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.
Read it in contextThe Battle with Amalek at Rephidim and the Water from the Rock
Start reading at Exodus 17:1 (Exodus 17:1 to Exodus 17:16).
The entire chapter describes the journey to Rephidim, the provision of water from the rock, and the subsequent battle with Amalek, concluding with the LORD's command to Moses.
17:1And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.
17:2Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?
17:3And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?
17:4And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.
17:5And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.
17:6Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
17:7And 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?
17:8Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
17:9And 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.
17:10So 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.
17:11And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
17:12But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
17:13And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
17:14And 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.
17:15And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:
17:16For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Moses is the traditional author. Exodus explicitly records him writing covenant words and other material; that supports his central role without identifying every stage in the book's final compilation. Biblical references: Exodus 17:14; Exodus 24:4; Exodus 34:27. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Exodus 16:1–17:16): The Israelite congregation receives food, water, and instruction through Moses and Aaron. The Rephidim episode also involves Joshua and the men fighting Amalek. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The Israelites delivered from Egypt, and succeeding generations of Israel who were to remember the deliverance and keep the covenant. Biblical references: Exodus 12:24; Exodus 12:26; Exodus 24:7. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The LORD commands Moses to record the battle against Amalek and His promise to utterly destroy Amalek's remembrance.
What is God revealing? God is revealing His judgment against Amalek and His intention to utterly remove their remembrance, and His command for these events to be recorded for future generations.
What is the literary style? Narrative history with a divine command.
When
When was it written? Approximately 1440 to 1400 B.C.
When does the event take place? During the wilderness journey of the children of Israel, between approximately 1500 and 1440 B.C.
Where
Where did it happen? In Rephidim.
Where was the author located? In the Wilderness of Sinai.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Battle with Amalek at Rephidim and the Water from the Rock (Exodus 17:1 to Exodus 17:16).
Start reading at Exodus 17:1. The entire chapter describes the journey to Rephidim, the provision of water from the rock, and the subsequent battle with Amalek, concluding with the LORD's command to Moses.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This passage records the first major military engagement for Israel after leaving Egypt, establishing God's promise to utterly destroy Amalek for their unprovoked attack. It sets a precedent for God's judgment against those who oppose His people and highlights the importance of recording God's acts. interpretation
How does it point to Christ? The LORD's promise to utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all spiritual enemies and opposition, a victory fully secured through Christ. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to remember God's faithfulness and His judgments, as well as to rely on His strength in spiritual battles, knowing that He will ultimately overcome all opposition. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Exodus 17
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Exodus follows the children of Israel from oppression in Egypt to covenant and tabernacle worship. The text records commands to Moses and Israel; instructions for that covenant must not be silently turned into identical commands to every later reader. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Wilderness needs, conflict, and the administration of justice prepare Israel for the covenant encounter at Sinai.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Wilderness needs, conflict, and the administration of justice prepare Israel for the covenant encounter at Sinai.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Exodus
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Exodus follows the children of Israel from oppression in Egypt to covenant and tabernacle worship. The text records commands to Moses and Israel; instructions for that covenant must not be silently turned into identical commands to every later reader.
Connection to the wholeThe plagues, Passover, departure, and crossing of the sea display the deliverance celebrated in the song that closes this movement.
Connection to the wholeGod addresses the delivered people, gives covenant commands, and the covenant is confirmed before instructions for the sanctuary begin.
Connection to the wholeIsrael's idolatry interrupts the sanctuary instructions. Moses intercedes, and renewed covenant words prepare the people to carry out the work.
Connection to the wholeThe people supply and construct the sanctuary according to the commands, and the book ends with the glory of the LORD filling it.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.