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Exodus 17:8

New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim.
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— And Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— Then came in Amalek,—and fought with Israel, in Rephidim.
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— And Amalek cometh, and fighteth with Israel in Rephidim,
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— And Amalec came, and fought against Israel in Raphidim.
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— Then came Amalek and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— Then came Amalek, & fought with Israel in Rephidim.
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— Then came Amalek to fight with Israel at Rephidim.
Brenton Greek Septuagint (LXX, Restored Names)
— And Amalek{gr.Amalec} came and fought with Israel in Raphidin.
Full Hebrew Names / Holy Name KJV (2008) [2] [3]
— Then came Amaleq, and fought with Yisrael in Refidim.

Strong's Numbers & Hebrew NamesHebrew Old TestamentColor-Code/Key Word Studies
Then came 935
{0935} Prime
בּוֹא
bow'
{bo}
A primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications).
z8799
<8799> Grammar
Stem - Qal (See H8851)
Mood - Imperfect (See H8811)
Count - 19885
`Ámälëk עֲמָלֵק, 6002
{6002} Prime
עֲמָלֵק
`Amaleq
{am-aw-lake'}
Probably of foreign origin; Amalek, a descendant of Esau; also his posterity and their country.
and fought 3898
{3898} Prime
לָחַם
lacham
{law-kham'}
A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively to consume; by implication to battle (as destruction).
z8735
<8735> Grammar
Stem - Niphal (See H8833)
Mood - Imperfect (See H8811)
Count - 1602
with x5973
(5973) Complement
עִם
`im
{eem}
From H6004; adverb or preposition, with (that is, in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then usually unrepresented in English).
Yiŝrä´ël יִשׂרָאֵל 3478
{3478} Prime
יִשְׂרָאֵל
Yisra'el
{yis-raw-ale'}
From H8280 and H0410; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity.
in Ræfîđîm רְפִידִים. 7508
{7508} Prime
רְפִידִים
R@phiydiym
{ref-ee-deem'}
Plural of the masculine of the same as H7507; ballusters; Rephidim, a place in the Desert.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Exodus 17:8

_ _ Exodus 17:8-16. Attack of Amalek.

_ _ Then came Amalek — Some time probably elapsed before they were exposed to this new evil; and the presumption of there being such an interval affords the only ground on which we can satisfactorily account for the altered, the better, and former spirit that animated the people in this sudden contest. The miracles of the manna and the water from the rock had produced a deep impression and permanent conviction that God was indeed among them; and with feelings elevated by the conscious experience of the Divine Presence and aid, they remained calm, resolute, and courageous under the attack of their unexpected foe.

_ _ fought with Israel — The language implies that no occasion had been furnished for this attack; but, as descendants of Esau, the Amalekites entertained a deep-seated grudge against them, especially as the rapid prosperity and marvellous experience of Israel showed that the blessing contained in the birthright was taking effect. It seems to have been a mean, dastardly, insidious surprise on the rear (Numbers 24:20; Deuteronomy 25:17), and an impious defiance of God.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Exodus 17:8-16

_ _ We have here the story of the war with Amalek, which, we may suppose, was the first that was recorded in the book of the wars of the Lord, Numbers 21:14. Amalek was the first of the nations that Israel fought with, Numbers 24:20. Observe,

_ _ I. Amalek's attempt: They came out, and fought with Israel, Exodus 17:8. The Amalekites were the posterity of Esau, who hated Jacob because of the birthright and blessing, and this was an effort of the hereditary enmity, a malice that ran in the blood, and perhaps was now exasperated by the working of the promise towards an accomplishment. Consider this, 1. As Israel's affliction. They had been quarrelling with Moses (Exodus 17:2), and now God sends Amalekites to quarrel with them; wars abroad are the just punishment of strifes and discontents at home. 2. As Amalek's sin; so it is reckoned, Deuteronomy 25:17, Deuteronomy 25:18. They did not boldly front them as a generous enemy, but without any provocation given by Israel, or challenge given to them, basely fell upon their rear, and smote those that were faint and feeble and could neither make resistance nor escape. Herein they bade defiance to that power which had so lately ruined the Egyptians; but in vain did they attack a camp guarded and victualled by miracles: verily they knew not what they did.

_ _ II. Israel's engagement with Amalek, in their own necessary defence against the aggressors. Observe,

_ _ 1. The post assigned to Joshua, of whom this is the first mention: he is nominated commander-in-chief in this expedition, that he might be trained up to the services he was designed for after the death of Moses, and be a man of war from his youth. He is ordered to draw out a detachment of choice men from the thousands of Israel and to drive back the Amalekites, Exodus 17:9. When the Egyptians pursued them Israel must stand still and see what God would do; but now it was required that they should bestir themselves. Note, God is to be trusted in the use of means.

_ _ 2. The post assumed by Moses: I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand, Exodus 17:9. See how God qualifies his people for, and calls them to, various services for the good of his church: Joshua fights, Moses prays, and both minister to Israel. Moses went up to the top of the hill, and placed himself, probably, so as to be seen by Israel; there he held up the rod of God in his hand, that wonder-working rod which had summoned the plagues of Egypt, and under which Israel had passed out of the house of bondage. This rod Moses held up to Israel, to animate them; the rod was held up as the banner to encourage the soldiers, who might look up, and say, “Yonder is the rod, and yonder the hand that used it, when such glorious things were wrought for us.” Note, It tends much to the encouragement of faith to reflect upon the great things God has done for us, and review the monuments of his favours. Moses also held up this rod to God, by way of appeal to him: “Is not the battle the Lord's? Is not he able to help, and engaged to help? Witness this rod, the voice of which, thus held up, is (Isaiah 51:9, Isaiah 51:10), Put on strength, O arm of the Lord; art not thou it that hath cut Rahab?” Moses was not only a standard-bearer, but an intercessor, pleading with God for success and victory. Note, When the host goes forth against the enemy earnest prayers should be made to the God of hosts for his presence with them. It is here the praying legion that proves the thundering legion. There, in Salem, in Sion where prayers were made, there the victory was won, there broke the arrows of the bow, Psalms 76:2, Psalms 76:3. Observe, (1.) How Moses was tired (Exodus 17:12): His hands were heavy. The strongest arm will fail with being long extended; it is God only whose hand is stretched out still. We do not find that Joshua's hands were heavy in fighting, but Moses's hands were heavy in praying. The more spiritual any service is the more apt we are to fail and flag in it. Praying work, if done with due intenseness of mind and vigour of affection, will be found hard work, and, though the spirit be willing, the flesh will be weak. Our great Intercessor in heaven faints not, nor is he weary, though he attends continually to this very thing. (2.) What influence the rod of Moses had upon the battle (v. 11): When Moses held up his hand in prayer (so the Chaldee explains it) Israel prevailed, but, when he let down his hand from prayer, Amalek prevailed. To convince Israel that the hand of Moses (with whom they had just now been chiding) contributed more to their safety than their own hands, his rod than their sword, the success rises and falls as Moses lifts up or lets down his hands. It seems, the scale wavered for some time, before it turned on Israel's side. Even the best cause must expect disappointments as an alloy to its successes; though the battle be the Lord's, Amalek may prevail for a time. The reason was, Moses let down his hands. Note, The church's cause is, commonly, more or less successful according as the church's friends are more or less strong in faith and fervent in prayer. (3.) The care that was taken for the support of Moses. When he could not stand any longer he sat down, not in a chair of state, but upon a stone (v. 12); when he could not hold up his hands, he would have them held up. Moses, the man of God, is glad of the assistance of Aaron his brother, and Hur, who, some think, was his brother-in-law, the husband of Miriam. We should not be shy either of asking help from others or giving help to others, for we are members one of another. Moses's hands, thus stayed, were steady till the going down of the sun; and, though it was with much ado that he held out, yet his willing mind was accepted. No doubt it was a great encouragement to the people to see Joshua before them in the field of battle and Moses above them upon the top of the hill: Christ is both to us — our Joshua, the captain of our salvation who fights our battles, and our Moses, who, in the upper world, ever lives making intercession, that our faith fail not.

_ _ III. The defeat of Amalek. Victory had hovered awhile between the camps; sometimes Israel prevailed and sometimes Amalek, but Israel carried the day, v. 13. Though Joshua fought with great disadvantages — his soldiers undisciplined, ill-armed, long inured to servitude, and apt to murmur; yet by them God wrought a great salvation, and made Amalek pay dearly for his insolence. Note, Weapons formed against God's Israel cannot prosper long, and shall be broken at last. The cause of God and his Israel will be victorious. Though God gave the victory, yet it is said, Joshua discomfited Amalek, because Joshua was a type of Christ, and of the same name, and in him it is that we are more than conquerors. It was his arm alone that spoiled principalities and powers, and routed all their force.

_ _ IV. The trophies of this victory set up. 1. Moses took care that God should have the glory of it (v. 15); instead of setting up a triumphal arch, to the honour of Joshua (though it had been a laudable policy to put marks of honour upon him), he builds an altar to the honour of God, and we may suppose it was not an altar without sacrifice; but that which is most carefully recorded is the inscription upon the altar, Jehovah-nissiThe Lord is my banner, which probably refers to the lifting up of the rod of God as a banner in this action. The presence and power of Jehovah were the banner under which they enlisted, by which they were animated and kept together, and therefore which they erected in the day of their triumph. In the name of our God we must always lift up our banners, Psalms 20:5. It is fit that he who does all the work should have all the praise. 2. God took care that posterity should have the comfort and benefit of it: “Write this for a memorial, not in loose papers, but in a book, write it, and then rehearse it in the ears of Joshua, let him be entrusted with this memorial, to transmit it to the generations to come.” Moses must now begin to keep a diary or journal of occurrences; it is the first mention of writing that we find in scripture, and perhaps the command was not given till after the writing of the law upon the tables of stone: “Write it in perpetuam rei memoriamthat the event may be had in perpetual remembrance; that which is written remains.” (1.) “Write what has been done, what Amalek has done against Israel; write in gall their bitter hatred, write in blood their cruel attempts, let them never be forgotten, nor yet what God has done for Israel in saving them from Amalek. Let ages to come know that God fights for his people, and he that touches them touches the apple of his eye.” (2.) Write what shall be done. [1.] That in process of time Amalek shall be totally ruined and rooted out (Exodus 17:14), that he shall be remembered only in history.” Amalek would have cut off the name of Israel, that it might be no more in remembrance (Psalms 83:4, Psalms 83:7); and therefore God not only disappoints him in this, but cuts off his name. “Write it for the encouragement of Israel, whenever the Amalekites are an annoyance to them, that Israel will at last undoubtedly triumph in the fall of Amalek.” This sentence was executed in part by Saul (1 Sa. 15), and completely by David (ch. 30; 2 Samuel 1:1; 2 Samuel 8:12); after his time we never read so much as of the name of Amalek. [2.] This is the mean time God would have a continual controversy with him (v. 16): Because his hand is upon the throne of the Lord, that is, against the camp of Israel in which the Lord ruled, which was the place of his sanctuary, and is therefore called a glorious high throne from the beginning (Jeremiah 17:12); therefore the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. This was written for direction to Israel never to make any league with the Amalekites, but to look upon them as irreconcilable enemies, doomed to ruin. Amalek's destruction was typical of the destruction of all the enemies of Christ and his kingdom. Whoever make war with the Lamb, the Lamb will overcome them.

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Exodus 17:8

Then Amalek came and fought with Israel — The Amalekites were the posterity of Esau, who hated Jacob because of the birth — right and blessing. They did not boldly front them as a generous enemy, but without any provocation given, basely fell upon their rear, and smote them that were faint and feeble.

Geneva Bible Translation Notes

Exodus 17:8

Then came (e) Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

(e) Who came from Eliphaz, son of Esau, (Genesis 36:12).

Cross-Reference Topical ResearchStrong's Concordance

Genesis 36:12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these [were] the sons of Adah Esau's wife.
Genesis 36:16 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.
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.
Deuteronomy 25:17 Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt;
1 Samuel 15:2 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.
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;
Psalms 83:7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;
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Chain-Reference Bible SearchCross References with Concordance

Gn 36:12, 16. Nu 24:20. Dt 25:17. 1S 15:2; 30:1. Ps 83:7.

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