Exodus 17

Chapter Summary

Exodus 17 begins with the Israelites' arrival at Rephidim, where they find no water and complain to Moses, saying, 'Give us water to drink' (Exodus 17:2). Moses cries out to God, who instructs him to strike a rock with his staff, and water flows out (Exodus 17:5-6). The chapter then describes the battle with the Amalekites, during which Moses' hands are held up by Aaron and Hur, and the Israelites are victorious (Exodus 17:8-13). The chapter concludes with God's command to Moses to write down the events of the battle as a reminder of God's power and faithfulness (Exodus 17:14). Throughout the chapter, God demonstrates His care and provision for His people, and the importance of faith and trust in Him.

Context for the Chapter

Exodus 17 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, which is a symbol of the believer's journey through life. The chapter is situated between the giving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 16) and the visit of Jethro (Exodus 18), and provides a glimpse into the daily life and struggles of the Israelites as they journey towards the Promised Land. The events of this chapter are also referenced in other parts of Scripture, such as Deuteronomy 25:17-19 and 1 Samuel 15:2-3.

Heart Application

The events of Exodus 17 remind us of the importance of faith and trust in God's power and provision. Just as the Israelites were sustained by the water from the rock, believers are nourished and sustained by Christ, the living Water. As we face challenges and struggles in our own lives, we must learn to trust in God's care and provision, and to cry out to Him in prayer, just as Moses did.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Exodus 17 is about the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their experiences with God's provision and faithfulness. The chapter highlights the people's thirst and God's miraculous provision of water, as well as their battle with the Amalekites and God's intervention on their behalf. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of faith and trust in God's power and provision, and the need to cry out to Him in prayer, just as Moses did (Exodus 17:4).

Voices from the Church

“The striking of the rock is a beautiful type of the smiting of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom flows the river of the water of life.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The people's complaint about the lack of water is a symptom of their deeper spiritual thirst, which can only be satisfied by the living Water of Christ.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Israelites' Complaint (Exodus 17:1-3) — The Israelites complain about the lack of water, revealing their lack of faith and trust in God's provision.
2. Moses' Prayer (Exodus 17:4) — Moses cries out to God in response to the people's complaint, demonstrating his faith and trust in God's power.
3. The Provision of Water (Exodus 17:5-7) — God instructs Moses to strike a rock with his staff, and water flows out, providing for the people's physical needs.
4. The Battle with the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-13) — The Israelites are victorious over the Amalekites, thanks to Moses' prayer and the holding up of his hands, which symbolizes their dependence on God's strength.
5. The Writing Down of the Events (Exodus 17:14) — God commands Moses to write down the events of the battle as a reminder of God's power and faithfulness.

Core Doctrines

Providence

Exodus 17 teaches us about God's providence and care for His people, as seen in the provision of water and the victory over the Amalekites.

Faith

The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's power, as seen in Moses' prayer and the Israelites' victory over the Amalekites.

Prayer

The chapter highlights the importance of prayer, as seen in Moses' cry to God and the subsequent provision of water and victory over the Amalekites.

Christology

The rock that Moses strikes with his staff is a symbol of Christ, from whom flows the river of the water of life (1 Corinthians 10:4).

Lessons from Exodus 17

1. The Importance of Faith — The chapter teaches us about the importance of faith and trust in God's power, as seen in Moses' prayer and the Israelites' victory over the Amalekites.
2. The Power of Prayer — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer, as seen in Moses' cry to God and the subsequent provision of water and victory over the Amalekites.
3. God's Providence — The chapter teaches us about God's providence and care for His people, as seen in the provision of water and the victory over the Amalekites.
4. The Symbolism of the Rock — The rock that Moses strikes with his staff is a symbol of Christ, from whom flows the river of the water of life (1 Corinthians 10:4).
5. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Moses' obedience to God's instruction to strike the rock.

Themes from Exodus 17

1. Faith and Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's power, as seen in Moses' prayer and the Israelites' victory over the Amalekites.
2. God's Providence — The chapter teaches us about God's providence and care for His people, as seen in the provision of water and the victory over the Amalekites.
3. Prayer and Intercession — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer, as seen in Moses' cry to God and the subsequent provision of water and victory over the Amalekites.
4. Christology — The rock that Moses strikes with his staff is a symbol of Christ, from whom flows the river of the water of life (1 Corinthians 10:4).
5. Obedience and Faithfulness — The chapter teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Moses' obedience to God's instruction to strike the rock.

Questions for Meditation

1. What can we learn from the Israelites' complaint about the lack of water, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
2. How does Moses' prayer demonstrate his faith and trust in God's power, and what can we learn from his example?
3. What does the provision of water from the rock teach us about God's care and provision for His people?
4. How does the battle with the Amalekites illustrate the importance of faith and trust in God's power, and what can we learn from this example?
5. What can we learn from God's command to Moses to write down the events of the battle, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Exodus 17

	Sermon	Description
	God's Answer to the Cry of Unbelief by Duncan Campbell	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a young man's testimony about his experience with sanctification. However, the speaker overhears three young women questioning the authentic
	Is the Lord Among Us by Duncan Campbell	In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing his request to preach without his coat due to the warm temperature in the hall. Although he was denied permission, he mentions tha
	God at War With Flesh by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the battle between Joshua and Amalek. The preacher emphasizes that the outcome of the battle was not dependent on Joshua's abilities, but ra
	1 Kings 16-18 - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elijah and his encounter with King Ahab. He emphasizes the power of one person with God, using Elijah as an example. The preach
	Esther #2 Ch. 3-4 by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concern for the commitment and agenda of those who seek to wipe out Israel, specifically comparing the PLO to Haman's plan. The speaker th
	John 7:37 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses a period of 400 years of darkness and stillness without any prophetic voice. Suddenly, a man appears in the wilderness, wearing a piece of old
	Jehovah-Nissi by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hungering for God and wanting to know who He is. The message is part of a series of eight or nine messages. The speaker enc
	Let Him That Thinks He Stands Take Heed Lest He Fall by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing his pain and asking God for relief. He then encourages the congregation to look to Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith
	(Exodus) Exodus 17:13-16 by J. Vernon McGee	J. Vernon McGee emphasizes the significance of Joshua's preparation as Moses' successor and the ongoing battle against the flesh represented by Amalek. He highlights God's promise
	(Exodus) Exodus 17:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the smitten rock and its significance in relation to spiritual blessings. He emphasizes that although God has blessed us abund

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 17

In Exodus 17, we see the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, and their experiences with God's provision and faithfulness. The chapter highlights the people's thirst and God's miraculous provision of water, as well as their battle with the Amalekites and God's intervention on their behalf. Through these events, God demonstrates His care and faithfulness to His people, and teaches us about the importance of faith and trust in His power. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The people's thirst was a trial of their faith, and their murmuring was a sin; but God, in His mercy, provided for them, and gave them water out of the rock.' (Exodus 17:5-6). This chapter reminds us of the importance of prayer and dependence on God, and the need to trust in His power and provision, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?