Exodus 17:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim.

NIV: The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.

NASB: Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim.

CSB: At Rephidim, Amalek came and fought against Israel.

NLT: While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them.

KJV: Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

NKJV: Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

Israel faces its first military test as a freed nation (Exodus 1:11–14; 12:40–41). After their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–29), the people expected Canaanite nations to respond with fear (Exodus 15:14–16). Yet the Hebrews' first combat is the with the people of Amalek: the Amalekites. These are descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:12), brother of Israel's founder, Jacob (Genesis 25:24–26; 32:28).

The wording here implies that the Amalekites started this fight. They attacked Israel while the nation was camped at Rephidim (Exodus 17:1). No details are given as to why, or in what way this happened. Israel is not well prepared for war, having only recently been freed from slavery. They may have scavenged weapons from some of the Egyptians who drowned at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:30). But they would need the Lord's help to overcome an enemy so soon (Exodus 17:9–11).

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 7:35:47 AM