◄ Exodus 17:8 ►
After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.
Study Bible
After this
This phrase indicates a continuation from the previous events in the narrative. The Israelites had just experienced God's provision of water from the rock at Horeb, demonstrating His faithfulness and care. This sets the stage for the subsequent challenge they face, highlighting the ongoing journey and trials of the Israelites in the wilderness.

the Amalekites came
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe descended from Esau's grandson Amalek. They are often depicted as perennial enemies of Israel. Their attack on the Israelites is significant as it represents the first military challenge faced by the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. The Amalekites' hostility is seen as an embodiment of opposition to God's people, and they are later condemned in Deuteronomy 25:17-19 for their unprovoked attack.

and attacked the Israelites
This attack was unprovoked and targeted the vulnerable, as described in Deuteronomy 25:18, where the Amalekites attacked those who were lagging behind. This act of aggression is seen as cowardly and treacherous. The Israelites, having just been delivered from Egypt, were not yet organized as a military force, making them susceptible to such attacks.

at Rephidim
Rephidim is a location in the Sinai Peninsula, significant as a place where the Israelites camped and experienced God's provision of water. The name Rephidim means "supports" or "rests," which is ironic given the conflict that occurs there. Geographically, it is situated between the wilderness of Sin and Mount Sinai, serving as a backdrop for God's continued guidance and protection of His people. The battle at Rephidim is a precursor to the giving of the Law at Sinai, emphasizing the need for reliance on God in both physical and spiritual battles.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rephidim
A location in the wilderness where the Israelites camped. It is significant as the site of both the provision of water from the rock and the battle with the Amalekites.

2. The Amalekites
A nomadic tribe descended from Esau, known for their hostility towards Israel. They attacked the Israelites at Rephidim, representing opposition to God's people.

3. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, led by Moses, journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. Their encounter with the Amalekites is a test of faith and reliance on God.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who plays a crucial role in guiding them through the wilderness and interceding for them during battles.

5. Joshua
A young leader and warrior who leads the Israelites in battle against the Amalekites, showcasing his emerging leadership.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Warfare
Just as the Israelites faced physical battles, Christians face spiritual battles. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.

Dependence on God
The Israelites' victory depended on God's intervention. In our lives, we must rely on God for strength and guidance in our challenges.

Leadership and Obedience
Joshua's role in leading the battle under Moses' direction illustrates the importance of obedient leadership and teamwork in fulfilling God's purposes.

Remembrance and Vigilance
The command to remember Amalek's actions serves as a reminder to be vigilant against spiritual complacency and to remember God's past deliverances.

Intercession and Support
Moses' role in interceding for the Israelites during the battle highlights the power of prayer and the need for spiritual support from others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the attack by the Amalekites at Rephidim illustrate the challenges we face in our spiritual journey?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of dependence on God in our daily battles, both physical and spiritual?

3. How does the role of Joshua in this passage prepare him for future leadership, and what can we learn about developing leadership skills?

4. What are some practical ways we can remember and recount God's past faithfulness in our lives to strengthen our faith?

5. How can we support and intercede for others in their spiritual battles, following the example of Moses during the battle with the Amalekites?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 25:17-19
This passage recounts the Amalekites' attack and commands Israel to remember and eventually blot out Amalek's memory, highlighting the ongoing enmity.

1 Samuel 15
God's command to Saul to destroy the Amalekites, showing the continuation of God's judgment against them.

Hebrews 11:29-30
The faith of the Israelites in their journey, including battles, is commended, emphasizing reliance on God.
Sermons
Both Sides of the ShieldSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 17:8
EncouragementG. F. Cushman, D. D.Exodus 17:8
Fighting and PrayingSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 17:8
The Assistance of PrayerExodus 17:8
The Battle Between Good and EvilJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 17:8
The War of TruthSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 17:8
War with AmalekSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 17:8
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
People
Aaron, Amalek, Amalekites, Hur, Israelites, Joshua, Moses
Places
Egypt, Horeb, Massah, Meribah, Nile River, Rephidim, Sinai
Topics
Amalek, Am'alek, Attacked, Fighteth, Fought, Israelites, Rephidim, Reph'idim, War
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 17:8

     8728   enemies, of Israel and Judah

Exodus 17:5-13

     4512   staff

Exodus 17:8-13

     5214   attack
     5776   achievement
     6634   deliverance

Exodus 17:8-15

     5597   victory, act of God

Exodus 17:8-16

     1305   God, activity of

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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