Exodus 17:8

¶ Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

Then came {H935} Amalek {H6002}, and fought {H3898} with Israel {H3478} in Rephidim {H7508}.

Then 'Amalek came and fought with Isra'el at Refidim.

After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.

Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 17:8 (KJV)

The verse Exodus 17:8 marks a pivotal moment in the Israelite journey through the wilderness, introducing their first significant military conflict. After a period of miraculous provision and internal challenges, the nation faces an external threat.

Context

This verse immediately follows a period of intense grumbling and testing for the Israelites at Rephidim, where they complained bitterly about a lack of water. God, in His mercy, miraculously provided water from the rock at Horeb (also called Massah and Meribah), as recorded in Exodus 17:6. Just as their immediate physical needs were met, a new and unexpected challenge arose in the form of the Amalekites. This sudden aggression highlights the continuous trials Israel faced, shifting from internal discontent to external warfare.

Key Themes

  • Unprovoked Aggression: The Amalekites launched an unprovoked attack on the weary Israelites, who were still recovering from their exodus from Egypt and their arduous journey through the desert. This act of treachery initiated a long-standing conflict between the two peoples.
  • The Nature of the Enemy: Amalek represents a persistent, insidious enemy that attacks when one is most vulnerable. Their descendants would continue to be a thorn in Israel's side throughout their history, symbolizing spiritual opposition that seeks to hinder God's people.
  • Divine Protection and Warfare: Though this verse only states the attack, it sets the stage for God's direct intervention in Israel's first military battle, demonstrating His role as their protector and warrior (as seen in the subsequent verses of this chapter).
  • Testing and Preparation: This encounter served as a test of Israel's faith and obedience, and a crucial step in their development as a nation, preparing them for future conquests and challenges.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Amalek" (עֲמָלֵק, 'Amaleq) is of uncertain etymology but is generally understood to refer to a nomadic people, descendants of Esau's grandson, Amalek (Genesis 36:12). Their attack "in Rephidim" is significant because this location was a crucial waypoint, geographically strategic for both defense and passage. The Hebrew phrase "fought with Israel" (vayilachem im Yisrael) clearly indicates a direct military engagement, not merely a skirmish.

Related Scriptures

  • The immediate aftermath and God's command regarding Amalek are detailed in Exodus 17:14-16, where God declares perpetual war against Amalek and promises to "blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven."
  • Deuteronomy later reiterates the command to remember and destroy Amalek for their cowardly attack on the weak and weary, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:17-19.
  • Balaam's prophecy in Numbers 24:20 describes Amalek as "the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever."
  • King Saul's failure to completely obey God's command concerning Amalek is a significant event in 1 Samuel 15, leading to his rejection as king.
  • The deep-seated animosity is also seen in the book of Esther, where Haman the Agagite (a descendant of the Amalekite king Agag) sought to destroy all Jews (Esther 3:1).

Practical Application

Exodus 17:8 serves as a powerful reminder that even after experiencing divine provision and overcoming internal struggles, we can still face unexpected external attacks. For believers, this can symbolize the reality of spiritual warfare. Just as Amalek attacked the weary Israelites, spiritual adversaries often target us when we feel vulnerable or complacent. The verse encourages vigilance and reliance on God for strength in the face of such opposition. It underscores that the Christian journey is not just about personal growth but also about contending with forces that oppose God's purposes.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 36:12 (5 votes)

    And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these [were] the sons of Adah Esau's wife.

  • 1 Samuel 15:2 (5 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember [that] which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid [wait] for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.

  • Deuteronomy 25:17 (5 votes)

    Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt;

  • Deuteronomy 25:19 (5 votes)

    Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance to possess it, [that] thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget [it].

  • 1 Samuel 30:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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;

  • Numbers 24:20 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Genesis 36:16 (2 votes)

    Duke Korah, duke Gatam, [and] duke Amalek: these [are] the dukes [that came] of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these [were] the sons of Adah.