Exodus 17:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 17:14
14 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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 17 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, holiness, hope. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-16: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 17:14
14 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.
Analysis
And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua—This is Scripture's first explicit command to write, establishing written Scripture's authority. The verb 'write' (כָּתַב, katav) and 'memorial' (זִכָּרוֹן, zikaron) show God ensures permanent record of His promises and judgments. The dual instruction—write for posterity, rehearse to Joshua—combines written and oral transmission. Joshua must know that God has decreed Amalek's utter destruction: 'I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.' This prophetic declaration spans centuries (fulfilled partly under Saul and David) and ultimately prefigures final judgment. The command to write also establishes Moses as Scripture's first human author under divine inspiration.
Historical Context
This written memorial became part of Torah. Amalek's destruction was commanded again in Deuteronomy 25:19 and partially fulfilled under Saul (1 Samuel 15) and David (1 Samuel 30).
Reflection
- Why does God command written record in addition to oral instruction?
- What does God 'blotting out the remembrance' of Amalek teach about final judgment on evil?
Word Studies
- Heaven: שָׁמַיִם (Shamayim) H8064 - Heaven, sky
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 12:14, 13:9, 24:4, 34:27
- Parallel theme: Numbers 24:20, 1 Samuel 30:1, 30:17, 2 Samuel 8:12, Job 18:17