Exodus 17:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then the Lord said to Moses, "Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven."

NIV: Then the Lord said to Moses, "Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven."

NASB: Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly wipe out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.'

CSB: The Lord then said to Moses, "Write this down on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua: I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek under heaven."

NLT: After the victory, the Lord instructed Moses, 'Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder, and read it aloud to Joshua: I will erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven.'

KJV: And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

NKJV: Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.”

This is the Bible's first explicit reference to writing something down. God commands Moses to make special note about the condemnation of the Amalekites. This enemy attacked Israel (Exodus 17:8–9) and was defeated through the Lord's supernatural intervention (Exodus 17:10–13). God promises to erase Amalek from the earth. The Amalekites would be recurring enemies of Israel (Numbers 14:45; Judges 3:13; 6:3; 1 Samuel 14:48) until David soundly defeated them (1 Samuel 30:17). The remainer would be wiped out by Simeonites (1 Chronicles 4:43).

God also indicates that this message needs to be given to Joshua. Joshua would become Moses' assistant (Exodus 24:13; Numbers 11:28). When Moses died, Joshua took over as the leader of Israel (Deuteronomy 34:9; Joshua 1:1–3). It's possible that Joshua acted as Moses' secretary, writing down his words.

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.