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Exodus 17

16 verses

TL;DR

The Israelites complain of thirst at Rephidim, and God provides water from a rock after Moses strikes it; then Amalek attacks and Moses, with Aaron and Hur's support, leads the Israelites to victory, and the event is recorded as a covenant reminder against Amalek.

Summary

After departing from the wilderness of Sin, the Israelites camped at Rephidim where they found no water. They complained to Moses, who turned to God for guidance. God instructed Moses to strike a rock, and water flowed, allowing the people to drink. Moses named the place Massah and Meribah, signifying their test of faith. Later that day Amalek attacked Israel, and Moses called upon Joshua to fight while he positioned himself on a hill with his staff. When Moses lifted his hands, Israel won; when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. Aaron and Hur supported his hands until sunset. Moses recorded the event, built an altar named Jehovahnissi, and promised God would forever remember Amalek as an enemy of Israel.

Outline
  1. The Israelites’ complaint and God's provision of water at Rephidim
  2. Amalek’s attack and the battle led by Moses, Joshua, Aaron, and Hur
  3. The covenantal remembrance of Amalek and the establishment of an altar
Themes
Divine provision and faith under trialLeadership and cooperation in conflictCovenantal remembrance and eternal enmity
Keywords
waterrockAmalekMosesJoshuaAaronHurrodaltarcovenant
People
MosesAaronHurJoshuathe IsraelitesAmalek
Places
SinRephidimHorebMassahMeribah
Things
Moses' rodthe rockwatera stonethe altar Jehovahnissia book
Key Verses
  • Exodus 17:6: God directs Moses to strike the rock and water springs forth, showing divine provision.
  • Exodus 17:12: Moses' raised hands illustrate the power of faith and the need for support.
  • Exodus 17:14: The instruction to record the event emphasizes its covenantal significance.
  • Exodus 17:16: The naming of the altar Jehovahnissi marks a permanent memorial of God's covenant.
Questions
  • Why did the Israelites challenge Moses about water, and what does that reveal about their faith?
  • How does Moses' action of striking the rock demonstrate divine power and human obedience?
  • What is the significance of naming the place Massah and Meribah?
  • In what ways does the battle against Amalek illustrate the concept of covenantal memory?
  • How do Aaron and Hur's support of Moses’ hands serve as a metaphor for communal cooperation?
Sentiment

mixed
The narrative contains conflict and struggle, yet also highlights divine provision, faith, and covenantal remembrance.