully recorded is the inscription upon the altar, Jehovah-nissi - The Lord is my banner, which probably refers to the lifting up of the rod of God as a banner in this action. The presence and power of Jehovah were the banner under which they enlisted, by which they were animated and kept together, and therefore which they erected in the day of their triumph. In the name of our God we must always lift up our banners, Psa 20:5. It is fit that he who does all the work should have all the praise. 2. God took care that posterity should have the comfort and benefit of it: "Write this for a memorial, not in loose papers, but in a book, write it, and then rehearse it in the ears of Joshua, let him be entrusted with this memorial, to transmit it to the generations to come." Moses must now begin to keep a diary or journal of occurrences; it is the first mention of writing that we find in scripture, and perhaps the command was not given till after the writing of the law upon the tables of stone: "Write it in perpetuam rei memoriam - that the event may be had in perpetual remembrance; that which is written remains." (1.) "Write what has been done, what Amalek has done against Israel; write in gall their bitter hatred, write in blood their cruel attempts, let them never be forgotten, nor yet what God has done for Israel in saving them from Amalek. Let ages to come know that God fights for his people, and he that touches them touches the apple of his eye." (2.) Write what shall be done. [1.] That in process of time Amalek shall be totally ruined and rooted out (Exo 17:14), that he shall be remembered only in history." Amalek would have cut off the name of Israel, that it might be no more in remembrance (Psa 83:4, Psa 83:7); and therefore God not only disappoints him in this, but cuts off his name. "Write it for the encouragement of Israel, whenever the Amalekites are an annoyance to them, that Israel will at last undoubtedly triumph in the fall of Amalek." This sentence was executed in part by Saul (1 Sa. 15), and completely by David (ch. 30; Sa2 1:1; Sa2 8:12); after his time we never read so much as of the name of Amalek. [2.] This is the mean time God would have a continual controversy with him (v. 16): Because his hand is upon the throne of the Lord, that is, against the camp of Israel in which the Lord ruled, which was the place of his sanctuary, and is therefore called a glorious high throne from the beginning (Jer 17:12); therefore the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. This was written for direction to Israel never to make any league with the Amalekites, but to look upon them as irreconcilable enemies, doomed to ruin. Amalek's destruction was typical of the destruction of all the enemies of Christ and his kingdom. Whoever make war with the Lamb, the Lamb will overcome them.
For in this way, when the eyes are lifted up through thought and contemplation and the hands are lifted up in deeds which lift up and exalt the soul, as Moses lifted up his hands, one may consequently say, “The lifting up of my hands is as the evening sacrifice.” In this way the Amalekites and all the unseen enemies will be worsted, and the Israelite reasonings in us will prevail.
For my own warfare, however, I am at a loss what course to pursue, what alliance, what word of wisdom, what grace to devise, with what panoply to arm myself against the wiles of the wicked one. What Moses did is to conquer him by stretching out his hands upon the mount, in order that the cross, thus typified and prefigured, may prevail.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 17:11 profoundly illustrates the direct correlation between divine intervention and a human posture of faith during the critical battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites at Rephidim. This pivotal verse reveals that Israel's success on the battlefield was entirely contingent upon Moses' hands being raised, symbolizing persistent intercession and unwavering reliance on God. Conversely, when his hands grew weary and fell, the tide of battle turned, and Amalek gained the advantage. This moment underscores the timeless principle that true victory against formidable opposition, whether physical or spiritual, is not achieved by human strength or strategic prowess alone, but through sustained, God-dependent prayer and spiritual alignment.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Exodus 17:11 is strategically placed within the narrative of Israel's arduous wilderness journey following their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Immediately prior to this military engagement, the Israelites had experienced God's faithful and miraculous provision of water from the rock at Horeb (Exodus 17:1-7), yet their grumbling persisted, highlighting their ongoing spiritual immaturity. This battle against Amalek, detailed in Exodus 17:8-16, represents Israel's inaugural major military confrontation as a nascent nation. The narrative meticulously details the complementary roles of Joshua, who led the forces on the ground, and Aaron and Hur, who physically supported Moses' weary arms, thereby emphasizing the indispensable need for collective effort and divine empowerment for victory. The passage culminates with God's solemn and enduring promise to utterly eradicate the remembrance of Amalek, signifying their unique and perpetual enmity against His chosen people.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Amalekites were a notoriously nomadic and predatory people, identified as descendants of Esau through his grandson Amalek (Genesis 36:12). Their unprovoked assault on Israel at Rephidim was particularly malicious and cowardly, as they specifically targeted the weak, weary, and vulnerable stragglers at the rear of the Israelite camp (Deuteronomy 25:17-18). This act of profound malice against God's newly liberated people, who were under His direct protection, established the Amalekites as an archetypal and persistent enemy of Israel throughout their subsequent history (Numbers 24:20). Consequently, the battle was far more than a mere territorial skirmish; it was a profound spiritual confrontation, emblematic of the enduring conflict between God's redemptive purposes for His people and the malevolent forces that seek to thwart them.
Key Themes: Exodus 17:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Human Dependence, powerfully illustrating that ultimate victory and provision come solely from God, often mediated through human obedience and reliance. The pivotal role of Moses' outstretched hands underscores the Power of Intercession, presenting prayer not as a passive act but as a dynamic force that directly influences earthly outcomes. Furthermore, the supportive actions of Aaron and Hur introduce the crucial theme of Corporate Solidarity and Mutual Support, demonstrating that spiritual leadership and perseverance are sustained not in isolation, but through the vital encouragement and assistance of the community. Finally, the unprovoked aggression of the Amalekites establishes the theme of Spiritual Warfare, portraying them as an enduring, archetypal enemy representing the persistent opposition to God's people and His redemptive plan, a conflict that ultimately requires divine intervention for triumph, as seen throughout Exodus 17.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Held up (Hebrew, rûwm', H7311): From the primitive root H7311, meaning "to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it describes Moses' physical posture of lifting his hands, a gesture widely interpreted as one of intense prayer, supplication, or the upholding of the staff of God (as mentioned in Exodus 17:9). The profound significance lies not merely in the physical action itself, but in the spiritual posture it embodies—a posture of absolute dependence on divine power, authority, and intervention.
Prevailed (Hebrew, gâbar', H1396): From the primitive root H1396, meaning "to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently." This term precisely describes the side that gained the decisive upper hand or demonstrated superior strength in the ongoing conflict. When Israel "prevailed," it unequivocally signifies their ascendancy in battle, an outcome directly and supernaturally linked to God's empowering presence channeled through Moses' intercessory posture, highlighting that their strength was derived from the Lord.
Let down (Hebrew, nûwach', H5117): From the primitive root H5117, meaning "to rest, i.e. settle down; used in a great variety of applications...to let fall, place, let alone, withdraw, give comfort, etc." Here, it vividly describes Moses' hands succumbing to physical weariness and falling, thereby implying a cessation of the elevated, intercessory posture. This action is immediately and directly correlated with Amalek's regaining the tactical advantage, powerfully underscoring the immediate and tangible impact of the spiritual state on the physical outcome of the battle.
Verse Breakdown
"And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand": This opening clause establishes a direct and undeniable causal link between Moses' specific action and the unfolding progression of the battle. Moses' elevated hands, whether grasping the staff of God or simply raised in fervent prayer, functioned as a visible conduit and sign of God's active, empowering presence on behalf of Israel. It was a profound, public demonstration of spiritual reliance and dependence.
"that Israel prevailed": This is the immediate, direct, and positive consequence of Moses' hands being raised. Israel gained the decisive advantage, successfully pushing back and overcoming the Amalekite forces. This outcome emphatically highlights that the victory was divinely granted and sustained, not solely the result of Joshua's military strategy or the Israelites' inherent fighting prowess.
"and when he let down his hand": This clause introduces the stark antithesis to the preceding situation. As Moses' human strength inevitably waned and his hands dropped due to fatigue, the spiritual connection or visible sign of reliance was seemingly diminished, leading to an immediate and dramatic reversal of fortunes on the battlefield.
"Amalek prevailed.": This is the direct, immediate, and negative consequence. The enemy, Amalek, rapidly gained the upper hand, demonstrating Israel's profound vulnerability when the posture of divine reliance and persistent intercession was not consistently maintained. This stark contrast powerfully emphasizes the critical and non-negotiable nature of Moses' intercessory role.
Literary Devices
Exodus 17:11 is profoundly rich in Symbolism, where Moses' raised hands serve as a potent symbol of unwavering reliance on God, persistent prayer, and the channeling of divine power into the physical realm. The staff of God, mentioned earlier in the broader narrative (v.9), also functions as a powerful symbol of God's sovereign authority and miraculous intervention on behalf of His people. The verse employs striking Antithesis and Juxtaposition, presenting a clear, immediate, and dramatic contrast between two opposing states: Moses' hands raised (resulting in Israel's prevailing) versus his hands lowered (resulting in Amalek's prevailing). This stark binary effectively communicates the direct, dependent, and non-negotiable relationship between a spiritual posture of faith and the tangible outcome in the physical world. Furthermore, the entire narrative of the battle against Amalek functions as Typology, foreshadowing the ongoing spiritual warfare that believers continually face, where unseen spiritual realities—such as prayer, faith, and divine power—directly and decisively influence visible, earthly outcomes.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 17:11 powerfully illustrates the profound theological truth that ultimate victory belongs solely to God and is frequently mediated through human intercession and sustained reliance on His omnipotent power. It underscores the vital principle that while human effort, strategic planning (as exemplified by Joshua's leadership), and physical exertion are necessary components, they remain utterly insufficient without divine enablement. The passage highlights the critical, indeed indispensable, role of persistent prayer and intercession, demonstrating unequivocally that the spiritual battle is often won or lost in the unseen realm of intimate communion with God. Moreover, the unwavering support provided by Aaron and Hur emphasizes the vital importance of communal support, mutual encouragement, and spiritual perseverance in sustaining leadership and achieving collective spiritual objectives, serving as a powerful reminder that no individual is intended to bear the immense burden of spiritual warfare in isolation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound account of Moses' raised hands at Rephidim offers timeless and enduring lessons for believers as we navigate the myriad spiritual battles of life. It calls us to adopt and maintain a posture of unwavering, absolute dependence on God, reminding us that our true strength and ultimate victory are not inherent within ourselves but are derived solely from His divine power working dynamically through us. In the midst of our own struggles, whether they be personal challenges, communal conflicts, or societal injustices, we are powerfully invited to "hold up our hands" in persistent, believing prayer, recognizing that our consistent, intimate communion with God is the singular, true determinant of prevailing against all spiritual adversaries. This passage also serves as a compelling call to cultivate and deeply cherish supportive community, actively seeking opportunities to uphold, encourage, and strengthen one another, especially those burdened with spiritual leadership, thereby ensuring that no one grows weary and lets their "hands" fall in isolation. Our collective perseverance in prayer and unwavering mutual support are absolutely essential for sustained spiritual victory in the Christian life.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who were the Amalekites and why were they such a persistent enemy of Israel?
Answer: The Amalekites were a nomadic, fiercely predatory people, identified in scripture as descendants of Esau through his grandson Amalek (Genesis 36:12). They were notorious for their opportunistic and cruel attacks. Their deep-seated enmity towards Israel originated from their unprovoked and insidious assault on the vulnerable and weary Israelites at Rephidim, immediately following the Exodus (Deuteronomy 25:17-18). This act of profound malice against God's chosen people, who were under His direct divine protection, marked them for perpetual enmity (Exodus 17:16). Consequently, they became a symbolic representation of the relentless, spiritual forces that continually oppose God's divine purposes and His people throughout history.
Did Moses' hands possess magical power?
Answer: No, Moses' hands did not possess any inherent magical or mystical power in themselves. The power and the ultimate victory came exclusively from God alone. Moses' raised hands were a profound symbol of his posture of prayer, fervent supplication, and unwavering reliance on God's omnipotence. They served as a visible and tangible sign to both the Israelites and the Amalekites that the battle's outcome was entirely dependent on divine intervention. The narrative unequivocally demonstrates that the tide of the battle was directly tied to God's response to Moses' intercession, not to any intrinsic force or magical property within Moses himself or his physical actions. This powerfully highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His gracious willingness to work through the faith and obedient posture of His servants.
How does this story apply to spiritual warfare today?
Answer: The ancient battle against Amalek serves as a powerful type or vivid illustration of the spiritual warfare that believers are actively engaged in today. Just as ancient Israel faced a persistent and tangible physical enemy, Christians today confront spiritual adversaries (Ephesians 6:12). This compelling story teaches us that true victory in these spiritual battles is never won by human strength, intellectual prowess, or material resources alone, but rather through persistent, fervent prayer, unwavering reliance on God's limitless power, and the vital, collective support of the believing community. Our "hands held up" in this contemporary context represent consistent, faithful intercession and an unshakeable faith in God's sovereign ability to overcome all opposition, powerfully reminding us that the ultimate and decisive victory has already been secured by Christ on the cross.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic scene at Rephidim, where Moses' sustained posture of raised hands secured a decisive victory for Israel, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate intercession and triumphant work of Jesus Christ. Moses, serving as the divinely appointed mediator between God and Israel, with his arms outstretched in a posture of dependence, functions as a profound type of Christ. Just as Moses' continuous and arduous effort was required for Israel to prevail, Christ's single, perfect, and decisive act of stretching out His arms on the cross secured a complete, eternal, and all-encompassing victory over sin, death, and all spiritual adversaries (Colossians 2:15). His finished work on Calvary means that our victory in spiritual warfare is not dependent on our sustained physical effort or a perfect human posture, but rather on His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26). Furthermore, Christ, our great High Priest, continues His perfect intercession for us at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34), thereby ensuring our ultimate and guaranteed triumph. The communal support of Aaron and Hur holding up Moses' hands also beautifully points to the Church, the very body of Christ, called to uphold one another in prayer and faith, empowered by the resurrected Lord who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18-20). Thus, the battle at Rephidim stands as a profound Old Testament echo of the greater, eternal victory achieved by the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, and who continually intercedes for His beloved people.