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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 17:8-16

We have here the story of the war with Amalek, which, we may suppose, was the first that was recorded in the book of the wars of the Lord, Num. 21:14. Amalek was the first of the nations that Israel fought with, Num. 24:20. Observe, I. Amalek's attempt: They came out, and fought with Israel, Exod. 17:8. The Amalekites were the posterity of Esau, who hated Jacob because of the birthright and blessing, and this was an effort of the hereditary enmity, a malice that ran in the blood, and perhaps... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 17:15

And Moses built an altar ,.... On Horeb, as Aben Ezra; on the top of the hill, as Ben Gersom, where sacrifices of thanksgiving were offered up for the victory obtained, or however a monument erected in memory of it: and he called the name of it Jehovahnissi ; which signifies either "the Lord is my miracle" who wrought a miracle for them in giving them the victory over Amalek, as well as, through smiting the rock with the rod, brought out water from thence for the refreshment of the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 17:15

Jehovah-nissi - Jehovah is my ensign or banner. The hands and rod of Moses were held up as soldiers are wont to hold up their standards in the time of battle; and as these standards bear the arms of the country, the soldiers are said to fight under that banner, i.e., under the direction and in the defense of that government. Thus the Israelites fought under the direction of God, and in the defense of his truth; and therefore the name of Jehovah became the armorial bearing of the whole... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 17:15

Verse 15 15.And Moses built an altar. The purpose of this was that not he alone, but the whole people should testify, by solemn sacrifice, their gratitude; which the very name of the altar proves. For neither did he wish to erect a statue to God, nor to honor the altar by God’s name, but he shows that this was the object he proposed to himself, that the Israelites, being inflated by their good success, should not boast of their own strength, but glory only in God. I see not why some should... read more

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

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 17:15

Moses built an altar . An altar naturally implies a sacrifice, and Moses may well have thought that the signal victory obtained required to be acknowledged, and as it were requited, by offerings. In giving his altar a name, he followed the example of Jacob, who called an altar which he built, El-Elohe-Israel ( Genesis 33:20 ). Moses' name for his altar, Jehovah-nisi , meant "the Lord is my banner," and was intended to mark his ascription of the entire honour of the victory to Jehovah but... read more

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