Exodus 17:14

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֗ה

H4872

unto Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

כְּתֹ֨ב

H3789

Write

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

זֹ֤את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

זִכָּרוֹן֙

H2146

this for a memorial

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

בַּסֵּ֔פֶר

H5612

in a book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

וְשִׂ֖ים

H7760

and rehearse

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#10

בְּאָזְנֵ֣י

H241

it in the ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

#11

יְהוֹשֻׁ֑עַ

H3091

of Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

#12

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

אֶמְחֶה֙

H4229

for I will utterly

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

#14

אֶמְחֶה֙

H4229

for I will utterly

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

#15

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

זֵ֣כֶר

H2143

the remembrance

a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration

#17

עֲמָלֵ֔ק

H6002

of Amalek

amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country

#18

מִתַּ֖חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#19

הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃

H8064

from under heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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Moses