Exodus 17:16
For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָד֙
hath sworn
H3027
יָד֙
hath sworn
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 11
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
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִלְחָמָ֥ה
will have war
H4421
מִלְחָמָ֥ה
will have war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
7 of 11
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
that the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בַּֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק
with Amalek
H6002
בַּֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק
with Amalek
Strong's:
H6002
Word #:
9 of 11
amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
Historical Context
God's sworn enmity against Amalek extended through Israel's history. Saul's failure to destroy them completely (1 Samuel 15) had consequences that reached to Haman's attempted genocide in Esther.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is God's war against Amalek 'from generation to generation' rather than one decisive battle?
- How does perpetual war against Amalek picture the believer's lifelong mortification of sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation—The phrase 'the LORD hath sworn' (כִּי־יָד עַל־כֵּס יָהּ, literally 'for a hand upon the throne of Yah') indicates divine oath tied to God's throne. Amalek's attack on God's people constitutes attack on God's sovereignty. The declaration of perpetual war 'from generation to generation' (מִדֹּר דֹּר, midor dor) means no peace treaty with flesh is possible—believers war against sin until death. Amalek's utter destruction in Deuteronomy 25:19 and Esther's Haman (Agagite, Amalekite descendant) show this conflict's persistence. Paul echoes this: 'For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit...these are contrary the one to the other' (Gal 5:17). Victory over flesh requires Christ's finished work, not negotiated truce.