Exodus 17:9
And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.
Original Language Analysis
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
H376
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 19
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְצֵ֖א
and go out
H3318
וְצֵ֖א
and go out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
8 of 19
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
בַּֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק
with Amalek
H6002
בַּֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק
with Amalek
Strong's:
H6002
Word #:
10 of 19
amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
מָחָ֗ר
to morrow
H4279
מָחָ֗ר
to morrow
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
נִצָּב֙
I will stand
H5324
נִצָּב֙
I will stand
Strong's:
H5324
Word #:
13 of 19
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹ֣אשׁ
on the top
H7218
רֹ֣אשׁ
on the top
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
15 of 19
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וּמַטֵּ֥ה
with the rod
H4294
וּמַטֵּ֥ה
with the rod
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
17 of 19
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
Cross References
Exodus 24:13And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.Exodus 4:20And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.Deuteronomy 32:44And Moses came and spake all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he, and Hoshea the son of Nun.Exodus 4:2And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
Historical Context
This battle at Rephidim was Israel's first military engagement since leaving Egypt. The victory established Joshua as military leader who would later conquer Canaan.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Joshua's name ('YHWH is salvation') prefigure Jesus' work of conquering enemies?
- What does the dual action of Joshua fighting and Moses praying teach about spiritual warfare?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek—This is Joshua's first appearance, immediately in military role. His name יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Yehoshua, 'YHWH is salvation') prefigures Jesus (Greek form of Joshua) who conquers enemies. The command to 'choose men' establishes military organization—faith includes strategy, not presumption. Moses' declaration 'to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand' introduces the intercessory dimension: Joshua fights while Moses prays. This dual action pictures Christ's work: He conquered death (Joshua's battle) while interceding for His people (Moses' prayer). Victory requires both militant action and prevailing prayer (Eph 6:12-18).