King James Version

What Does Exodus 17:9 Mean?

Exodus 17:9 in the King James Version says “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 h... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. Joshua: called Jesus

Exodus 17:9 · KJV


Context

7

And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not? Massah: that is, Temptation Meribah: that is, Chiding, or, Strife

8

Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

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. Joshua: called Jesus

10

So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

11

And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.


Commentary

KJV Study 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).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Joshua's name ('YHWH is salvation') prefigure Jesus' work of conquering enemies?
  2. What does the dual action of Joshua fighting and Moses praying teach about spiritual warfare?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 19

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֹשֶׁ֤ה2 of 19

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶל3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙4 of 19

unto Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

בְּחַר5 of 19

Choose us out

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

לָ֣נוּ6 of 19
H0
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים7 of 19
H376

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)

וְצֵ֖א8 of 19

and go out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הִלָּחֵ֣ם9 of 19

fight

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

בַּֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק10 of 19

with Amalek

H6002

amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country

מָחָ֗ר11 of 19

to morrow

H4279

properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter

אָֽנֹכִ֤י12 of 19
H595

i

נִצָּב֙13 of 19

I will stand

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

עַל14 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹ֣אשׁ15 of 19

on the top

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הַגִּבְעָ֔ה16 of 19

of the hill

H1389

a hillock

וּמַטֵּ֥ה17 of 19

with the rod

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים18 of 19

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּיָדִֽי׃19 of 19

in mine hand

H3027

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 17:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 17:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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