Exodus 17:13
And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽחֲלֹ֧שׁ
discomfited
H2522
וַיַּֽחֲלֹ֧שׁ
discomfited
Strong's:
H2522
Word #:
1 of 8
to prostrate; by implication, to overthrow, decay
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֲמָלֵ֥ק
Amalek
H6002
עֲמָלֵ֥ק
Amalek
Strong's:
H6002
Word #:
4 of 8
amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמּ֖וֹ
and his people
H5971
עַמּ֖וֹ
and his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
This decisive victory over Amalek established Israel's military credibility and demonstrated that YHWH, not Pharaoh's army, would fight for them in conquest of Canaan.
Questions for Reflection
- How does victory through both prayer (Moses) and action (Joshua) combat passivity or works-righteousness in spiritual warfare?
- What does Amalek's defeat prefigure about Christ's victory over Satan, though battles continue?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword—The victory is complete: Joshua 'discomfited' (חָלַשׁ, chalash, 'weakened, defeated') Amalek utterly. The phrase 'with the edge of the sword' indicates thorough military victory, yet verse 11 makes clear this resulted from Moses' intercession, not Joshua's military prowess alone. This dual causation—divine intervention and human action—characterizes all biblical victory. God ordains both means (Joshua's sword) and cause (Moses' prayer). The complete victory prefigures Christ's decisive defeat of Satan through the cross (Col 2:15), though believers still fight residual battles against defeated enemy. Joshua's military success combined with Moses' intercessory faithfulness pictures the church militant and triumphant.