Exodus 17:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

NIV: So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill.

NASB: Joshua did just as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

CSB: Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought against Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

NLT: So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill.

KJV: So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

NKJV: So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

Joshua (Exodus 17:9; Deuteronomy 34:9) leads the men he chose into battle against an attacking force of Amalekites (Exodus 17:8). The Israelites are not in good condition to wage war. They were recently freed from centuries of slavery (Exodus 1:11–14; 12:40–41). Even if they quickly began to assemble weapons and armor, their progress would have been limited. It's possible they scavenged some military supplies from drowned Egyptian soldiers (Exodus 14:28–30).

Moses takes Aaron and a man named Hur to the top of a nearby hill, overlooking the battle. This is the key to Israel's victory against an unexpected attack. God will use Moses, with help from other men (Exodus 17:11–13), to illustrate the importance of Israel's dependence (Zechariah 4:6).

Hur became a man of great standing in Israel (Exodus 24:14). His grandson Bezalel would help construct the tabernacle (Exodus 31:1–3; 2 Chronicles 1:5). Jewish tradition says Hur was killed when he tried to prevent the construction of a golden calf idol (Exodus 32:1–4); this detail is not found in the Bible.

Exodus 17:8–16 describes Israel's first true battle since leaving Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:40–41). When Amalekites attack, Moses assigns Joshua to lead the fighting men of Israel. During the battle, Israel prevails while Moses' staff is held up. But they begin to lose when he puts the staff down. Aaron and Hur hold Moses' arms up, allowing Israel to complete its victory.

Israel condemns and argues against Moses because of a water shortage, despite recent miracles proving the Lord's care. In response, God arranges a public display of His power through Moses. Then, when Amalekites attack Israel, God gives them power to repel the attack. This comes in the form of Moses holding up his staff, assisted by Aaron and Hur. Joshua is introduced as a military leader.

The nation of Israel recently received miraculous provisions of water, bread, and meat (Exodus 15—16). Still, they bitterly argue and bicker against Moses when water becomes scarce. After another miracle, God aids the Hebrews in repelling an enemy attack. Next, they will encounter Moses' father-in-law, who will provide some much-needed advice (Exodus 18).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 6/15/2025 3:46:31 PM