Exodus 17:13 - Printer Friendly

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.

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).

Exodus 17:8–16 describes Israel's first true battle since leaving Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:40–41). When Amalekites attack, Moses assigns Joshua to lead the fighting men of Israel. During the battle, Israel prevails while Moses' staff is held up. But they begin to lose when he puts the staff down. Aaron and Hur hold Moses' arms up, allowing Israel to complete its victory.

Israel condemns and argues against Moses because of a water shortage, despite recent miracles proving the Lord's care. In response, God arranges a public display of His power through Moses. Then, when Amalekites attack Israel, God gives them power to repel the attack. This comes in the form of Moses holding up his staff, assisted by Aaron and Hur. Joshua is introduced as a military leader.

The nation of Israel recently received miraculous provisions of water, bread, and meat (Exodus 15—16). Still, they bitterly argue and bicker against Moses when water becomes scarce. After another miracle, God aids the Hebrews in repelling an enemy attack. Next, they will encounter Moses' father-in-law, who will provide some much-needed advice (Exodus 18).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 6/30/2025 4:26:59 PM