Exodus 17:11
Exodus 17:11 in Multiple Translations
As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed.
And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
Now while Moses' hand was lifted up, Israel was the stronger: but when he let his hand go down, Amalek became the stronger.
As long as Moses held up the walking stick in his hands, the Israelites were the ones winning, but when he lowered them, it was the Amalekites.
And when Moses helde vp his hande, Israel preuailed: but when he let his hande downe, Amalek preuailed.
and it hath come to pass, when Moses lifteth up his hand, that Israel hath been mighty, and when he letteth his hands rest, that Amalek hath been mighty.
When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
And when Moses lifted up his hands, Israel overcame: but if he let them down a little, Amalec overcame.
Whenever Moses/I lifted up his/my arms, the Israeli men started to win the battle. And whenever he/I lowered his/my arms, the Amalek people-group started to win.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 17:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 17:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
יָרִ֥ים
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
יָד֖/וֹ
וְ/גָבַ֣ר
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
וְ/כַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יָנִ֛יחַ
יָד֖/וֹ
וְ/גָבַ֥ר
עֲמָלֵֽק
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
יָרִ֥ים
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
יָד֖/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
וְ/גָבַ֣ר
gâbar
H1396
to prevail
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/כַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Conj | Prep | Rel
יָנִ֛יחַ
nûwach
H5117
to rest
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
יָד֖/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
וְ/גָבַ֥ר
gâbar
H1396
to prevail
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
עֲמָלֵֽק
ʻĂmâlêq
H6002
Amalek
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 17:11
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יָרִ֥ים
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
יָד֖/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וְ/גָבַ֣ר
gâbar
H1396
"to prevail"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be strong or prevail, often implying a sense of power or might. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Genesis and Isaiah, to describe God's strength and human courage.
Definition: 1) to prevail, have strength, be strong, be powerful, be mighty, be great 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, mighty 1a2) to prevail 1b) (Piel) to make strong, strengthen 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to confirm, give strength 1c2) to confirm (a covenant) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to show oneself mighty 1d2) to act proudly (toward God)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: exceed, confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen, be stronger, be valiant. See also: Genesis 7:18; Job 36:9; Psalms 12:5.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/כַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Conj | Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יָנִ֛יחַ
nûwach
H5117
"to rest"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To rest means to settle down and remain in one place, and can be used literally or figuratively. This verb appears in many parts of the Bible, including Exodus 20:11 and Matthew 11:28.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiph) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hoph) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst) Also means: ya.nach (יָנַח "to rest" H3240)
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down. Compare H3241 (יָנִים). See also: Genesis 8:4; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 125:3.
יָד֖/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וְ/גָבַ֥ר
gâbar
H1396
"to prevail"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be strong or prevail, often implying a sense of power or might. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Genesis and Isaiah, to describe God's strength and human courage.
Definition: 1) to prevail, have strength, be strong, be powerful, be mighty, be great 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, mighty 1a2) to prevail 1b) (Piel) to make strong, strengthen 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to confirm, give strength 1c2) to confirm (a covenant) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to show oneself mighty 1d2) to act proudly (toward God)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: exceed, confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen, be stronger, be valiant. See also: Genesis 7:18; Job 36:9; Psalms 12:5.
עֲמָלֵֽק
ʻĂmâlêq
H6002
"Amalek"
N-proper
Amalek was a descendant of Esau and the ancestor of a tribe in southern Canaan. The Amalekites were enemies of the Israelites, as seen in the story of Exodus and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the Edomites living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.36.12; son of: Eliphaz (H0464) and Timna (H8555); brother of: Teman (H8487), Omar (H0201), Zepho (H6825), Gatam (H1609), Kenaz (H7073) and Korah (H7141H) § Amalek = "dweller in a valley" 1) son of Eliphaz by his concubine Timnah, grandson of Esau, and progenitor of a tribe of people in southern Canaan 2) descendants of Amalek
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Amalek. See also: Genesis 36:12; Judges 10:12; Psalms 83:8.
Study Notes — Exodus 17:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 17:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 17:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 17:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 17:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 17:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 17:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 17:11
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 17:11
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 17:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 17:11
- Sermons on Exodus 17:11
Context — The Defeat of the Amalekites
9So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.”
10Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
11As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed.
12When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. 13So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his army with the sword.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Timothy 2:8 | Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension. |
| 2 | James 5:16 | Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. |
| 3 | Psalms 56:9 | Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side. |
| 4 | Luke 18:1 | Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: |
Exodus 17:11 Summary
[This verse, Exodus 17:11, shows us that when we trust in God and pray, He can give us victory over our challenges, just like He did for the Israelites when Moses held up his hands. It's a reminder that our faith and prayer are powerful tools, as seen in James 5:16. By trusting in God and depending on Him, we can overcome even the toughest struggles, just as the Israelites did with God's help in Exodus 17:11. This concept is also reinforced in Deuteronomy 31:6, where it is written that God will never leave us or forsake us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Moses holding up his hands in Exodus 17:11?
Moses holding up his hands symbolizes his dependence on God for Israel's victory, as seen in Exodus 17:11, and is a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer and faith in our daily lives, as encouraged in Psalm 121:1-2.
Why did the Israelites prevail when Moses' hands were up, but not when they were down?
The Israelites prevailed when Moses' hands were up because it was a physical representation of their trust in God's power, as stated in Exodus 17:11, and when his hands were down, it may have been a sign of weakness or lack of faith, similar to what is described in Isaiah 35:3-4.
Is this verse suggesting that God's power is limited by human actions?
No, this verse is not suggesting that God's power is limited by human actions, but rather that God often chooses to work through human faith and obedience, as seen in Exodus 17:11 and reinforced in Romans 8:28, where it is written that God works all things together for good.
What can we learn from Aaron and Hur's actions in supporting Moses' hands?
We can learn the importance of supporting and encouraging one another in our faith, as seen in Exodus 17:12, and the value of community and teamwork in achieving spiritual victories, as described in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of 'holding up my hands' in prayer and faith to my own life, especially in times of struggle or uncertainty?
- What are some ways I can practically support and encourage others in their spiritual journeys, just as Aaron and Hur supported Moses?
- In what ways can I trust in God's power and provision, even when the outcome is uncertain, as the Israelites did in Exodus 17:11?
- How can I balance my own efforts and actions with a dependence on God's power and sovereignty, as seen in this verse and others like Psalm 127:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 17:11
And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed,.... With his rod in it as a banner displayed, as some think, which inspired the Israelites with courage to fight, and they had
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 17:11
And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 17:11
Moses held up his hand, with the rod of God in it. This gesture, though fervent prayer was doubtless joined with it, seems not to have been the gesture of praying, which is the lifting up of both hands, but of an ensign-bearer, or of one ready to smite his enemies. Howsoever this was only a sign whereby Moses strengthened his faith, and quickened his prayers, and heightened the courage of the soldiers below, and protested that he expected victory not from the skill and prowess of his army, but from the assistance of God. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed; God so dispensing his favour, that the honour of the day and victory might be wholly ascribed to the rod and power of God, not to Israel.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 17:11
Exodus 17:11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.Ver. 11. When Moses held up his hand.] The push of Moses’ s prayers did more than the pikes of all Israel besides. Moses orat et vincit, cessat et vincitur, saith one. Great is the power of prayers. Henricus Anceps, the Emperor of Germany, slew and put to flight a huge army of the Hungarians, his soldiers all crying out with a loud voice, Kyrie eleison; Kyrie eleison! - i.e., Lord, have mercy upon us; Lord, have mercy upon us! This was done before the city of Mersburg. Bucholc., Chronol.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 17:11
(11) When Moses held up his hand . . . Israel prevailed, &c.—In order to teach the lesson of the value of intercessory prayer, God made the fortunes of the fight to vary according as Moses “held up his hand,” or allowed it to sink down. It is not probable that the Israelites were directly affected by the bodily movements of Moses, or indeed could discern them, but Moses, Aaron, and Hur were struck by the fact that the fluctuations in the battle coincided with the motions of Moses’ hands.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 17:11
Verse 11. When Moses held up his hand] We cannot understand this transaction in any literal way; for the lifting up or letting down the hands of Moses could not, humanly speaking, influence the battle. It is likely that he held up the rod of God in his hand, Exodus 17:9, as an ensign to the people. We have already seen that in prayer the hands were generally lifted up and spread out, (See Clarke on Exodus 9:29,) and therefore it is likely that by this act prayer and supplication are intended. The Jerusalem Targum says, "When Moses held up his hands in prayer, the house of Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hands from prayer, the house of Amalek prevailed." We may therefore conclude, that by holding up the hands in this case these two things were intended: 1. That hereby a reference was made to God, as the source whence all help and protection must come, and that on him alone they must depend. 2. That prayer and supplication to God are essentially necessary to their prevalence over all their enemies. It is indisputably true that, while the hands are stretched out, that is, while the soul exerts itself in prayer and supplication to God, we are sure to conquer our spiritual adversaries; but if our hands become heavy - if we restrain prayer before God, Amalek will prevail - every spiritual foe, every internal corruption, will gain ground. Several of the fathers consider Moses, with his stretched-out hands, as a figure of Christ on the cross, suffering for mankind, and getting a complete victory over sin and Satan.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 17:11
11. held up, &c.] a gesture suggestive partly of strenuousness and energy, partly of appeal for help to God.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 17:11
The act represents the efficacy of intercessory prayer - offered doubtless by Moses - a point of great moment to the Israelites at that time and to the Church in all ages.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 17:11
9-13. Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men — Moses’s great successor, the second leader of Israel, and the type of the great Redeemer both in name and in office, now first abruptly appears before us.
Sermons on Exodus 17:11
| Sermon | Description | |
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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 |
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(Exodus) Exodus 17:8-12 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites, which represents the conflict between the flesh and the spirit. The Amale |
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The Need to Die - Part 3 by Carter Conlon | This sermon delves into the significance of the first battle faced by the Israelites in Exodus 17, highlighting the struggle against one's own nature, symbolized by Amalek, the gra |
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Don't Forget to Remember by William Carrol | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and not forgetting the things that God has done. He references Deuteronomy 4:9, where Moses instructs the Israe |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 420 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three key points from the Bible. The first point is to bless the Lord at all times, as mentioned in verse 1. The second point is that God del |
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The Recompense of Prayer by Samuel Chadwick | Samuel Chadwick preaches on the power and importance of private prayer, emphasizing that God rewards those who seek Him in secret. He explores the transformative nature of prayer, |
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[Who] Always Causeth Us to Triumph by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes that true victory begins with self-conquest, drawing parallels to Joshua's battle where Moses' uplifted arms symbolized reliance on divine strength rather t |