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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.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 17:13 marks the climactic conclusion of Israel's inaugural military engagement after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, vividly detailing Joshua's decisive and comprehensive victory over the Amalekites. This pivotal verse encapsulates the essential synergy between divine empowerment, channeled through Moses' sustained intercession, and diligent human effort, exemplified by Joshua's leadership and the Israelite army's direct combat. It signifies Joshua's emergence as a formidable military commander, foreshadowing his future role in leading God's people into the Promised Land, while simultaneously affirming God's unwavering faithfulness in defending His covenant people against unprovoked and malicious aggression.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative of Exodus 17:13, as the culmination of the battle of Rephidim, is rich with several potent literary devices. Symbolism is profoundly evident, particularly in Moses' raised hands on the hilltop, which powerfully symbolize Israel's absolute dependence on divine power, the efficacy of intercessory prayer, and the spiritual dimension of warfare. The "edge of the sword" serves as a potent symbol of human agency, military might, and the tangible means through which God's will is executed in the physical realm. The entire episode functions as significant foreshadowing, specifically for Joshua's future and expanded role as Israel's primary military leader, who would eventually lead them into the Promised Land, conquering formidable enemies "with the edge of the sword." There is also a clear juxtaposition or contrast between the spiritual battle waged on the hilltop by Moses, Aaron, and Hur, characterized by prayer and divine empowerment, and the physical battle fought on the plain by Joshua and the Israelite army, characterized by strategic action and direct combat. This highlights the dual nature of victory, requiring both unwavering spiritual reliance and diligent physical exertion.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 17:13 profoundly illustrates the timeless theological truth that divine sovereignty and human responsibility are not mutually exclusive but are divinely interwoven and interdependent. The victory over Amalek was unequivocally God's, secured through Moses' persistent intercession and divine empowerment, yet it simultaneously necessitated Joshua's courageous leadership and the active participation of the Israelite army in direct combat. This narrative underscores the profound reality of spiritual warfare, where unseen spiritual forces profoundly influence earthly conflicts, and ultimate victory is contingent upon aligning with God's will through prayer, faith, and obedience. It teaches believers that while God fights for His people and provides the ultimate power, He also calls them to actively engage in the battles He ordains, equipping and empowering their human efforts for success.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 17:13 offers profound and timeless principles for believers navigating the multifaceted challenges of life. Just as ancient Israel faced the unprovoked aggression of the Amalekites, we too encounter our own "Amaleks"—whether they manifest as spiritual strongholds, persistent temptations, external adversaries, societal injustices, or personal struggles that seek to hinder our journey of faith and deplete our spiritual strength. This passage calls us to embrace a holistic and integrated approach to victory: combining fervent prayer and absolute dependence on God (powerfully symbolized by Moses' raised hands) with diligent effort, strategic action, and courageous engagement (represented by Joshua's sword). We are powerfully reminded that God empowers our efforts and fights on our behalf, but He rarely acts in a vacuum, often expecting and requiring our active participation and obedience. Furthermore, the crucial support provided by Aaron and Hur to Moses highlights the indispensable value of community, mutual encouragement, and corporate prayer in spiritual warfare. No one is meant to fight alone; we are called to bear one another's burdens, uphold one another in prayer, and provide practical support in the midst of battle. When facing our own "Amaleks," let us engage with courage, pray with persistence, and lean on the strength of our spiritual community, trusting implicitly that the Lord of Hosts will ultimately grant the victory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who were the Amalekites, and why was this battle so significant?
Answer: The Amalekites were a nomadic, predatory tribe, descendants of Esau, who launched an unprovoked and cowardly attack on the weary and vulnerable Israelites shortly after their exodus from Egypt. This battle was highly significant because it was Israel's first major military engagement as a newly liberated nation, serving as a foundational lesson in God's faithfulness in defending His people. It also established the Amalekites as a perpetual and implacable enemy of God's people due to their cruel and opportunistic aggression, leading to God's later command to utterly blot out their memory from under heaven (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).
What was the spiritual significance of Moses' raised hands during the battle?
Answer: Moses' raised hands were a powerful symbol of Israel's absolute dependence on God for victory. When his hands were raised, Israel prevailed; when they dropped, Amalek gained the upper hand. This demonstrated unequivocally that the battle was ultimately God's, and human effort alone was insufficient to secure triumph. It underscored the critical role of intercessory prayer, spiritual alignment, and divine favor in securing victory in both physical and spiritual conflicts. The crucial support from Aaron and Hur in holding up Moses' hands further emphasized the indispensable importance of corporate prayer, mutual encouragement, and sustained support within the community of faith (Exodus 17:12).
Why is Joshua highlighted in this verse, and what does it reveal about his leadership?
Answer: Joshua is prominently highlighted in this verse because this battle marks his emergence as Israel's primary military commander. While Moses provided essential spiritual leadership and intercession from the hilltop, Joshua was the one who directly led the forces on the ground, implementing strategy, directing troops, and engaging in physical combat. This verse reveals Joshua's courage, obedience, and strategic capability, showcasing his readiness for the momentous future role God had prepared for him—leading Israel into the Promised Land and conquering its inhabitants (Joshua 1:1-9). It powerfully demonstrates that divine victory often involves both supernatural power and capable, obedient human leadership working in concert.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The decisive victory over Amalek in Exodus 17:13, achieved through the combined, interdependent efforts of Moses' intercession and Joshua's leadership, profoundly foreshadows the comprehensive redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Moses stood as Israel's intercessor, holding up his hands in prayer and dependence, Christ serves as our ultimate and eternal High Priest, continually interceding for us before the Father's throne (Hebrews 7:25). His outstretched arms on the cross represent the supreme act of divine intervention, securing the definitive victory over the greatest "Amalek"—sin, death, and the principalities and powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15). Furthermore, Joshua, whose Hebrew name (Y'hoshua) is the linguistic equivalent of "Jesus," serves as a powerful type of Christ. Joshua led Israel into the physical promised land, conquering their enemies "with the edge of the sword"; similarly, Jesus, our true Joshua, leads us into the spiritual rest and eternal inheritance of God's kingdom, having already decisively discomfited our ultimate spiritual adversaries through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection (Hebrews 4:8-10). Through Christ, believers are empowered to overcome spiritual battles, not by their own might or wisdom, but by the indwelling power of His Spirit and the spiritual weaponry He provides (Ephesians 6:10-18), ultimately participating in His triumph over every foe, culminating in the final and eternal defeat of all enemies under His sovereign feet (1 Corinthians 15:25-26).