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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 17:11 As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/17-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/02_Exo_17_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 17:11 - The Defeat of the Amalekites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/17-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/17-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/17-10.htm" title="Exodus 17:10">◄</a> Exodus 17:11 <a href="/exodus/17-12.htm" title="Exodus 17:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So it came about, when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed; but when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So it happened when Moses raised his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now when Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and when he lowered his hand [due to fatigue], Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The Israelites out-fought the Amalekites as long as Moses held up his arms, but they started losing whenever he lowered them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel would win, but as soon as he put his hands down, the Amalekites would start to win.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />As long as Moses held up his arms, the Israelites won, but when he put his arms down, the Amalekites started winning. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whenever Moses raised his hand, the Israelis prevailed, but when his hand remained at his side, then the Amalekites prevailed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Whenever Moses would raise his hands, then Israel prevailed, but whenever he would rest his hands, then Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It happened, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and it has come to pass, when Moses lifts up his hand, that Israel has been mighty, and when he lets his hands rest, that Amalek has been mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and it hath come to pass, when Moses lifteth up his hand, that Israel hath been mighty, and when he letteth his hands rest, that Amalek hath been mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it was as Moses will lift up his hand, Israel prevailed: and as he will put down his hand and Amalek prevailed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when Moses lifted up his hands, Israel overcame: but if he let them down a little, Amalec overcame. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when Moses lifted up his hands, Israel prevailed. But when he released them a little while, Amalek overcame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Moses lifted up his hand, Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hands, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And when Moshe was raising his hands, Israel was prevailing, and when he was resting his hands, Amaleq was prevailing.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Moses lifted up his hands, Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hands, Amalec prevailed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/17-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=4402" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/17.htm">The Defeat of the Amalekites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">As long as</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/7311.htm" title="7311: yā·rîm (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be high or exalted, rise. A primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise.">held up</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">his hands,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/1396.htm" title="1396: wə·ḡā·ḇar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To be strong, mighty. A primitive root; to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently.">prevailed;</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: wə·ḵa·’ă·šer (Conj-w, Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">but when</a> <a href="/hebrew/5117.htm" title="5117: yā·nî·aḥ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To rest, i.e. settle down">he lowered</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6002.htm" title="6002: ‘ă·mā·lêq (N-proper-ms) -- A desc. of Esau, also his posterity. Probably of foreign origin; Amalek, a descendant of Esau; also his posterity and their country.">Amalek</a> <a href="/hebrew/1396.htm" title="1396: wə·ḡā·ḇar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To be strong, mighty. A primitive root; to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently.">prevailed.</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8-9</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.” / So Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it on a pole. If anyone who was bitten looked at the bronze snake, he would live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/7-8.htm">1 Samuel 7:8-13</a></span><br />and said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” / Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him. / As the Philistines drew near to fight against Israel, Samuel was offering up the burnt offering. But that day the LORD thundered loudly against the Philistines and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-45.htm">1 Samuel 14:45</a></span><br />But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45-47</a></span><br />But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-21.htm">2 Chronicles 20:21-22</a></span><br />Then Jehoshaphat consulted with the people and appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.” / The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/28-2.htm">Psalm 28:2</a></span><br />Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/63-4.htm">Psalm 63:4</a></span><br />So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/141-2.htm">Psalm 141:2</a></span><br />May my prayer be set before You like incense; my uplifted hands, like the evening offering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-4.htm">Isaiah 2:4</a></span><br />Then He will judge between the nations and arbitrate for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor train anymore for war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/25-11.htm">Isaiah 25:11</a></span><br />He will spread out his hands within it, as a swimmer spreads his arms to swim. His pride will be brought low, despite the skill of his hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-22.htm">Isaiah 49:22</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: “Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations, and raise My banner to the peoples. They will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/8-13.htm">Matthew 8:13</a></span><br />Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! As you have believed, so will it be done for you.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-20.htm">Matthew 17:20</a></span><br />“Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/11-23.htm">Mark 11:23-24</a></span><br />“Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him. / Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1</a></span><br />Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart:</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/56-9.htm">Psalm 56:9</a></b></br> When I cry <i>unto thee</i>, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God <i>is</i> for me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1</a></b></br> And he spake a parable unto them <i>to this end</i>, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">1 Timothy 2:8</a></b></br> I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/17-10.htm">Amalek</a> <a href="/exodus/17-10.htm">Am'alek</a> <a href="/exodus/17-10.htm">Amalekites</a> <a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">Held</a> <a href="/exodus/17-8.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/17-8.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/genesis/44-11.htm">Lowered</a> <a href="/exodus/15-15.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/exodus/17-10.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/genesis/49-26.htm">Prevailed</a> <a href="/exodus/16-34.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/exodus/1-9.htm">Stronger</a> <a href="/genesis/38-9.htm">Whenever</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">Winning</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/17-13.htm">Amalek</a> <a href="/exodus/17-13.htm">Am'alek</a> <a href="/numbers/13-29.htm">Amalekites</a> <a href="/exodus/17-16.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/17-12.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/exodus/17-12.htm">Held</a> <a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/19-1.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-25.htm">Lowered</a> <a href="/exodus/32-11.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/exodus/17-12.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/judges/1-35.htm">Prevailed</a> <a href="/exodus/20-11.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/numbers/13-31.htm">Stronger</a> <a href="/exodus/18-16.htm">Whenever</a> <a href="/luke/4-16.htm">Winning</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/17-1.htm">The people murmur for water to Rephidim</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/17-6.htm">God send them for water to the rock in Horeb</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/17-7.htm">The place is called Massah and Meribah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/17-8.htm">Amalek is overcome by Joshua, while Moses holds up his hand</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/17-14.htm">Amalek is doomed to destruction; and Moses builds the altar Jehovah-nissi</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>As long as Moses held up his hands</b><br>This phrase highlights the physical act of Moses raising his hands, which is symbolic of prayer and dependence on God. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, raising hands was a common posture for prayer and supplication. This act signifies Moses' intercession for Israel, demonstrating the importance of spiritual leadership and reliance on divine power rather than mere human strength. The raised hands can also be seen as a type of Christ's intercession for believers, as Jesus is our mediator before God.<p><b>Israel prevailed</b><br>The success of Israel in battle is directly linked to Moses' act of intercession. This reflects the biblical principle that victory comes through faith and reliance on God. The Israelites' victory over the Amalekites is a fulfillment of God's promise to protect and deliver His people. This event foreshadows the ultimate victory believers have through Christ, who ensures spiritual triumph over sin and death.<p><b>but when he lowered them</b><br>This phrase indicates a lapse in the act of intercession, leading to a change in the battle's outcome. It underscores the necessity of persistent prayer and faith. The physical fatigue of Moses serves as a reminder of human limitations and the need for communal support in spiritual endeavors. This can be paralleled with the New Testament teaching on the importance of perseverance in prayer (<a href="/luke/18.htm">Luke 18:1</a>).<p><b>Amalek prevailed</b><br>The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe and longstanding enemies of Israel, representing opposition to God's people. Their temporary success when Moses' hands were lowered illustrates the consequences of spiritual neglect. This battle is part of a larger biblical narrative where Amalek symbolizes the forces of evil and opposition to God's purposes. The eventual defeat of Amalek is a precursor to the ultimate defeat of evil through Christ's victory on the cross.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. In this passage, Moses plays a crucial role in the battle against the Amalekites by holding up his hands, symbolizing intercession and dependence on God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. They are engaged in battle with the Amalekites in this passage.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/amalekites.htm">Amalekites</a></b><br>A nomadic tribe that attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. They are often seen as representing opposition to God's people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/rephidim.htm">Rephidim</a></b><br>The location where the Israelites camped and where the battle with the Amalekites took place. It is also the place where God provided water from the rock.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/aaron_and_hur.htm">Aaron and Hur</a></b><br>Moses' brother and a leader among the Israelites, respectively. They supported Moses by holding up his hands when he grew weary, ensuring the victory of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_intercession.htm">The Power of Intercession</a></b><br>Moses' raised hands symbolize intercession. Just as Moses interceded for Israel, believers are called to intercede for others, trusting in God's power to bring victory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>The outcome of the battle depended on Moses' hands being raised, illustrating the need for reliance on God rather than human strength.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a></b><br>Aaron and Hur's support of Moses teaches the importance of community and mutual support in the Christian life. We are not meant to fight our battles alone.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_prayer.htm">Perseverance in Prayer</a></b><br>Moses' persistence in keeping his hands raised, despite fatigue, encourages believers to persevere in prayer, even when it is challenging.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>The battle against the Amalekites represents the spiritual battles believers face. Victory comes through faith, prayer, and reliance on God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_moses's_hands_affect_battle.htm">How can Moses’s raised hands alone affect the outcome of a battle (Exodus 17:11)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_living_in_unity_mean.htm">What is the meaning of living together in unity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_raising_hands.htm">What does the Bible say about raising hands in worship?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_sources_on_amalekites'_defeat.htm">Why do no contemporary historical sources mention the defeat of the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-13)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">When Moses held up his hand . . . Israel prevailed, </span>&c.--In order to teach the lesson of the value of intercessory prayer, God made the fortunes of the fight to vary according as Moses "held up his hand," or allowed it to sink down. It is not probable that the Israelites were <span class= "ital">directly </span>affected by the bodily movements of Moses, or indeed could discern them, but Moses, Aaron, and Hur were struck by the fact that the fluctuations in the battle coincided with the motions of Moses' hands.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When Moses held up his hand,... Israel prevailed</span>. The elevation of Moses' hand, with the rod held in it, was an appeal to God for aid, and must be supposed to have been accompanied by fervent prayer to God, that he would help his people and give them victory over their enemies. So long as the hand was upraised, the Israelites prevailed; not because they saw it, and took it as directing them to continue the fight (Kalisch), but because God gave them strength, and vigour and courage, while Moses interceded, and left them to themselves when the intercession ceased, It may be said, that Moses might have continued to pray, though his hands were weary; but only those who have tried, know how difficult a thing it is to pray with any intensity for a continuance. Probably Moses' spiritual and physical powers collapsed together; and when he dropped his hand through physical fatigue, he rested also from his mental effort. To impress upon Israel the importance of intercessory prayer, God made success and failure alternate with its continuance and discontinuance, thus teaching his people a lesson of inestimable value. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/17-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">As long as</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Moses</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">held up</span><br /><span class="heb">יָרִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(yā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7311.htm">Strong's 7311: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be high actively, to rise, raise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his hands,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָד֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prevailed;</span><br /><span class="heb">וְגָבַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḡā·ḇar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1396.htm">Strong's 1396: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be strong, to prevail, act insolently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but when</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכַאֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵa·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he lowered</span><br /><span class="heb">יָנִ֛יחַ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·nî·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5117.htm">Strong's 5117: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rest, settle down</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[them],</span><br /><span class="heb">יָד֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Amalek</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲמָלֵֽק׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·mā·lêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6002.htm">Strong's 6002: </a> </span><span class="str2">Amalek -- a descendant of Esau, also his posterity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prevailed.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְגָבַ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḡā·ḇar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1396.htm">Strong's 1396: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be strong, to prevail, act insolently</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/17-11.htm">Exodus 17:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/17-11.htm">Exodus 17:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/17-11.htm">Exodus 17:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/17-11.htm">Exodus 17:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/17-11.htm">Exodus 17:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/17-11.htm">Exodus 17:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/17-11.htm">Exodus 17:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/17-11.htm">Exodus 17:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/17-11.htm">Exodus 17:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/17-11.htm">Exodus 17:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/17-11.htm">OT Law: Exodus 17:11 It happened when Moses held up his (Exo. 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