Keraia
Exodus 17

Exodus 17:11

The Defeat of the Amalekites · Exodus 17:8–16
Read Exodus 17

Translations

Modern
As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed.
Traditional
And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
Literal
And it came to pass when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, that Amalek prevailed.
Latin
Cumque levaret Moyses manus, vincebat Israël: sin autem paululum remisisset, superabat Amalec.

Original

Hebrew
English
As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed.

Notes

Exodus 17:9–13

This victory was a gift from God. The description in this passage makes that clear.

God’s blessing determined the outcome of the battle. Moses showed this by raising his hands. When his hands were lifted up, Israel prevailed.

This pattern appeared again and again when Israel entered the land of Canaan. When God blessed them, they succeeded.

But without God’s blessing, Israel could do nothing. They failed when they tried to fight on their own (see Numbers 14:42–45; Joshua 7:10–12).

Exodus 17:8–16

Israel defeated the Amalekites only because God blessed them and took care of them.

Events

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Places

Amalek: A nomadic people, descendants of Esau, enemies of Israel

Glossary

Aaron Amalek, Amalekites Arabia, Arabs Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Hand Hur Joshua (Person) Moses Numbers, Book of Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Answers To Prayer: Moses Armies: March in Ranks: when Aaron and Hur Held up Moses' Hands Intercession: Answered: During the Battle with the Amalekites Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Rephidim: Amalek Overcome Miracles Wrought Through Servants of God: Moses and Aaron: Amalek Vanquished Miracles: Catalogue of The Defeat of Amalek Prayer: Answered: Moses, in the Battle with the Amalekites The Amalekites: Discomfited at Rephidim Through the Intercession of Moses