Exodus 17:16

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 17:16

For he said, because the Lord hath sworn ,.... So some Jewish writers F2 R. Sol. Urbin. fol. 95. 1. take it for an oath, as we do; or "because the hand is on the throne of the Lord" F3 כי יד על כס־יה "quia manus super thronum Domini", Pagninus, Montanus; "sublata manu super solium Dei (juro)", Tigurine version. ; which the Targum of Jonathan, Jarchi, and Aben Ezra, interpret of the hand of the Lord being lifted up, of his swearing by the throne of his glory; but, as... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 17:16

The Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek, etc. - This is no translation of the words מלחמה יה כס על יד כי ki yad al kes yah milckamah , which have been variously rendered by different translators and critics; the most rational version of which is the following: Because the hand of Amalek is against the throne of God, therefore will I have war with Amalek from generation to generation. This gives a tolerably consistent sense, yet still there is considerable obscurity in... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 17:16

Verse 16 16.For he said, Because the Lord. (194) He confirms by repetition the same declaration which he had lately pronounced from the mouth of God, viz., that God would be ever at war with the Amalekites, until He should have utterly destroyed them. Translators do not agree as to the meaning of the expression, “The hand is upon the throne of the Lord.” Some imagine it to be a form of oath, as though God swore by His throne. Others understand by His throne the Church, which is the rest of God,... 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

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 17:15-16

Jehovah-Nissi. The use of this name by the Church bespeaks— 1 . Her militant condition. "The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.'' 2 . The side on which she fights—" My banner." 3 . The name round which she rallies—"Jehovah." "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" ( Ephesians 6:5 ). 4 . The confidence by which she is inspired. The inscription on a banner frequently sets forth the ground of confidence. "God and my right." 5 . The certainty she... read more

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