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.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֗ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֗ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָרִ֥ים
held up
H7311
יָרִ֥ים
held up
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
3 of 12
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
And it came to pass when Moses
H4872
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
And it came to pass when Moses
Strong's:
H4872
Word #:
4 of 12
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
H3027
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 12
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְגָבַ֥ר
prevailed
H1396
וְגָבַ֥ר
prevailed
Strong's:
H1396
Word #:
6 of 12
to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
that Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
that Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְכַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
וְכַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָנִ֛יחַ
and when he let down
H5117
יָנִ֛יחַ
and when he let down
Strong's:
H5117
Word #:
9 of 12
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
H3027
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 12
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
1 Timothy 2:8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.Luke 18:1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;James 5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.Psalms 56:9When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern warfare often included religious rituals. Israel's warfare distinctively depended on intercession to YHWH rather than manipulation of deities through ritual.
Questions for Reflection
- How does victory depending on Moses' raised hands teach that spiritual warfare is won through prayer?
- What does Moses' failing strength requiring support teach about Christ's superior intercession?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed—The raised hand holding God's rod demonstrates that victory depends on intercession, not military might alone. The Hebrew גָּבַר (gavar, 'prevailed, was strong') shows the battle's tide turning based on Moses' arm position. This cannot be magic—the rod's power flows from covenant relationship with YHWH. Raised hands represent prayer, worship, and dependence on God (Ps 141:2, 1 Tim 2:8). When Moses' strength fails, Israel fails, showing that spiritual weakness enables enemy victory. This pictures Christ whose intercession never fails—He lives forever to pray for His people (Heb 7:25), unlike Moses who needed support.