Exodus - Chapter 17

Exodus 17.1 And 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. Exodus 17.2 Wherefore 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? Exodus 17.3 And 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? Exodus 17.4 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. Exodus 17.5 And 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. Exodus 17.6 Behold, 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. Exodus 17.7 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? Exodus 17.8 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. Exodus 17.9 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. Exodus 17.10 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. Exodus 17.11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. Exodus 17.12 But 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. Exodus 17.13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Exodus 17.14 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. Exodus 17.15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: Exodus 17.16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

Exodus : Chapter 17

Exodus Chapter 17: A Witness to Divine Providence

Exodus chapter 17 reveals two major events in Israel's history: the miracle of water from the rock and the battle against Amalek. These accounts illustrate how God continues to watch over his people and strengthen them in times of need. This sacred text highlights faith, leadership, and the importance of prayer in the lives of believers.

The Miracle of Water from the Rock

In this chapter, we witness the miracle of water gushing forth from the rock at Horeb. God, in his infinite goodness, provides for his people by offering them water in a barren desert. This crucial moment reminds us that faith in God can transform the most hopeless situations.

The Battle against Amalek

The chapter also recalls Israel's first battle, won through Moses' intercession. When Moses raised his hands to heaven, Israel was victorious. This underscores the importance of prayer and mutual support in life's struggles. Moses' leadership, combined with the people's faith, shows that communion with God is essential to triumph over challenges.

Christ, the Spiritual Rock

Exodus 17 also refers to Christ as the spiritual rock. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:4, states: "And they drank from the same spiritual fountain, for they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ." This interpretation invites us to see in this rock a prefiguration of our Savior, who offers us living water, the source of eternal life. Biblical References Related to the Themes of Exodus 17 We invite you to consider five biblical passages that enrich our understanding of the profound themes of this inspiring chapter: ul> Psalms 78:15-16 : "He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them water as from the depths; He brought forth streams from the flint and made the waters flow like rivers." This psalm recalls the miracle of water from the rock described in Exodus 17.

  • Isaiah 48:21 : "When he led them through the deserts, they did not thirst; he made water flow for them from the rock; he split the rock, and waters gushed out." Isaiah evokes God's provision in the desert.
  • Deuteronomy 25:17-18 : "Remember what the Amalekites did to you on the way, as you left Egypt." This passage recalls the battle against the Amalekites, emphasizing the importance of collective memory.
  • 1 Samuel 15:2-3 : "This is what the Lord of hosts says: I will punish the Amalekites for what they have done to Israel." This passage refers to the aftermath of this battle, illustrating God's justice.

    • Meditating on these stories, we are called to renew our trust in God, our rock and refuge, and to engage in prayer and mutual support in our daily struggles.