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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 17:8 After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/17-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/02_Exo_17_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 17:8 - The Defeat of the Amalekites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.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/17-7.htm" title="Exodus 17:7">◄</a> Exodus 17:8 <a href="/exodus/17-9.htm" title="Exodus 17:9">►</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 />The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Amalek [and his people] came and fought with Israel at Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />At Rephidim, Amalek came and fought against Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />At Rephidim, Amalek came and fought against Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the Israelites were at Rephidim, they were attacked by the Amalekites. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The Amalekites fought Israel at Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />After this, the Amalekites came and fought with the Israelis at Rephidim. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Amalek came and attacked Israel in Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Amalek comes, and fights with Israel in Rephidim,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Amalek cometh, and fighteth with Israel in Rephidim,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Amalek will come and will wage war with Israel, in Rephidim.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Amalec came, and fought against Israel in Raphidim. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then Amalek came and waged war against Israel in Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then came Amalek to fight with Israel at Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Amaleq came to make war with Israel in Raphidin.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Amalec came and fought with Israel in Raphidin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/17-8.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=4376" 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">8</span><span class="highl"><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.">After this, the Amalekites</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: way·yil·lā·ḥem (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">and attacked</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix."></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.">the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/7508.htm" title="7508: bir·p̄î·ḏim (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- A place in the desert. Plural of the masculine of the same as rphiydah; ballusters; Rephidim, a place in the Desert.">at Rephidim.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.”…<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="/deuteronomy/25-17.htm">Deuteronomy 25:17-19</a></span><br />Remember what the Amalekites did to you along your way from Egypt, / how they met you on your journey when you were tired and weary, and they attacked all your stragglers; they had no fear of God. / When the LORD your God gives you rest from the enemies around you in the land that He is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you are to blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-2.htm">1 Samuel 15:2-3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them on their way up from Egypt. / Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/24-20.htm">Numbers 24:20</a></span><br />Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-3.htm">Judges 6:3-5</a></span><br />Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them, / encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither sheep nor oxen nor donkeys. / For the Midianites came with their livestock and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were innumerable, and they entered the land to ravage it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">1 Samuel 30:1-2</a></span><br />On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1-4</a></span><br />When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. / When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army, / saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/4-42.htm">1 Chronicles 4:42-43</a></span><br />And five hundred of these Simeonites led by Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi, went to Mount Seir / and struck down the remnant of the Amalekites who had escaped. And they have lived there to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/83-4.htm">Psalm 83:4-7</a></span><br />saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.” / For with one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against You— / the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-1.htm">Isaiah 63:1-6</a></span><br />Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” / Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? / “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/36-12.htm">Genesis 36:12</a></span><br />Additionally, Timna, a concubine of Esau’s son Eliphaz, gave birth to Amalek. These are the grandsons of Esau’s wife Adah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/8-12.htm">2 Samuel 8:12</a></span><br />from Edom and Moab, from the Ammonites and Philistines and Amalekites, and from the spoil of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-47.htm">1 Samuel 14:47-48</a></span><br />After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them. / He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-1.htm">2 Chronicles 20:1-4</a></span><br />After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. / Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi). / Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-11.htm">1 Corinthians 10:11</a></span><br />Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/36-12.htm">Genesis 36:12,16</a></b></br> And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these <i>were</i> the sons of Adah Esau's wife… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/24-20.htm">Numbers 24:20</a></b></br> And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek <i>was</i> the first of the nations; but his latter end <i>shall be</i> that he perish for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/25-17.htm">Deuteronomy 25:17</a></b></br> Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/36-16.htm">Amalek</a> <a href="/genesis/36-16.htm">Am'alek</a> <a href="/genesis/14-7.htm">Amalekites</a> <a href="/genesis/49-23.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/exodus/14-25.htm">Fighteth</a> <a href="/genesis/32-28.htm">Fought</a> <a href="/exodus/17-7.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/17-7.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/exodus/17-1.htm">Rephidim</a> <a href="/exodus/17-1.htm">Reph'idim</a> <a href="/exodus/15-3.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Amalek</a> <a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Am'alek</a> <a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Amalekites</a> <a href="/leviticus/7-24.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/numbers/21-1.htm">Fighteth</a> <a href="/exodus/17-10.htm">Fought</a> <a href="/exodus/17-11.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/17-11.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/exodus/19-2.htm">Rephidim</a> <a href="/exodus/19-2.htm">Reph'idim</a> <a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">War</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>After this</b><br>This phrase indicates a continuation from the previous events in the narrative. The Israelites had just experienced God's provision of water from the rock at Horeb, demonstrating His faithfulness and care. This sets the stage for the subsequent challenge they face, highlighting the ongoing journey and trials of the Israelites in the wilderness.<p><b>the Amalekites came</b><br>The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe descended from Esau's grandson Amalek. They are often depicted as perennial enemies of Israel. Their attack on the Israelites is significant as it represents the first military challenge faced by the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. The Amalekites' hostility is seen as an embodiment of opposition to God's people, and they are later condemned in <a href="/deuteronomy/25-17.htm">Deuteronomy 25:17-19</a> for their unprovoked attack.<p><b>and attacked the Israelites</b><br>This attack was unprovoked and targeted the vulnerable, as described in <a href="/deuteronomy/25-18.htm">Deuteronomy 25:18</a>, where the Amalekites attacked those who were lagging behind. This act of aggression is seen as cowardly and treacherous. The Israelites, having just been delivered from Egypt, were not yet organized as a military force, making them susceptible to such attacks.<p><b>at Rephidim</b><br>Rephidim is a location in the Sinai Peninsula, significant as a place where the Israelites camped and experienced God's provision of water. The name Rephidim means "supports" or "rests," which is ironic given the conflict that occurs there. Geographically, it is situated between the wilderness of Sin and Mount Sinai, serving as a backdrop for God's continued guidance and protection of His people. The battle at Rephidim is a precursor to the giving of the Law at Sinai, emphasizing the need for reliance on God in both physical and spiritual battles.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/r/rephidim.htm">Rephidim</a></b><br>A location in the wilderness where the Israelites camped. It is significant as the site of both the provision of water from the rock and the battle with the Amalekites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_amalekites.htm">The Amalekites</a></b><br>A nomadic tribe descended from Esau, known for their hostility towards Israel. They attacked the Israelites at Rephidim, representing opposition to God's people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, led by Moses, journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. Their encounter with the Amalekites is a test of faith and reliance on God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who plays a crucial role in guiding them through the wilderness and interceding for them during battles.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a></b><br>A young leader and warrior who leads the Israelites in battle against the Amalekites, showcasing his emerging leadership.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites faced physical battles, Christians face spiritual battles. <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a> reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>The Israelites' victory depended on God's intervention. In our lives, we must rely on God for strength and guidance in our challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_obedience.htm">Leadership and Obedience</a></b><br>Joshua's role in leading the battle under Moses' direction illustrates the importance of obedient leadership and teamwork in fulfilling God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/remembrance_and_vigilance.htm">Remembrance and Vigilance</a></b><br>The command to remember Amalek's actions serves as a reminder to be vigilant against spiritual complacency and to remember God's past deliverances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/intercession_and_support.htm">Intercession and Support</a></b><br>Moses' role in interceding for the Israelites during the battle highlights the power of prayer and the need for spiritual support from others.<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/who_was_hur_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Hur in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_key_events_in_joshua's_life.htm">What are key events in Joshua's life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'the_lord_is_my_banner'.htm">What does "The Lord is My Banner" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_jehovah-nissi_mean.htm">What does Jehovah-Nissi mean?</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>(8) <span class= "bld">Then came Amalek.</span>--The Amalekites had not been previously (except in the anticipatory notice of <a href="/genesis/14-7.htm" title="And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelled in Hazezontamar.">Genesis 14:7</a>) mentioned as a nation. Their name marks them for descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau (<a href="/genesis/36-12.htm" title="And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau's wife.">Genesis 36:12</a>; <a href="/genesis/36-16.htm" title="Duke Korah, duke Gatam, and duke Amalek: these are the dukes that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these were the sons of Adah.">Genesis 36:16</a>); and it would seem that they early became the predominant people in the Sinaitic peninsula. Balaam speaks of them as "the first of the nations" (<a href="/numbers/24-20.htm" title="And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever.">Numbers 24:20</a>); and though we do lot meet with the name in the Egyptian records, yet it is probable that they were among the hostile nations whom we find constantly contending with the Egyptians upon their north-eastern frontier. Though Edomitesn they are always regarded as a distinct race, and one especially hostile to Israel (<a href="/exodus/17-16.htm" title="For he said, Because the LORD has sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.">Exodus 17:16</a>). Their present hostility was not altogether unprovoked. No doubt they regarded the Sinaitic region as their own, and as the most valuable portion of their territory, since it contained their summer and autumn pastures. During their absence in its more northern portion, where there was pasture for their flocks after the spring rains, a swarm of emigrants had occupied some of their best lands, and threatened to seize the remainder. Naturally, they would resent the occupation. They would not understand that it was only temporary. They would regard the Israelites as intruders, robbers, persons entitled to scant favour at their hands. Accordingly, they swooped upon them without mercy, attacked their rear as they were upon the march, cut off their stragglers, and slew many that were "feeble, faint, and weary" (<a href="/context/deuteronomy/25-17.htm" title="Remember what Amalek did to you by the way, when you were come forth out of Egypt;">Deuteronomy 25:17-18</a>). They then encamped in their neighbourhood, with the design of renewing the struggle on the next day. It was under these circumstances that Moses had to make his arrangements. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 8-16.</span> - THE WAR WITH AMALEK. The Amalekites seem to have been descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau (<a href="/genesis/36-12.htm">Genesis 36:12</a>). They separated themselves off from the other Edomites at an early date, and became the predominant tribe in the more northern parts of the Sinaitic peninsula, claiming and exercising a sovereignty over the whole of the desert country between the borders of Palestine and Egypt. We do not find the name Amalek in the Egyptian records; but the people are probably represented by the Mentu, with whom so many of the early Egyptian kings contended. The Pharaohs dispossessed them of the north-western portion of the mountain region; but they probably claimed the suzerainty of the central hills and valleys, which the Egyptians never occupied; and on these they no doubt set a high value as affording water and pasture for their flocks during the height of summer. When the Israelites pressed forward into these parts, the Amale-kites, in spite of the fact that they were a kindred race, determined on giving them battle. They began by "insidiously attacking the rear of the Hebrew army, when it was exhausted and weary" (<a href="/deuteronomy/25-18.htm">Deuteronomy 25:18</a>). I-laving cut off many stragglers, they attacked the main body at Rephidim, in the Wady-Feiran, and fought the long battle which the text describes (vers. 10-13). The result was the complete discomfiture of the assailants, who thenceforth avoided all contact with Israel until attacked in their turn at the southern frontier of Canaan, when, in conjunction with the Canaanites, they were victorious (<a href="/numbers/14-45.htm">Numbers 14:45</a>). A bitter and long continued enmity followed. Amalek, "the first of the nations" to attack Israel (Exodus 24:20), was pursued with unrelenting hostility (<a href="/deuteronomy/25-17.htm">Deuteronomy 25:17-19</a>), defeated repeatedly by Saul and David (<a href="/1_samuel/14-48.htm">1 Samuel 14:48</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/15-7.htm">1 Samuel 15:7</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/27-8.htm">1 Samuel 27:8</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/30-17.htm">1 Samuel 30:17</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/8-12.htm">2 Samuel 8:12</a>); the last remnant of the nation being finally destroyed by the Simeonites in the reign of king Hezekiah, as related by the author of Chronicles (<a href="/1_chronicles/4-41.htm">1 Chronicles 4:41-43</a>). <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8</span>. - <span class="cmt_word">Then came Amalek</span>. The bulk of the Amalekites would have been passing <span class="cmt_word"><span class="accented">the</span></span> spring in the lower plains, where herbage is abundant after the early rains, while later in the year it dries up. They would hear of the threatened occupation of their precious summer pastures by the vast host of the Hebrews, and would seek to prevent it by blocking the way. Hence they are said to have "come" - <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, to have marched into a position where they were not previously, though it was one situated within their country. We must remember that they were nomads. <span class="cmt_word">And fought with Israel</span> For the nature of the fighting on the first day, see <a href="/deuteronomy/25-18.htm">Deuteronomy 25:18</a>; by which it appears that the original attack was made on the rear of the long column, and was successful. The Amalekites "smote the hindmost" of the Israelites, "even all that were feeble behind them, when they were faint and weary." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/17-8.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">After this, the Amalekites</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲמָלֵ֑ק</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">came</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and attacked</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּלָּ֥חֶם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yil·lā·ḥem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> </span><span class="str2">To feed on, to consume, to battle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Israelites</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל</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">at Rephidim.</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּרְפִידִֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(bir·p̄î·ḏim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7508.htm">Strong's 7508: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rephidim -- a place in the desert</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/17-8.htm">Exodus 17:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/17-8.htm">Exodus 17:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/17-8.htm">Exodus 17:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/17-8.htm">Exodus 17:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/17-8.htm">Exodus 17:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/17-8.htm">Exodus 17:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/17-8.htm">Exodus 17:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/17-8.htm">Exodus 17:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/17-8.htm">Exodus 17:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/17-8.htm">Exodus 17:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/17-8.htm">OT Law: Exodus 17:8 Then Amalek came and fought with Israel (Exo. 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