Keraia
Exodus 17

Exodus 17:9

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

Translations

Modern
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.”
Traditional
And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.
Literal
And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men and go out—fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill, and the staff of God will be in my hand.”
Latin
Dixitque Moyses ad Josue: Elige viros: et egressus, pugna contra Amalec: cras ego stabo in vertice collis, habens virgam Dei in manu mea.

Original

Hebrew
English
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.”

Notes

Exodus 17:9

Joshua was the trusted assistant of Moses (33:11). Joshua would later become his successor (Deuteronomy 31:7–8). This early experience was important training for leading the people during the conquest of the land.

The Hebrew name Joshua, which means “savior,” is equivalent to the Greek name Jesus (see also study note on Hebrews 4:8).

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

Joshua: Moses' assistant who led Israel into Canaan 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 Hur Joshua (Person) Moses Numbers, Book of Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Rephidim: Amalek Overcome 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 The Armies of Israel: Men Selected From, for Difficult Enterprises