Exodus 17:8-13

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 17:11

When Moses held up his hand - We cannot understand this transaction in any literal way; for the lifting up or letting down the hands of Moses could not, humanly speaking, influence the battle. It is likely that he held up the rod of God in his hand, Exodus 17:9 , as an ensign to the people. We have already seen that in prayer the hands were generally lifted up and spread out, (See Clarke's note on Exodus 9:29 ;), and therefore it is likely that by this act prayer and supplication are... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 17:13

Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people - Amalek might have been the name of the ruler of this people continued down from their ancestor, (see Clarke on Exodus 17:8 ; (note)), as Pharaoh was the name of all succeeding kings in Egypt. If this were the case, then Amalek and his people mean the prince and the army that fought under him. But if Amalek stand here for the Amalekites, then his people must mean the confederates he had employed on this occasion. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 17:8

Verse 8 8.Then came Amalek. These were the first enemies whom God arrayed against Israel, after having delivered them from Egypt, and having kept them for some time in peace and quietness. It was principally for two reasons that He chose them now to be involved in war, either to punish them for their recent sin, or as a correction of their idleness, lest it should ensnare them into iniquity; for, as among soldiers sedition often arises from a cessation of labor, so also the more God spared this... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 17:10

Verse 10 10.So Joshua did as. Although Joshua is by no means backward, but diligently executes what he knows to be commanded him by God Himself, and it is probable that the soldiers whom he had taken to accompany him did their duty properly, yet is it expressly stated that they gained the victory by no care, or striving, or courage of their own, but by the prayer of Moses, by whose support their leader as well as the army was sustained. Yet does not Moses here boastfully commend his own zeal in... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 17:13

Verse 13 13.And Joshua discomfited Amalek. The copula is here used instead of the illative particle; for Moses here concludes that the Israelites overcame their enemies, because he had continually persevered in prayer. There is, too, an implied antithesis between the firmness of his hands and the weakness of the enemy, that we may know that they were discomfited or conquered, not so much by the sword as by the uplifting of the rod, and by the intercession of the holy man. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 17:8

Then came Amalek . The bulk of the Amalekites would have been passing the spring in the lower plains, where herbage is abundant after the early rains, while later in the year it dries up. They would hear of the threatened occupation of their precious summer pastures by the vast host of the Hebrews, and would seek to prevent it by blocking the way. Hence they are said to have "come"— i.e; to have marched into a position where they were not previously, though it was one situated within their... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 17:8-13

The uselessness of fighting against God. Amalek was "the first of the nations" in audacity, in venturesomeness, perhaps in military qualities, but scarcely in prudence or longsightedness. Amalek must precipitate its quarrel with Israel, must "come to Rephidim" and offer battle, instead of letting Israel go. on its own way unmolested, and shunning a contest. They might have known that they were about to fight against God, and that to do so is useless. None can contend with him successfully.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 17:8-16

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 17:8-16

Christ our Banner. "Jehovah-Nissi." Exodus 17:15 . Historical introduction: The Amalekites—their territory—reasons why they barred Israel's way. 1 . Fear. 2 . Religious animosity—incidents of the engagement—the two memorials, book and altar—judgment pronounced on Amalek, and why—the slow execution through the centuries, ending in the final blotting out of the nation. "The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations." Show further that the... read more

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

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