Exodus 17:13
ESV
And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.
NIV
So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
NASB
And Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
CSB
So Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword.
NLT
As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.
KJV
And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
NKJV
So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
What does Exodus 17:13 mean?
Moses tasked Joshua to lead Israel in battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8–9). During the battle, Moses held up his staff on a nearby hill, assisted by Aaron and Hur (Exodus 17:10–12). This symbolized Israel's dependence on God—when the staff was raised, Israel succeeded. With Aaron and Hur's help, Moses keeps the staff raised and Israel wins the battle. The phrase "with the sword" is a figure of speech referring to military combat. The precise weapons used are not named, but most soldiers in the ancient world fought with spears.Amalek was a grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12). Esau's brother was Israel's founder, Jacob (Genesis 25:24–26; 32:28). Moses would predict perpetual conflict between the Amalekites and God's chosen people (Exodus 17:16). Amalekites are antagonists over several generations (Numbers 14:45; Judges 3:13; 6:3) and into the early days of the monarchy (1 Samuel 14:48; 15:7; 27:8).
