Exodus 17:9
Exodus 17:9 in Multiple Translations
So 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.”
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.
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 my hand.
And Moses said to Joshua, Get together a band of men for us and go out, make war on Amalek: tomorrow I will take my place on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.
Moses told Joshua, “Choose some men and go out and fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I'll stand on the top of this hill holding the walking stick of God.”
And Moses sayde to Ioshua, Chuse vs out men, and go fight with Amalek: to morowe I will stande on the toppe of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.
and Moses saith unto Joshua, 'Choose for us men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to-morrow I am standing on the top of the hill, and the rod of God in my hand.'
Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us, and go out to fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with God’s rod in my hand.”
And Moses said to 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 my hand.
And Moses said to Josue: Choose out men: and go out and fight against Amalec: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill having the rod of God in my hand.
Moses/I said to Joshua, who was one of our army/Israeli leaders, “Choose some men to go out and fight against the Amalek people-group tomorrow. I will stand on the top of the hill, holding the stick that God told me to carry.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 17:9
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 17:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
אֶל
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙
בְּחַר
לָ֣/נוּ
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
וְ/צֵ֖א
הִלָּחֵ֣ם
בַּ/עֲמָלֵ֑ק
מָחָ֗ר
אָנֹכִ֤י
נִצָּב֙
עַל
רֹ֣אשׁ
הַ/גִּבְעָ֔ה
וּ/מַטֵּ֥ה
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
בְּ/יָדִֽ/י
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
בְּחַר
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לָ֣/נוּ
Prep | Suff
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
וְ/צֵ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
הִלָּחֵ֣ם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
בַּ/עֲמָלֵ֑ק
ʻĂmâlêq
H6002
Amalek
Prep | N-proper
מָחָ֗ר
mâchâr
H4279
tomorrow
N-ms
אָנֹכִ֤י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
נִצָּב֙
nâtsab
H5324
to stand
V-Niphal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
הַ/גִּבְעָ֔ה
gibʻâh
H1389
Gibeat
Art | N-fs
וּ/מַטֵּ֥ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
Conj | N-ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
בְּ/יָדִֽ/י
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 17:9
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
"Joshua"
N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
בְּחַר
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
לָ֣/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וְ/צֵ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הִלָּחֵ֣ם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
בַּ/עֲמָלֵ֑ק
ʻĂmâlêq
H6002
"Amalek"
Prep | 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.
מָחָ֗ר
mâchâr
H4279
"tomorrow"
N-ms
This word means tomorrow or a future time. In the Bible, it is used to talk about what will happen next, like in Exodus 13:14 where it refers to the next day.
Definition: 1) tomorrow, in time to come, in the future 1a) tomorrow (as the day following the present day) 1b) in future time
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: time to come, tomorrow. See also: Genesis 30:33; Judges 19:9; Proverbs 3:28.
אָנֹכִ֤י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
נִצָּב֙
nâtsab
H5324
"to stand"
V-Niphal
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הַ/גִּבְעָ֔ה
gibʻâh
H1389
"Gibeat"
Art | N-fs
Gibeat refers to a small hill, with the name meaning hill, and is another spelling of Gibeah. It appears in various KJV translations as hill or little hill.
Definition: This name means hill Another spelling of giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeah" H1390H)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: hill, little hill. See also: Genesis 49:26; Isaiah 30:17; Psalms 65:13.
וּ/מַטֵּ֥ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בְּ/יָדִֽ/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — Exodus 17:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 17:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 17:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 17:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 17:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 17:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 17:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 17:9
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 17:9
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 17:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 17:9
- Sermons on Exodus 17:9
Context — The Defeat of the Amalekites
7He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”
8After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 24:13 | So Moses set out with Joshua his attendant and went up on the mountain of God. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:44 | Then Moses came with Joshua son of Nun and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people. |
| 3 | Exodus 4:20 | So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand. |
| 4 | Exodus 4:2 | And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. |
| 5 | Hebrews 4:8 | For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. |
| 6 | Numbers 31:3–4 | So Moses told the people, “Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD’s vengeance on them. Send into battle a thousand men from each tribe of Israel.” |
| 7 | Exodus 17:13 | So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his army with the sword. |
| 8 | Numbers 11:28 | Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” |
| 9 | Acts 7:45 | And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David, |
| 10 | Numbers 13:16 | These were the names of the men Moses sent to spy out the land; and Moses gave to Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua. |
Exodus 17:9 Summary
[This verse shows us that Moses trusted in God's power to give the Israelites victory over their enemies, and he took a stand in faith by holding up the staff of God. Moses instructed Joshua to fight the Amalekites, and he stood on the hilltop with the staff of God to intercede for the Israelites. This teaches us that we can trust in God's power to help us in our struggles, just like Moses did, as seen in Psalm 121:1-2, where it is written that our help comes from the Lord. By trusting in God and taking a stand in faith, we can overcome the challenges we face, just like the Israelites did with God's help.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses instruct Joshua to fight the Amalekites?
Moses instructed Joshua to fight the Amalekites because they had attacked the Israelites at Rephidim, as seen in Exodus 17:8, and God had given the Israelites the promise of victory over their enemies, as stated in Deuteronomy 1:30.
What is the significance of the staff of God in Moses' hand?
The staff of God was a symbol of God's power and authority, as seen in Exodus 4:2-5, and Moses' holding it up was a way of seeking God's intervention and guidance in the battle against the Amalekites.
Why did Moses need to stand on the hilltop with the staff of God?
Moses needed to stand on the hilltop with the staff of God to intercede for the Israelites and to demonstrate his trust in God's power to give them victory, as seen in Exodus 17:11, where it is written that as long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed.
What can we learn from Moses' leadership in this situation?
We can learn from Moses' leadership that true leadership involves trusting in God's power and guidance, and being willing to take a stand in faith, as seen in Joshua 1:9, where God encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous in his leadership role.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with challenges or attacks, and what can I learn from Moses' example of trusting in God's power?
- In what ways can I, like Moses, use the 'staff of God' - the Word of God and prayer - to seek God's guidance and intervention in my life?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and take a stand in faith, and how can I apply the principles seen in this verse to those situations?
- How can I, like Joshua, be obedient to God's instructions and trust in His power to give me victory over the challenges I face?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 17:9
And Moses said unto Joshua,.... The son of Nun, who was his minister, and was a man of war from his youth, trained up in the art of war, and afterwards succeeded Moses, and was captain of the armies
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 17:9
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 17:9
Go out; out of the camp to meet the enemy. I will stand on the top of the hill, both to observe thy carriage, and success or defeat, that I may govern myself accordingly, and that I may in that retirement pour out my soul unto the Lord of hosts, that he may give thee victory. With the rod of God; by which having done so great exploits formerly, doubt not of the same Divine assistance to accompany it, and make thee victorious.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 17:9
Exodus 17:9 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.Ver. 9. I will stand on the top.] Where the people might see him with that ensign in his hand, and be encouraged. Xerxes used to pitch his tent on high, and stand looking on his army when in fight, for their encouragment.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 17:9
(9) Moses said unto Joshua.—This is the first mention of Joshua. He was an Ephraimite, the son of a man called Nun, and the tenth in descent from Joseph (see Note on Exodus 6:16), in the prime of life—about 45 years old—and probably known as possessing military capacity. His actual name at the timo was Hoshea, which might have been viewed as a good omen, since the word meant “Saviour.” Moses afterwards changed his name to Jehoshua (Numbers 13:16), which became by contraction Joshua. We find him, later in Exodus, acting as Moses’ personal attendant, or “minister” (Numbers 24:13; Numbers 32:17; Numbers 33:11), accompanying him to the top of Sinai, and placed by him in charge of the first “Tabernacle.” Afterwards he, with Caleb, was the only one of the spies who brought back a true report of Canaan. (Numbers 14:6-9.) His choice as leader to succeed Moses resulted naturally from his antecedents, and is related in Numbers 27:18-23. Choose us out men.—The weakness of Israel was in its unwieldy numbers. Moses saw this, and, after deciding that he was himself unfit for battle, and passing the command on to Joshua, made the one suggestion that a select body of troops should be employed against the assailants. The advice was good, and “Joshua did as Moses had said to him” (Exodus 17:10). I will stand on the top of the hill.—A particular “hill” was no doubt meant—a “hill,” and not a mountain. But the exact scene of the battle is too uncertain to make it possible to fix on any one particular eminence.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 17:9
Verse 9. Moses said unto Joshua] This is the first place in which Joshua the son of Nun is mentioned: the illustrious part which he took in Jewish affairs, till the settlement of his countrymen in the promised land, is well known. He was captain-general of the Hebrews under Moses; and on this great man's death he became his successor in the government. Joshua was at first called Hoshea, Numbers 13:16, and afterwards called Joshua by Moses. Both in the Septuagint and Greek Testament he is called Jesus: the name signifies Saviour; and he is allowed to have been a very expressive type of our blessed Lord. He fought with and conquered the enemies of his people, brought them into the promised land, and divided it to them by lot. The parallel between him and the Saviour of the world is too evident to require pointing out. Top of the hill] Probably some part of Horeb or Sinai, to which they were then near.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 17:9
9. Joshua] mentioned here for the first time. Afterwards he appears frequently in the Pent. as Moses’ attendant, Exodus 24:13, Exodus 32:17, Exodus 33:11, Numbers 11:28, and elsewhere. According to P, he only received the name of Joshua at Kadesh, Numbers 13:8; Numbers 13:16, having been till then called Hoshea. the rod of God] as Exodus 4:20.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 17:9
Joshua - This is the first mention of the great follower and successor of Moses. He died at the age of 110, some 65 years after this transaction.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 17:9
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 17:9
| Sermon | Description | |
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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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Steadfastness in Conflict by Duncan Campbell | Duncan Campbell emphasizes the necessity of steadfastness in the face of conflict, drawing parallels between Israel's battle against Amalek and the spiritual struggles Christians f |
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Leadership and Ministry (Judges 5:2) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of leadership in both spiritual and practical realms, asserting that effective leadership is essential for overcoming challenges and g |
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Zeal by William MacDonald | William MacDonald emphasizes the critical importance of zeal in the life of a disciple, arguing that without a passionate commitment to Christ, one stands condemned. He illustrates |
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Discipline in the School of God - Part 2 by J.B. Stoney | J.B. Stoney preaches about the life and lessons of Joshua, highlighting his journey from a warrior chief leading the people in battle against their enemies to a faithful servant le |
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Change Our Heart's - Part 2 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his father's radical conversion to Christianity and his ministry in the county poorhouse. The speaker then recounts his ow |
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Disciples Are God's Economists by Lane Adams | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the powerful leadership of Moses and the fear he instilled in the enemies of the Israelites. Despite being outnumbered, the Israelites were fe |