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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 17:8-16

Amalek. Various circumstances are to be noted in connection with this attack of Amalek on Israel. 1 . It was unprovoked . "Then came Amalek" ( Exodus 17:8 ). 2 . It was unfriendly . The Amalekites were descended from a grandson of Esau, and so were related to the Israelites ( Genesis 36:12 ). 3 . It was bitterly hostile . This fierce and warlike tribe attacked Israel in the rear, and with great cruelty smote those who had fallen behind, whether from natural infirmity... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 17:8-16

The discomfiture of Amalek in Rephidim. I. AMALEK 'S IGNORANCE OF THE RESOURCES OF ISRAEL . Amalek attacked Israel in Rephidim. Rephidim stands very well as the type of all places and positions where human resources appear utterly wanting. It was a place where no water could be found, and where of course there must also have been little growth. Everything therefore would lead Amalek to say, "We shall easily conquer these people, being but an undisciplined, unmanageable... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 17:8-16

Victory through faith. I. IN THE WARFARE OF FAITH , PRAYER AND EFFORT MUST BE JOINED TOGETHER . 1 . Arrangements are carefully made for both. 2 . Joshua discomfited Amalek with the edge of the sword; but the battle was for or against Israel, as Moses' hands were lifted up in strong supplication or hung down in weariness. II. AIDS TO PREVAILING PRAYER . 1 . The remembrance of past deliverances and services. Moses takes the rod of God in his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 17:9-13

Diversities of gifts, but the same spirit. DIVERSITIES OF GIFTS . The needs of life are various, and the gifts which God imparts to his saints are correspondingly diversified. In Moses, at the age of eighty ( Exodus 7:7 ), the qualities required for the successful conduct of military matters were not present. It may be doubted whether he would at any period of his life have been a good general But his age, his temperament, and his training made him emphatically a man of prayer.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 17:11

When Moses held up his hand,… Israel prevailed . The elevation of Moses' hand, with the rod held in it, was an appeal to God for aid, and must be supposed to have been accompanied by fervent prayer to God, that he would help his people and give them victory over their enemies. So long as the hand was upraised, the Israelites prevailed; not because they saw it, and took it as directing them to continue the fight (Kalisch), but because God gave them strength, and vigour and courage, while... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 17:12

But Moses' hands were heavy . Moses, no doubt, held the rod alternately with one hand and the other, until both were so tired that he could hold them up no longer. It is this natural weariness which is expressed by the words—"his hands were heavy." When Aaron and Hut perceived this, they brought a stone for him to sit on, and then, standing one on either side of him, alternately supported his hands until the sun set and the battle was over. To reward the faith and perseverance of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 17:13

Amalek and his people — i.e. "the Amalekites proper, and the tribes subject to them, who fought on their side." read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 17:11

The act represents the efficacy of intercessory prayer - offered doubtless by Moses - a point of great moment to the Israelites at that time and to the Church in all ages. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 17:12

Until the going down of the sun - The length of this first great battle indicates the strength and obstinacy of the assailants. It was no mere raid of Bedouins, but a deliberate attack of the Amalekites, who had been probably thoroughly trained in warfare by their struggles with Egypt. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 17:13

With the edge of the sword - This expression always denotes a great slaughter of the enemy. read more

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