8
Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 8. Amalec. The descendants of Esau by his grandson, living about the Red Sea.
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OLD TESTAMENT
All chapters Exodus 17:8–15
The Holy Bible · EnglishOpen an explanation beneath verses with notes. Your notes and highlights stay on this device.
9
Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us, and go out to fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with God’s rod in my hand.”
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 9. Josue, who was before called Osee, or Ausem, was the son of Nun. From the victory obtained over the Amalecites, he was ever after called Josue, Jehosuah, or Jesus, “Saviour.” He attached himself to Moses, and is styled his servant, as Patroclus and Merione are called servants of Achilles and of Idomen, by Homer; though they were men of high birth.—Hand, to defend the cause of the Hebrews by a miracle, if it be requisite.
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10
So Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 10. Hur, grandfather of Beseleel, (1 Chronicles 2:19,) grandson of Esron by Caleb.
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11
When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 11. And when Moses lifted up his hands. Here Moses was a figure of Christ on the cross, by whose power and mediation we overcome our spiritual enemies. Challoner.—Hands, forming the sign of the cross, as the fathers observe, in the posture of a suppliant. S. Jerom says, the people fasted also till the evening, c. Jos. ii. Calmet.—If heretics deride the priests of God, standing with their hands extended at the altar, let them reflect on Moses, and on Jesus Christ, who, lifting up his hands, blessed his disciples; and hence learn, that such ceremonies are not vain. Worthington.
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12
But Moses’ hands were heavy; so they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side. His hands were steady until sunset.
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13
Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
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14
The LORD said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under the sky.”
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 14. Of Josue, and of all who shall govern after him, that they may remember to execute my decree of extermination, against these cruel Amalecites, who have first dared to oppose the progress of my dejected people. Bible.—Moses mentions, that they particularly attacked the feeble and stragglers, (Deuteronomy 25:18,) though their army was very formidable. Judith 4:13. Saul received an express order to destroy this nation; and he made such havoc among them, that they never rose again to any importance, and were confounded with the Idumeans. 1 Kennicott. 15:3. Calmet.
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15
Moses built an altar, and called its name “The LORD our Banner”.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 15. Exaltation. He has given me the victory. He has supported my hands on high, holding the rod as a standard. Bible.
Or, The LORD Nissi. LORD or GOD in all caps is from the Hebrew יהוה Yahweh except when otherwise noted as being from the short form יה Yah.
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