Exodus 17:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.

NIV: As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.

NASB: So it came about, when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed; but when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.

CSB: While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed.

NLT: As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage.

KJV: And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

NKJV: And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

When Israel first left Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:40–41), they almost certainly began assembling weapons. No group, regardless of size, could avoid armed conflicts from time to time. Israel had only been freed for a matter of weeks by the time they camped at Rephidim (Exodus 17:1). When they were attacked by the Amalekites (Exodus 7:8), they needed divine help.

Moses has assigned Joshua (Deuteronomy 34:9) to lead selected men into battle (Exodus 17:9). Moses goes to a nearby hill with his brother Aaron (Exodus 4:14–15) and a man named Hur (Exodus 17:10). There, he raises his hand—presumably, the one holding his staff—and Israel finds themselves winning the battle. When he drops it, the Hebrews begin to lose.

This leads to an interesting scene where Hur and Aaron hold Moses' arms up while he sits. The people are dependent on God's power for victory (Zechariah 4:6), but that power comes only through Moses and his staff. Aaron and Hur can help, but they cannot replace God's intended leader (Exodus 17:12).

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 5/16/2025 2:00:52 PM