Exodus 17:9
New International Version
Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”

New Living Translation
Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.”

English Standard Version
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.”

New American Standard Bible
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

NASB 1995
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

NASB 1977
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us, and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will take my stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

Amplified Bible
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek [and his people]. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

Christian Standard Bible
Moses said to Joshua, “Select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with God’s staff in my hand.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Moses said to Joshua, “Select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with God’s staff in my hand.”

American Standard Version
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 my hand.

Contemporary English Version
So Moses told Joshua, "Have some men ready to attack the Amalekites tomorrow. I will stand on a hilltop, holding this walking stick that has the power of God."

English Revised Version
And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men. Then fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill. I will hold in my hand the staff God told me to take along."

Good News Translation
Moses said to Joshua, "Pick out some men to go and fight the Amalekites tomorrow. I will stand on top of the hill holding the stick that God told me to carry."

International Standard Version
Moses told Joshua, "Choose some men for us and go out to fight against the Amalekites. Tomorrow I'll stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand."

Majority Standard Bible
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.”

NET Bible
So Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand."

New Heart English Bible
Moses said to Joshua, "Choose men for us, and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with God's rod in my hand."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Moses said to 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 my hand.

World English Bible
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.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Moses says to Joshua, “Choose men for us, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I am standing on the top of the hill, and the rod of God in my hand.”

Young's Literal Translation
and Moses saith unto Joshua, 'Choose for us men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to-morrow I am standing on the top of the hill, and the rod of God in my hand.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Moses will say to Joshua, Choose to us men, and go forth, wage war with Amalek: to-morrow I stand upon the head of the hill and the rod of God in my band.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Moses said to Josue: Choose out men: and go out and fight against Amalec: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill having the rod of God in my hand.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Moses said to Joshua: “Choose men. And when you go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.”

New American Bible
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some men for us, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

New Revised Standard Version
Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some men for us and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Moses said to Joshua, Choose for yourself men, and go out, fight with Amalek tomorrow; and I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Moshe said to Yeshua, “Choose for you men and come out; we shall make war with Amaleq tomorrow, and behold, I am standing on the top of the hill and the staff of God is in my hand.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Moses said unto Joshua: 'Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek; tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Moses said to Joshua, Choose out for thyself mighty men, and go forth and set the army in array against Amalec to-morrow; and, behold, I shall stand on the top of the hill, and the rod of God will be in my hand.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Defeat of the Amalekites
8After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9So 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.” 10Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.…

Cross References
Joshua 1:6-9
Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. / Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. / This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. ...

Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. / The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Numbers 27:18-23
And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. / Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. / Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. ...

1 Samuel 15:2-3
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them on their way up from Egypt. / Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”

1 Samuel 17:45-47
But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

2 Chronicles 20:15-17
And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. / Tomorrow you are to march down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. / You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”

Hebrews 11:30-34
By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. / By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient. / And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, ...

Ephesians 6:10-17
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ...

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.

2 Timothy 2:3-4
Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. / A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

Romans 8:37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 144:1
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.


Treasury of Scripture

And Moses said to 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 my hand.

unto Joshua

Exodus 17:13
And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Exodus 24:13
And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.

Numbers 11:28
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

Oshea.

Deuteronomy 32:44
And Moses came and spake all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he, and Hoshea the son of Nun.

Hoshea, called Jesus

Acts 7:45
Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

Hebrews 4:8
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

choose

Numbers 31:3,4
And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian…

the rod

Exodus 4:2,20
And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod…

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Amalek Am'alek Amalekites Band Choose Fight God's Hand Hands Hill Joshua Morrow Moses Rod Staff Stand Standing Station Together Tomorrow To-Morrow Top War
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Amalek Am'alek Amalekites Band Choose Fight God's Hand Hands Hill Joshua Morrow Moses Rod Staff Stand Standing Station Together Tomorrow To-Morrow Top War
Exodus 17
1. The people murmur for water to Rephidim
6. God send them for water to the rock in Horeb
7. The place is called Massah and Meribah
8. Amalek is overcome by Joshua, while Moses holds up his hand
14. Amalek is doomed to destruction; and Moses builds the altar Jehovah-nissi














So Moses said to Joshua
This phrase introduces us to the leadership dynamic between Moses and Joshua. Moses, the seasoned leader chosen by God to deliver Israel from Egypt, is now delegating a critical task to Joshua, who will later succeed him. The name "Joshua" is derived from the Hebrew "Yehoshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." This foreshadows Joshua's future role in leading Israel into the Promised Land. The act of Moses speaking to Joshua signifies a transfer of responsibility and trust, highlighting the importance of mentorship and preparation for future leadership within the community of faith.

Choose some of our men
Moses instructs Joshua to select men for battle, indicating the necessity of discernment and wisdom in leadership. The Hebrew word for "choose" is "bachar," which implies a careful selection process. This reflects the need for capable and courageous individuals to face the challenges ahead. The phrase underscores the communal aspect of Israel's journey, where each member has a role to play in fulfilling God's purposes. It also emphasizes the importance of readiness and the willingness to stand against opposition.

and go out to fight the Amalekites
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe and perennial enemies of Israel. This phrase sets the stage for a physical and spiritual battle. The Amalekites' attack on the Israelites, as they journeyed through the wilderness, represents the ongoing struggle between God's people and those who oppose His plans. Historically, the Amalekites are seen as descendants of Esau, symbolizing the conflict between the flesh and the spirit. The call to "go out to fight" is a reminder of the believer's call to spiritual warfare, standing firm in faith against the forces of darkness.

Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop
Moses' decision to stand on the hilltop signifies a strategic and spiritual position. The hilltop provides a vantage point, symbolizing oversight and intercession. In biblical times, high places were often associated with divine encounters and prayer. Moses' presence on the hilltop represents his role as an intercessor for Israel, lifting them up before God. This act of standing is a powerful image of faith and reliance on God's strength rather than human might.

with the staff of God in my hand
The "staff of God" is a symbol of divine authority and power. Previously used by Moses to perform miracles in Egypt and part the Red Sea, the staff represents God's presence and intervention in the affairs of His people. The Hebrew word for "staff" is "matteh," which can also mean "tribe" or "branch," symbolizing leadership and support. By holding the staff, Moses acknowledges that victory comes not by human effort but by the power of God. This phrase encourages believers to rely on God's authority and promises in their battles, trusting that He will deliver them.

(9) Moses said unto Joshua.--This is the first mention of Joshua. He was an Ephraimite, the son of a man called Nun, and the tenth in descent from Joseph (see Note on Exodus 6:16), in the prime of life--about 45 years old--and probably known as possessing military capacity. His actual name at the timo was Hoshea, which might have been viewed as a good omen, since the word meant "Saviour." Moses afterwards changed his name to Jehoshua (Numbers 13:16), which became by contraction Joshua. We find him, later in Exodus, acting as Moses' personal attendant, or "minister" (Numbers 24:13; Numbers 32:17; Numbers 33:11), accompanying him to the top of Sinai, and placed by him in charge of the first "Tabernacle." Afterwards he, with Caleb, was the only one of the spies who brought back a true report of Canaan. (Numbers 14:6-9.) His choice as leader to succeed Moses resulted naturally from his antecedents, and is related in Numbers 27:18-23. . . . Verse 9. - And Moses said to Joshua. On hearing what had happened, Moses summoned to his presence an Ephraimite in the prime of life - about 45 years old - and devolved on him the military command. The man's name at the time was Hoshea or Oshea (Numbers 13:8). He was the son of a certain Nun (ibid.) or Non (1 Chronicles 7:27), and the tenth in descent from Ephraim, the son of Joseph (ib, 23-27). Some forty years later Moses changed his name from Hoshea to Jehoshua. which became contracted into Joshua. The occurrence of this form in the present passage may be accounted for.

1. By Moses having written (or reviewed) Exodus late in his life; or

2. By a later authorised reviser (Ezra?) having altered the text. Choose out for us men - i.e. "Select from the congregation such a number of fit men as appear to thee sufficient, and with them fight Amalek." To-morrow. It was probably evening, when Moses heard of the attack on his rear, and there was consequently no possibility of retrieving the disaster till the next day. lie could but make his arrangements for retrieving it. I will stand on the top of the hill. It is implied that there was a conspicuous hill (gibeah), not a rock (tsur) in the near vicinity of Rephidim, whence Moses could see the fight, and be seen by those engaged in it. Dean Stanley finds all the conditions answered by an eminence on the south side of the Wady Feiran (Sinai and Palestine, p. 41). Others suggest the Jebel Tahuneh north of the same wady. With the rod of God in my hand. Moses meant to indicate by this, that he looked for victory to God alone, and did not trust in an "arm of flesh," while, nevertheless, he sent his soldiers to the combat.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Moses
מֹשֶׁ֤ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Joshua,
יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites

“Choose
בְּחַר־ (bə·ḥar-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 977: To try, select

some of our men
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים (’ă·nā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

and go out
וְצֵ֖א (wə·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

to fight
הִלָּחֵ֣ם (hil·lā·ḥêm)
Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

the Amalekites.
בַּעֲמָלֵ֑ק (ba·‘ă·mā·lêq)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6002: Amalek -- a descendant of Esau, also his posterity

Tomorrow
מָחָ֗ר (mā·ḥār)
Adverb
Strong's 4279: Deferred, the morrow, tomorrow, hereafter

I
אָנֹכִ֤י (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

will stand
נִצָּב֙ (niṣ·ṣāḇ)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5324: To take one's stand, stand

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the hilltop
רֹ֣אשׁ (rōš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218: The head

with the staff
וּמַטֵּ֥ה (ū·maṭ·ṭêh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4294: A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe

of God
הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

in my hand.”
בְּיָדִֽי׃ (bə·yā·ḏî)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3027: A hand


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OT Law: Exodus 17:9 Moses said to Joshua Choose men (Exo. Ex)
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