Keraia
Exodus 17

Exodus 17:16

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

Translations

Modern
“Indeed,” he said, “a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD. The LORD will war against Amalek from generation to generation.”
Traditional
For he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.
Literal
And he said, “Because a hand is on the throne of YAH, war belongs to YHWH with Amalek from generation to generation.”
Latin
Quia manus solii Domini, et bellum Domini erit contra Amalec, a generatione in generationem.

Original

Hebrew
English
“Indeed,” he said, “a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD. The LORD will war against Amalek from generation to generation.”

Notes

Exodus 17:16

a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD: This may describe Amalek’s attack against the Lord and his people. In that sense, Amalek raised a hand in defiance against God.

Another possible meaning connects this phrase to Moses raising his hands in prayer during the battle (17:15). In this view, the lifted hand refers to Moses calling on the Lord for help.

Exodus 17:14–16

The Amalekites attacked Israel without cause. They attacked the people through whom God was bringing blessing to the world. Because of this, they brought God’s lasting anger on themselves.

God can stretch out his hand to bless people. He can also stretch out his hand to judge and punish. If people refuse his blessing, they experience his judgment instead (see 1 Samuel 15).

Exodus 17:8–16

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

Events

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Places

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

Glossary

Aaron Amalek, Amalekites Arabia, Arabs Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Holy War Holy War Numbers, Book of Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Amalekites: Prophecies Against Moses: Prophecies of The Amalekites: Doomed to Utter Destruction for Opposing Israel The Theocracy: or Immediate Government by God: Consisted in His: Proclaiming War War: God: Frequently Ordered