Exodus 17:8-13
Chapter 17
8
When the Israelites were at Rephidim, the Amalekites came and attacked them.
9
So Moses said to Joshua:
“Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites in the morning. As for me, I will stand with God’s staff in my hand at the top of the hill.”
10
Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had directed, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill.
11
It happened that when Moses raised his hands, the Israelites would win, but the Amalekites would have the advantage when he lowered them.
12
As Moses’ arms grew weary, they placed a stone for him to sit on while Aaron and Hur, on either side, held up his arms, which remained steadily raised until sunset.
13
For his part, Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the sword.
Commentaries
Victory Over Amalek.
As if it were a result of the new life the people gained after drinking water from the rock, we see this victory over the Amalekites. This tribe, a neighbor of Judah, lived in the Negev, south of Israel, and controlled the caravan routes between Egypt and Arabia. Although their warrior strength is emphasized, this victory is achieved because Moses holds aloft the same staff with which he has already performed other wonders; it is another way of saying that God’s hand helps in defeating the enemies.