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Exodus 17

World English Bible

WEB

1All the congregation of the children of Israel traveled from the wilderness of Sin, starting according to Yahweh’s commandment, and encamped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. 2Therefore the people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh?” 3The people were thirsty for water there; so the people murmured against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?” 4Moses cried to Yahweh, saying, “What shall I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5Yahweh said to Moses, “Walk on before the people, and take the elders of Israel with you, and take the rod in your hand with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb. You shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7He called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because the children of Israel quarreled, and because they tested Yahweh, saying, “Is Yahweh among us, or not?” 8Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us, and go out to fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with God’s rod in my hand.” 10So Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12But Moses’ hands were heavy; so they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side. His hands were steady until sunset. 13Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14Yahweh said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under the sky.” 15Moses built an altar, and called its name “Yahweh our Banner”. 16He said, “Yah has sworn: ‘Yahweh will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.’”

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Exodus Chapter 17 recounts a significant moment in the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. The chapter begins with the people of Israel complaining about their lack of water at Rephidim. Their grumbling reveals a lack of faith in God’s provision, as they question whether the Lord is among them. This situation prompts Moses to cry out to the Lord for help, highlighting the leadership role he plays in interceding for the people. God instructs Moses to take his staff and strike the rock at Horeb, from which water miraculously flows, providing for the needs of the people. This event not only demonstrates God’s faithfulness but also serves as a reminder of His presence among His people, as they are instructed to name the place Massah and Meribah, meaning “testing” and “quarreling” due to the Israelites' complaints and doubts (#Exodus #Rephidim #Horeb).

The chapter continues with the Israelites facing a new challenge: the Amalekites attack them. In response, Moses commands Joshua to choose men to fight against Amalek while he stands on the hill with the staff of God. As long as Moses holds up his hands, Israel prevails, but when he lowers them, Amalek gains the upper hand. This illustrates the power of prayer and reliance on God’s strength in battle. Aaron and Hur support Moses by holding up his hands, ensuring victory for Israel. After the battle, God instructs Moses to write down the account and to make sure that Joshua hears it, emphasizing the importance of remembering God’s deliverance. The chapter concludes with God declaring that He will be at war with Amalek from generation to generation, establishing a lasting reminder of His sovereignty and the ongoing struggle against evil (#Amalekites #Joshua #Moses).

Study

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Referenced by

  1. Genesis 36:12v8Genesis 36:12 mentions Amalek, the grandson of Esau. This connects to Exodus 17:8-16, where the Amalekites attack Israel, leading to a significant battle.
  2. Numbers 20:8v6In Numbers 20:8, God instructs Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water, whereas in Exodus 17:6, God commands Moses to strike the rock. Both instances demonstrate God's provision of water from a rock, highlighting His power and faithfulness.
  3. Numbers 31:2v14Numbers 31:2 commands vengeance on the Midianites, which is connected to Exodus 17:14-16 where God declares war against Amalek, a related group, for their opposition to Israel.
  4. Deuteronomy 25:17-19v8Deuteronomy 25:17-19 commands Israel to remember what Amalek did and to blot out their memory, which connects to Exodus 17:8-16 where the Amalekites attack Israel and God promises to blot out their memory.
  5. Joshua 8:18v9Joshua 8:18 describes Joshua stretching out his spear towards Ai, reminiscent of Moses holding up his staff during the battle with Amalek in Exodus 17:9-13, symbolizing divine intervention and victory.
  6. Joshua 22:34v15The naming of the altar as a witness in Joshua 22:34 is akin to Moses naming the altar 'The Lord is my Banner' in Exodus 17:15, both serving as reminders of God's presence and faithfulness.
  7. Judges 15:18v6In Judges 15:18, Samson cries out to God in thirst, and God provides water from a hollow place. This mirrors Exodus 17:6, where God provides water from a rock for the Israelites. Both instances show God's provision in response to the cries of His people.
  8. Esther 8:11v9Esther 8:11 grants the Jews the right to defend themselves against their enemies, reminiscent of the Israelites' defense against the Amalekites in Exodus 17:9, where they are instructed to fight for their survival.
  9. Psalms 20:5v15Psalm 20:5 speaks of rejoicing in salvation and setting up banners in the name of God, reminiscent of Exodus 17:15 where Moses builds an altar and calls it 'The LORD is my Banner.'
  10. Psalms 60:4v15Psalm 60:4 speaks of a banner given to those who fear God, reminiscent of Exodus 17:15 where Moses builds an altar and calls it 'The LORD is my Banner,' symbolizing God's protection and victory.
  11. Psalms 114:8v6Psalm 114:8 speaks of God turning the rock into a pool of water, directly referencing the miracle in Exodus 17:6 where Moses strikes the rock at Horeb to provide water for the Israelites.

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