Exodus 17:10
So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
did
H6213
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בַּֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק
with Amalek
H6002
בַּֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק
with Amalek
Strong's:
H6002
Word #:
8 of 14
amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
וְח֔וּר
and Hur
H2354
וְח֔וּר
and Hur
Strong's:
H2354
Word #:
11 of 14
chur, the name of four israelites and one midianite
עָל֖וּ
went up
H5927
עָל֖וּ
went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
12 of 14
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
Historical Context
This battle pattern—military engagement below, intercession above—became model for Israel's future warfare. Victory depended on both earthly action and divine intervention through prayer.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' intercession on the mountain picture Christ's heavenly intercession for believers?
- What does separation of roles (Joshua fights, Moses prays) teach about body of Christ functioning together?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill—Joshua's obedience without question models military discipline and faith. The separation of roles—Joshua in valley fighting, Moses on mountain interceding—establishes the warfare pattern: believers fight earthly battles while Christ intercedes in heavenly places (Heb 7:25). The presence of Aaron (priest) and Hur (otherwise unknown, possibly Miriam's husband) provides support for Moses' intercession. The 'top of the hill' (רֹאשׁ הַגִּבְעָה, rosh hagiv'ah) gives oversight of battle while positioning Moses' lifted hands toward heaven. This prefigures Christ's ascension: He withdrew from earthly conflict to intercede on high.