Exodus 17

Exodus 17:1

Commandment] Declared unto them by the standing still, or moving of the pillar, Exodus 13:21. Now between Sin and Rephidim there were two resting places in Dophea and Alus, Numbers 33:12-13.

Exodus 17:2

D ye tempt] Make a rash triall of his power, and truth through incredulitie? and of his patience, through malice and boldnesse The Lord] the son of God, who was personally present in the middest of the people, and did conduct them; See Exo. 13. 21. 23. 21. and so the Apostle expound it, 1 Corinthians 10:9.

Exodus 17:5

Elders] See Exodus 3:16. Now they were to bee eye witnesses of the miracle, which was denied the people, either by reason of their incredulity; or to cause them to beare more reverence to the wonderful works of God, see Exo. 24. 1. 9.

Exodus 17:6

I will stand] I will cause the pillar to stand there, in token that in that very place I will shew forth the power of my presence.

Exodus 17:7

Massa and Meriba] Temptation and strife: see another Meriba, Numbers 20:13.

Exodus 17:9

I will] Thou Joshua shalt do what belongeth to a Captain, and I will look to my office of Prophet, to mediate with God for his assistance, and to use the rod, the instrument of his miracles, to dispense that grace and supernaturall power unto thee, which I shall have obtained by my prayers.

Exodus 17:10

Hr] which sheweth that he was the head of the tribe of Judah, which had the precedency of the other: see Exo. 4. 14. 1 Chronicles 2:19. So Hur was under Moses the chief politick magistrate, as Aaron was chief of the Ecclesiasticall order; and by these three was represented the whole body of the people, when they joyned in prayer for the publick welfare.

Exodus 17:11

Held up] with the rod in it: For a token as well of the perseverance, and fervour in prayer, as of Gods action which followed in saving the people. As contrarywise the letting down of the hands, did snew the slacking of prayer and therewithall the slacking of Gods working. The stone signifieth Christ, the only prop of faith which he also as high Priest of the Church like Aaron, and her chief head and King, like Hur, strengtheneth in all sights by his interceslion, Luke 22:32.

Exodus 17:14

I a Booke] The Italian hath it, In the Book] which thou wiest by mine appointment, Exodus 34:27. Deut. 31. 9. 22. which is nothing else but the volume of the five books of Moses: Rehearse it] The Italian, Put it] cause him to understand it well that he and all other heads of the people, which shall be his successors, may put this my command in execution, when I shall give them occasion so to do, as I did to Saul, who neglected it.

Exodus 17:15

An Altar] according to the custome, aswel for to give Gods thankes for his deliverance, as to leave a monument of it behind him: Called the name] not for to attribute Gods incōmunicable nameto the Altar, but to make it beare this Mott, as it were for a title, or inscription. Or because he would now professe this thankfulnesse, and erect in this altar a lusting monument thereof. See Judges 6:24. Jer. 23. 6. and 33. 16. Ezech. 48. 35 Jeovah-Nissi] The Italian hath it, The Lord is my banner] he under whom, and by whose power I fight, and is also the only authour of my victories, through which I erect banners and trophies, Psalms 20:6; Psalms 60:6.

Exodus 17:16

Because the Lord hath sworne] The Italian hath it, Certain it is that there is a hand upon the throne of the Lord] That is to say, the power of God, spread from his celestrall throne, is it which hath given his people this wonderfull victory. I did but only shew it by lifting up my hand from the stone which I sate upon. Others expound it, the Lord upon his throne hath lifted up his hand, that is to say, hath sworne he will for ever have war against Amaleck: See Deuteronomy 32:40.