Exodus 17:14

KJV

And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this [for] a memorial in a book, and rehearse [it] in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Write {H3789} this for a memorial {H2146} in a book {H5612}, and rehearse {H7760} it in the ears {H241} of Joshua {H3091}: for I will utterly {H4229} put out {H4229} the remembrance {H2143} of Amalek {H6002} from under heaven {H8064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

and Jehovah said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 17:14 records a profound divine decree issued by the LORD to Moses immediately following Israel's victory over the Amalekites at Rephidim. This verse commands Moses to document this significant event and God's solemn oath to utterly erase the memory of Amalek from existence, while also specifically instructing him to impress this truth upon Joshua. It encapsulates themes of divine justice, the importance of preserving God's historical acts, and the preparation of future leadership for ongoing spiritual conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the Israelites' wilderness journey, directly after their first military engagement as a nation. The preceding verses ([Exodus 17:8-13](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-13 - The Battle with Amalek")) describe the unprovoked attack by the Amalekites at Rephidim and the ensuing battle, where Israel, led by Joshua and sustained by Moses' intercession (with Aaron and Hur supporting his arms), secured a victory. The command in [Exodus 17:14](/exodus/17-14 "Exodus 17:14 - God's Oath Against Amalek") is not merely a post-battle instruction but a divine response to Amalek's egregious act, setting the stage for a perpetual enmity declared in [Exodus 17:16](/exodus/17-16 "Exodus 17:16 - The LORD's War Against Amalek"). It transitions from the immediate military victory to a long-term divine policy of judgment and remembrance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amalekites were a nomadic, predatory people, descendants of Esau through his grandson Amalek ([Genesis 36:12](/genesis/36-12 "Genesis 36:12 - Lineage of Amalek")). Their attack on Israel was particularly heinous because it occurred when the Israelites were vulnerable, weary from their journey, and specifically targeted the stragglers at the rear ([Deuteronomy 25:17-18](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-18 - Remember Amalek's Treachery")). This violated ancient Near Eastern customs of hospitality and showed a complete lack of fear of God, who had just demonstrated His power in the exodus from Egypt. Their actions were an affront to God's chosen people and, by extension, to God Himself, provoking a unique and severe divine condemnation that would span generations, as seen in later interactions with Saul ([1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience Regarding Amalek")) and Haman ([Esther 3:1](/esther/3-1 "Esther 3:1 - Haman the Agagite")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Memorial (Hebrew, _zikaron'_):** This term refers to something that serves as a reminder or a record, ensuring that an event or a truth is not forgotten. In the context of [Exodus 17:14](/exodus/17-14 "God's Command to Remember"), God commands Moses to write this event "for a memorial in a book," indicating that the divine judgment against Amalek and the circumstances that provoked it were to be permanently inscribed into Israel's collective memory and sacred history. It underscores the importance of historical remembrance as a means of understanding God's character and His dealings with humanity.
* **Utterly put out the remembrance (Hebrew, _machah_ + _zeker'_):** The verb _machah_ (מָחָה) means "to wipe away, blot out, obliterate, erase." When combined with the infinitive absolute for emphasis ("blotting out I will blot out") and applied to _zeker_ (זֵכֶר), "remembrance" or "memory," it signifies a comprehensive and total eradication. This is not merely a military defeat but a divine decree for the complete historical, cultural, and perhaps even genetic erasure of Amalek as a distinct people. It expresses the severity of God's judgment against those who defiantly oppose His purposes and His people, aiming for their complete disappearance from the annals of human history and memory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine origin and authority of the command that follows. It highlights that the decree is not a human strategy but a direct revelation from God, emphasizing its absolute significance and binding nature.
* **"Write this [for] a memorial in a book,"**: Moses is commanded to document this event—the Amalekite attack and God's subsequent judgment—in a written record. This underscores the importance of preserving divine revelation and historical acts for future generations, ensuring that God's faithfulness and justice are remembered and passed down through sacred texts.
* **"and rehearse [it] in the ears of Joshua:"**: Beyond written preservation, there is an explicit command for oral transmission and direct instruction to Joshua. This highlights the vital role of mentorship and discipleship in preparing future leaders. Joshua, who led the battle ([Exodus 17:9](/exodus/17-9 "Joshua Leads the Battle")), is specifically chosen to internalize this divine decree, preparing him for his future leadership role and the ongoing spiritual warfare Israel would face.
* **"for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven."**: This is the core of God's declaration: a solemn oath of complete and perpetual judgment against Amalek. Their memory and existence are to be obliterated. This severe pronouncement reflects the depth of Amalek's sin—their unprovoked, cowardly attack on God's vulnerable people—and signifies God's unwavering commitment to justice against those who oppose His divine plan and covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Command** is central, as the text opens with "And the LORD said unto Moses," establishing the absolute authority and imperative nature of the instructions. The phrase "utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven" utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, conveying a judgment so severe that it aims for complete obliteration, not just physical defeat but an erasure from historical memory. This strong language emphasizes the gravity of Amalek's offense and the totality of God's condemnation. Furthermore, the specific instruction to "rehearse [it] in the ears of Joshua" serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly highlighting Joshua's emerging leadership role and preparing him for the future conflicts and responsibilities he would inherit as Moses' successor. This act of direct, personal instruction underscores the continuity of divine purpose through successive generations of leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 17:14 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in human history, His unwavering justice against those who oppose His purposes, and the critical importance of divine revelation and its preservation. It reveals a God who remembers the actions of nations and individuals, and who will decisively act to uphold His covenant and protect His people. The command to record and rehearse ensures that future generations of Israel would understand the gravity of spiritual warfare and the consequences of defying the Most High. This divine judgment against Amalek serves as a perpetual reminder that God is sovereign over all nations and will ultimately bring all injustice to account.

* [Exodus 17:16](/exodus/17-16 "Exodus 17:16 - The LORD's War Against Amalek") - God's oath to have war with Amalek from generation to generation.
* [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek's Treachery") - Moses reiterates the command to remember and blot out Amalek, emphasizing their treacherous attack.
* [1 Samuel 15:2-3](/1_samuel/15-2 "1 Samuel 15:2-3 - God's Command to Saul Regarding Amalek") - God commands Saul to utterly destroy Amalek, demonstrating the long-term nature of this divine decree and the consequences of disobedience.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 17:14 offers profound lessons for believers today, transcending its historical context to speak to enduring spiritual realities. It reminds us that God is a God of justice who sees and responds to evil, particularly when His people are attacked or His purposes are thwarted. While we do not engage in physical warfare against ethnic groups, the principle of a perpetual spiritual conflict remains. We are called to recognize and relentlessly confront the "Amalek" in our own lives—the persistent sins, destructive habits, and spiritual forces that seek to hinder our walk with God and undermine His kingdom. Just as God commanded the memory of Amalek to be blotted out, we are to utterly eradicate the "remembrance" and power of sin in our lives through Christ, allowing no quarter for compromise. Furthermore, the emphasis on writing and rehearsing highlights the timeless importance of diligent discipleship and the faithful transmission of God's truth to the next generation, ensuring that the lessons of His faithfulness, justice, and victory are never forgotten.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Amalek" (persistent sin, destructive habit, spiritual opposition) in your life needs to be utterly blotted out by the power of Christ?**
* **How are you actively participating in the "writing" (documenting/preserving) and "rehearsing" (teaching/discipling) of God's truth for future generations?**
* **In what ways does God's severe judgment against Amalek reinforce your understanding of His justice and holiness?**

### FAQ
**Why was God's judgment against Amalek so severe?**

Answer: God's judgment against Amalek was severe because their attack on Israel was not merely a military skirmish but an act of profound wickedness and defiance against God Himself. The Amalekites attacked the most vulnerable members of Israel—the weary, sick, and stragglers at the rear ([Deuteronomy 25:17-18](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-18 - Amalek's Treachery")). This was an unprovoked assault on a people under divine protection, demonstrating a complete lack of fear of God and violating ancient customs of hospitality. Their actions were seen as a direct challenge to God's sovereignty and His plan for His chosen nation, provoking a unique and lasting divine condemnation that aimed for their complete historical and cultural eradication.

**What does it mean for God to "utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek"?**

Answer: To "utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek" signifies a comprehensive and total divine judgment that goes beyond mere military defeat. It means that God intended for the Amalekites to be completely obliterated as a distinct people, their name and memory erased from under heaven. This was a divine decree for their complete historical and cultural disappearance, ensuring that no trace of their identity or legacy would remain. It underscores the severity of God's wrath against those who are in perpetual opposition to His purposes and His people, serving as a stark warning of the consequences of unrepentant evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine decree to "utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven" finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Amalek, representing a relentless, insidious enemy that attacks God's people and opposes His redemptive purposes, serves as a type for the spiritual adversaries that plague humanity: sin, death, and the devil. Just as God swore to blot out Amalek, Christ, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, utterly blotted out the record of our debt, which stood against us with its legal demands ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Blotting Out the Record of Debt")). He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities and put them to open shame by triumphing over them in the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The "remembrance" of sin and its power, which once held humanity captive, has been eternally erased for those in Christ. Furthermore, Jesus is the one in whom the names of His people are written in the [Lamb's book of life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Lamb's Book of Life"), ensuring an eternal remembrance and inheritance, in stark contrast to the decreed oblivion of God's enemies. His victory ensures that the ultimate "Amalek"—the power of sin and death—has been decisively conquered, guaranteeing a future where all opposition to God's kingdom will be utterly vanquished, and only the remembrance of Christ's triumph and His redeemed people will endure.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 34:27

And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel.

Numbers 24:20

And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek [was] the first of the nations; but his latter end [shall be] that he perish for ever.

1 Samuel 30:1

¶ And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;

1 Samuel 30:17

And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled.

Exodus 12:14

And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

Exodus 24:4

And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

2 Samuel 8:12

Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.