◄ Exodus 17:16 ►
"Indeed," he said, "a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD. The LORD will war against Amalek from generation to generation."
Study Bible
He said
This phrase introduces the speaker, who is Moses, the leader and prophet of Israel. In the context of Exodus 17, Moses is acting as the intermediary between God and the people of Israel. His words carry divine authority and are meant to convey God's message to the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used in the Old Testament to denote not just speaking, but declaring or proclaiming something of importance.

Indeed
This word emphasizes the certainty and truth of the statement that follows. It is a word of affirmation, underscoring the seriousness of the declaration. In the Hebrew text, the word used can be understood as a strong assertion, indicating that what is being said is not just a possibility but a definite reality.

a hand was lifted up
This phrase can be understood both literally and symbolically. Literally, it refers to the act of raising a hand, which in ancient cultures often signified an oath or a pledge. Symbolically, it represents an act of defiance or challenge. In the context of Exodus 17, it refers to the Amalekites' opposition to Israel, as they raised their hand against the throne of God by attacking His people.

against the throne of the LORD
The "throne of the LORD" signifies God's sovereign rule and authority. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a throne was a symbol of power and kingship. By lifting a hand against the throne, the Amalekites were not just attacking Israel; they were challenging God's authority and His divine plan. This act of rebellion is seen as a direct affront to God's sovereignty.

The LORD will war
This phrase assures the Israelites of God's active involvement in their battles. The Hebrew root for "war" is "לָחַם" (lacham), which means to fight or engage in battle. It conveys the idea that God Himself will take up the cause of His people and fight on their behalf. This is a powerful reminder of God's commitment to protect and deliver His people from their enemies.

with Amalek
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe that frequently opposed Israel. Historically, they are seen as perpetual enemies of God's people. The mention of Amalek here serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual and physical battles that God's people face. It also highlights the need for reliance on God's strength and intervention.

from generation to generation
This phrase indicates the enduring nature of the conflict between God's people and their enemies. It suggests that the struggle against forces that oppose God's will is not limited to a single event or time period but is an ongoing battle throughout history. It also reassures believers that God's promise to fight for His people is not limited to the past but extends into the future, offering hope and assurance for all generations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who intercedes for them and communicates God's will.

2. Amalek
A tribe that attacked the Israelites, representing opposition to God's people.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who promises to fight against Amalek.

4. The Israelites
God's chosen people, journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land.

5. Rephidim
The location where the battle with Amalek took place.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Battle
God is actively involved in the battles His people face, both physical and spiritual. Trust in His ultimate victory.

The Importance of Intercession
Moses' raised hands symbolize prayer and reliance on God. Believers are called to intercede for others persistently.

Generational Conflict
The battle against Amalek is ongoing, symbolizing the perpetual struggle against sin and evil. Each generation must be vigilant.

Divine Justice and Memory
God’s command to remember Amalek’s actions teaches us about divine justice and the importance of remembering past lessons.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as Israel faced physical enemies, Christians face spiritual adversaries. Equip yourself with the armor of God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the battle with Amalek at Rephidim illustrate the need for reliance on God in our personal battles?

2. In what ways can we practice intercession like Moses in our daily lives?

3. How does the ongoing conflict with Amalek reflect the spiritual battles we face today?

4. What lessons can we learn from God’s command to remember and deal with Amalek about handling sin in our lives?

5. How can the concept of God warring against Amalek from generation to generation encourage us in our spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 25:17-19
This passage recalls the attack by Amalek and commands Israel to remember and blot out Amalek's memory.

1 Samuel 15
God commands Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, showing the ongoing conflict.

Psalm 83:4-7
Lists Amalek among the enemies conspiring against Israel, highlighting the persistent opposition.

Hebrews 4:16
Encourages believers to approach God's throne with confidence, paralleling Moses' reliance on God.

Ephesians 6:12
Describes the spiritual warfare believers face, akin to the physical battle with Amalek.
Sermons
Nature of the RenderingsC. J. EllicottExodus 17:16
AmalekJ. Orr Exodus 17:8-16
Christ Our BannerH.T. Robjohns Exodus 17:8-16
The Discomfiture of Amalek in RephidimD. Young Exodus 17:8-16
Victory Through FaithJ. Urquhart Exodus 17:8-16
Jehovah-NissiJ. Orr Exodus 17:15,16
People
Aaron, Amalek, Amalekites, Hur, Israelites, Joshua, Moses
Places
Egypt, Horeb, Massah, Meribah, Nile River, Rephidim, Sinai
Topics
Amalek, Am'alek, Amalekites, Banner, Generation, Jah, Lifted, Oath, Saying, Sworn, Throne, War, Yah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 17:16

     1130   God, sovereignty
     5581   throne
     5606   warfare, nature of

Exodus 17:8-16

     1305   God, activity of

Exodus 17:15-16

     5223   banner

Library
Nature of the Renderings
From the text we now turn to the renderings, and to the general principles that were followed, both in the Old and in the New Testament. The revision of the English text was in each case subject to the same general rule, viz. "To introduce as few alterations as possible into the Text of the Authorised Version consistently with faithfulness"; but, owing to the great difference between the two languages, the Hebrew and the Greek, the application of the rule was necessarily different, and the results …
C. J. Ellicott—Addresses on the Revised Version of Holy Scripture

Jehovah Nissi
'And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah Nissi [that is, the Lord is my Banner].' --EXODUS xvii. 15. We are all familiar with that picturesque incident of the conflict between Israel and Amalek, which ended in victory and the erection of this memorial trophy. Moses, as you remember, went up on the mount whilst Joshua and the men of war fought in the plain. But I question whether we usually attach the right meaning to the symbolism of this event. We ordinarily, I suppose, think …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The War of Truth
Now, beloved, this scene of warfare is not recorded in Scripture as in interesting circumstance to amuse the lover of history, but it is written for our edification; for we remember the text which says--"Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our profit." There is some profit to be derived from this--and we believe a peculiar profit, too, since God was pleased to make this the first writing commanded by Divine authority as a record for generations to come. We think that the journeys …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

How Churches Can Help Ministers.
Text.--And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses's hands were heavy, and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon: and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side and the other on the other side: and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.--Exodus xvii. 11-13. You who read your Bibles will …
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion

Exhortation to Prayer.
…
John Newton—Olney Hymns

The Waters of Meribah
'Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. 2. And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3. And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord! 4. And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Intercessor
'These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee: As Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Reaction against Egypt
THE XIth DYNASTY: HARMHABI--THE HITTITE EMPIRE IN SYRIA AND IN ASIA MINOR--SETI I. AND RAMSES II.--THE PEOPLE OF THE SEA: MINEPHTAH AND THE ISRAELITE EXODUS. The birth and antecedents of Harmhabi, his youth, his enthronement--The final triumph of Amon and his priests--Harmhabi infuses order into the government: his wars against the Ethiopians and Asiatics--The Khati, their civilization, religion; their political and military constitution; the extension of their empire towards the north--The countries …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 5

Jehovah. The "I Am. "
WHEN Moses in the desert beheld the burning bush God answered his question by the revelation of His name as the "I Am." "And God said unto Moses, I am, that I am: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you" (Exod. iii:14). He who spake thus out of the bush to Moses was the same who in the fullness of time appeared upon the earth in the form of man. Our Lord Jesus Christ is no less person, than the I AM. If we turn to the fourth Gospel in which the Holy …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

"Because the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God, for it is not Subject to the Law of God, Neither Indeed Can Be. "
Rom. viii. 7.--"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Unbelief is that which condemns the world. It involves in more condemnation than many other sins, not only because more universal, but especially because it shuts up men in their misery, and secludes them from the remedy that is brought to light in the gospel. By unbelief I mean, not only that careless neglect of Jesus Christ offered for salvation, but that which is the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [136] . Gregory to Augustine, &c. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14); because a grain of wheat, falling into the earth, has died, that it might not reign in heaven alone; even He by whose death we live, by whose weakness we are made strong, by whose suffering we are rescued from suffering, through whose love we seek in Britain for brethren whom we knew not, by whose gift we find those whom without knowing them we sought. …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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