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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 17:10

So Joshua did as Moses had said to him ,.... He singled out some proper persons for the battle, and arrayed them with armour, and led them forth out of the camp, and went forth at the head of them: and fought with Amalek ; upon both armies meeting, a battle ensued: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur, went up to the top of the hill ; to the top of Mount Sinai or Horeb, not so much to see the battle fought, as to be seen by Joshua and the people of Israel, especially Moses with the rod in his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 17:10

Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up - It is likely that the Hur mentioned here is the same with that Hur mentioned 1 Chronicles 2:19 , who appears from the chronology in that chapter to have been the son of Caleb, the son of Ezron, the son of Pharez, the son of Judah. The rabbins and Josephus say he was the brother-in-law of Moses, having married his sister Miriam. He was a person in whom Moses put much confidence; for he left him conjoint governor of the people with Aaron, when he went to... 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

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

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

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