Exodus 17:9
ESV
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."
NIV
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."
NASB
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.'
CSB
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."
NLT
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.'
KJV
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.
NKJV
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.”
What does Exodus 17:9 mean?
This is the Bible's first mention of Joshua. He is introduced as an appointed military commander. However, he is elsewhere described as Moses' assistant and the only one to accompany Moses onto the mountain of God (Exodus 24:13). Joshua would later serve as one of the twelve scouts exploring the Promised Land. He and Caleb will be the only two who give a faithful report (Numbers 14:6–10). Joshua would eventually be appointed as Israel's leader following Moses' death (Deuteronomy 34:9; Joshua 1:1–3).In this account, Joshua chooses men for battle against Amalek (Exodus 17:8). Moses plans to stand on the hill with God's staff in his hand. The complete plan will soon be explained (Exodus 17:11). When Moses held his hand up—presumably holding the staff—the Israelites succeeded. When he lowered his hand, they would begin to lose. Aaron and Hur placed a rock under Moses to use as a seat. They then each held up one of his hands to allow Moses to keep his hands up and provide victory to the Israelites (Exodus 17:11–12).
