Exodus 17:8-15
Summary for Exod 17:8-16: 17:8-16 a Israel was enabled to defeat the Amalekites only by God’s blessing and providential care. 17:8 b Amalek was Esau’s grandson (Gen 36:11-12 c). His descendants were nomadic, though loosely based in the land of Edom. They seem to have supported themselves by raiding more settled peoples.Summary for Exod 17:9-13: 17:9-13 d This victory was a gift from God, as the description here makes clear. The determining factor was God’s blessing, as indicated by Moses’ upraised hands. This principle was illustrated again and again in the conquest of the land of Canaan. Without God’s blessing, Israel could do nothing (see Num 14:42-45 e; Josh 7:10-12 f). 17:9 g Joshua was Moses’ trusted assistant (33:11 h) who would eventually become his successor (Deut 31:7-8 i). This early experience was important training for leading the people later in the conquest of the land. The Hebrew name Joshua, which means “savior,” is equivalent to the Greek name Jesus (see also study note on Heb 4:8).
Summary for Exod 17:14-16: 17:14-16 j By their unprovoked attack on the people through whom God was extending his blessing, the Amalekites incurred the unending wrath of God. God’s hand can be extended in blessing, or it can be extended in curse. Those who reject the hand of blessing experience the curse (see 1 Sam 15 k).
17:15 l This banner was a battle flag. In Isa 5:26 m, God lifted up a banner to call the nations to war against Israel. In Isa 11:10 n, 12 o, the Messiah would be the banner calling the nations to bring his people home.
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