Exodus 17:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So Moses said to Joshua, "Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand."

NIV: Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands."

NASB: So Moses said to Joshua, 'Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.'

CSB: Moses said to Joshua, "Select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with God’s staff in my hand."

NLT: Moses commanded Joshua, 'Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.'

KJV: And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

NKJV: And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.”

This is the Bible's first mention of Joshua. He is introduced as an appointed military commander. However, he is elsewhere described as Moses' assistant and the only one to accompany Moses onto the mountain of God (Exodus 24:13). Joshua would later serve as one of the twelve scouts exploring the Promised Land. He and Caleb will be the only two who give a faithful report (Numbers 14:6–10). Joshua would eventually be appointed as Israel's leader following Moses' death (Deuteronomy 34:9; Joshua 1:1–3).

In this account, Joshua chooses men for battle against Amalek (Exodus 17:8). Moses plans to stand on the hill with God's staff in his hand. The complete plan will soon be explained (Exodus 17:11). When Moses held his hand up—presumably holding the staff—the Israelites succeeded. When he lowered his hand, they would begin to lose. Aaron and Hur placed a rock under Moses to use as a seat. They then each held up one of his hands to allow Moses to keep his hands up and provide victory to the Israelites (Exodus 17:11–12).

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.