Exodus 17:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: saying, "A hand upon the throne of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation."

NIV: He said, "Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation."

NASB: and he said, 'Because the Lord has sworn, the Lord will have war against Amalek from generation to generation.'

CSB: He said, "Indeed, my hand is lifted up toward the Lord’s throne. The Lord will be at war with Amalek from generation to generation."

NLT: He said, 'They have raised their fist against the Lord’s throne, so now the Lord will be at war with Amalek generation after generation.'

KJV: For he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

NKJV: for he said, “Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

God's power came through Moses' staff to provide victory over an Amalekite attack (Exodus 17:8–13). Afterwards, Moses built an altar (Exodus 17:15). This was given the Hebrew name YHWH Nissi' y, meaning "The Lord is my Banner." This includes the name God used to identify Himself to Moses (Exodus 3:15), sometimes written as Yahweh. The other word is more obscure.

Most manuscripts include an unusual spelling of the word for "throne," which looks almost identical to the word for "banner." One interpretation of a hand on a throne implies God making a vow. Another is that Moses' hand is reaching to God's throne to represent the flow of divine power. Some interpret this phrase to depict God's enemies raising their hands against Him, resulting in His eternal wrath. Still others believe the originally intended word was the Hebrew nēs, so this refers to a hand resting on the Lord's banner.

Despite that confusion, the meaning of the passage is relatively clear. It was the Lord's power that defeated the Amalekites. Israel was to depend on God for their future success (Zechariah 4:6). The Amalekites (Deuteronomy 25:17–19) were to be eliminated (1 Samuel 15:1–3, 9).

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.