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Exodus 17:11
Verse
Context
The Defeat of the Amalekites
10Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.11As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed.12When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down.
Sermons
Duncan Campbell
J. Vernon McGee
William Carrol
Elmer G. Klassen
A.B. Simpson
Samuel Chadwick
Henry LawSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When Moses held up his hand - We cannot understand this transaction in any literal way; for the lifting up or letting down the hands of Moses could not, humanly speaking, influence the battle. It is likely that he held up the rod of God in his hand, Exo 17:9, as an ensign to the people. We have already seen that in prayer the hands were generally lifted up and spread out, (See Clarke's note on Exo 9:29), and therefore it is likely that by this act prayer and supplication are intended. The Jerusalem Targum says, "When Moses held up his hands in prayer, the house of Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hands from prayer, the house of Amalek prevailed." We may therefore conclude, that by holding up the hands in this case these two things were intended: 1. That hereby a reference was made to God, as the source whence all help and protection must come, and that on him alone they must depend. 2. That prayer and supplication to God are essentially necessary to their prevalence over all their enemies. It is indisputably true that, while the hands are stretched out, that is, while the soul exerts itself in prayer and supplication to God, we are sure to conquer our spiritual adversaries; but if our hands become heavy - if we restrain prayer before God, Amalek will prevail - every spiritual foe, every internal corruption, will gain ground. Several of the fathers consider Moses, with his stretched-out hands, as a figure of Christ on the cross, suffering for mankind, and getting a complete victory over sin and Satan.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed,.... With his rod in it as a banner displayed, as some think, which inspired the Israelites with courage to fight, and they had the better of it; though Aben Ezra rejects that notion, observing, that if that had been the case, Aaron or Hur would have lifted it up, or fixed it in a high place on the mount, that it might have been seen standing; and therefore he thinks the sense of the ancients the most correct, that it was a prayer gesture. And among the Heathens, Moses was famous for the efficacy of his prayers; Numenius, the Pythagoric philosopher (y), says of him, that he was a man very powerful in prayer with God: and so all the Targums interpret it, and particularly the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem paraphrase the words,"when Moses lift up his hands in prayer, the house of Israel prevailed, but when he restrained his hands from prayer, the house of Amalek prevailed,''as it follows: when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed; so that victory seemed to go sometimes on one side, and sometimes on the other, according as the hand of Moses, with the rod in it, was held up or let down; when it was held up, and Israel saw it, they fought valiantly, but when it was let down, and they could not see it, their hearts failed them, and they feared it portended ill to them, which caused them to give way to the enemy. The spiritual Israel of God are engaged in a warfare with spiritual enemies, some within, and some without; and sometimes they prevail over their enemies, and sometimes their enemies prevail over them for a while; and things go on very much as a man either keeps up or leaves off praying, which is signified by the lifting up of holy hands without wrath and doubting, Ti1 2:8 and which when rightly performed, under the influence of the divine Spirit in faith, in sincerity, and with fervency and constancy, has great power with God and Christ, and against Satan and every spiritual enemy. (y) Apud Euseb. Praepar, Evangel. l. 9. c. 8. p. 411.
Exodus 17:11
The Defeat of the Amalekites
10Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.11As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed.12When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God's Answer to the Cry of Unbelief
By Duncan Campbell11K1:01:42UnbeliefEXO 17:5EXO 17:11EXO 17:16In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a young man's testimony about his experience with sanctification. However, the speaker overhears three young women questioning the authenticity of the young man's words based on his actions at home. The speaker emphasizes the importance of one's true character before God, stating that what a person is on their knees before God is what truly matters. The sermon also touches on the need for commitment to God's work, particularly in regards to missions and supporting the efforts of spreading the Gospel. The speaker concludes by urging listeners to confront their own self-centeredness and surrender to the Holy Spirit for true revival.
(Exodus) Exodus 17:8-12
By J. Vernon McGee3.6K04:08ExpositionalEXO 17:9EXO 17:11MAT 26:41ROM 8:13GAL 5:17EPH 6:181TH 5:17In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites, which represents the conflict between the flesh and the spirit. The Amalekites, descendants of Esau, symbolize the flesh, and the Israelites, inexperienced in warfare, struggle to overcome them. The preacher emphasizes that victory over the flesh can only be achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit. The battle is ultimately won through the prayer and intercession of Moses, as he holds up his hands with the rod of God.
Don't Forget to Remember
By William Carrol1.2K42:58RememberingEXO 17:11DEU 4:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and not forgetting the things that God has done. He references Deuteronomy 4:9, where Moses instructs the Israelites to be careful and not let the things they have seen slip from their hearts. The speaker relates this to the celebration of Independence Day, where people commemorate the struggle and sacrifices that brought about their freedom. He also mentions the song "The Star-Spangled Banner" as a reminder of the question of whether the flag still stands, symbolizing the ongoing presence of liberty and freedom. The sermon encourages listeners to remember and teach future generations about God's faithfulness and the importance of not forgetting His works.
Evangelicals Are Praying and Fasting More
By Elmer G. Klassen0EXO 17:112CH 7:14DAN 9:3MAT 17:21LUK 4:1ACT 13:2EPH 6:121TI 2:1HEB 5:8JAS 5:16Elmer G. Klassen emphasizes the importance of prayer and fasting among evangelical Christians, highlighting its significance in seeking God's intervention in personal and national affairs. He points out that historical figures like Savonarola, Martin Luther, John Knox, John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, and Charles Finney all practiced fasting and prayer, leading to spiritual revivals and positive changes in society. Klassen underscores the need for Christians to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who fasted and prayed, showing that fasting is essential for spiritual warfare and obedience to God. Additionally, he discusses the biblical mandate for the church to pray for the government, as outlined in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, stressing the impact of interceding for governmental leaders in shaping history.
[Who] Always Causeth Us to Triumph
By A.B. Simpson0Victory in ChristSelf-ConquestEXO 17:11A.B. Simpson emphasizes that true victory begins with self-conquest, drawing parallels to Joshua's battle where Moses' uplifted arms symbolized reliance on divine strength rather than human effort. He highlights that spiritual triumph comes from being led by the Spirit, which empowers believers to overcome sin and live under grace. Simpson warns that internal struggles can hinder one's spiritual journey, as seen in Saul's life, and encourages believers to seek victory over their inner enemies to serve the Lord effectively. The sermon ultimately points to Jesus as the greater Joshua who enables us to achieve holiness and victory.
The Recompense of Prayer
By Samuel Chadwick0EXO 17:11EXO 33:20EXO 34:29PSA 91:1JAS 5:16Samuel Chadwick preaches on the power and importance of private prayer, emphasizing that God rewards those who seek Him in secret. He explores the transformative nature of prayer, highlighting how it changes individuals and brings revelation, power, and fellowship with God. Using Moses as an example, Chadwick illustrates how the mount of God symbolizes a place of sanctity, revelation, power, and communion with the Almighty.
Prevailing Intercession
By Henry Law0EXO 17:11PSA 16:11JHN 14:16JHN 17:24ROM 8:34EPH 2:181TI 2:5HEB 4:16HEB 7:251JN 2:1Henry Law preaches on the powerful lesson from Exodus 17:11, where Moses' intercession with uplifted hands brought victory to the Israelites. He draws parallels to the ongoing spiritual battle believers face against unseen enemies like the race of Cain, Ishmael, and Esau, emphasizing the need to stand firm in faith and prayer. Law highlights the significance of Jesus' continuous intercession for believers at the right hand of God, showcasing His unwavering love and commitment to securing blessings and protection for His people. He delves into the depth of Christ's intercession, revealing how it brings forgiveness, preservation, the gift of the Holy Spirit, acceptance of prayers, and the ultimate promise of eternal presence with Him.
How Churches Can Help Ministers
By Charles Finney0RevivalChurch SupportEXO 17:11Charles Finney emphasizes the critical role of churches in supporting their ministers, using the biblical account of Moses, Aaron, and Hur to illustrate the necessity of cooperation in prayer and action for successful ministry. He argues that churches must actively participate in promoting revivals rather than adopting a passive attitude, as the success of a minister's work is often hindered by the congregation's lack of engagement. Finney outlines specific responsibilities for church members, including avoiding complacency, providing financial support, and maintaining a spiritually vibrant community. He warns against the dangers of neglecting these duties, which can lead to the spiritual death of both the church and its ministers. Ultimately, he calls for a united effort to fulfill the Great Commission and ensure the church's mission thrives.
Lecture Xiii. - How Churches Can Help Ministers.
By Charles Finney0RevivalChurch SupportEXO 17:11Charles Finney emphasizes the critical role of the church in supporting ministers, drawing parallels from the story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur to illustrate how collective prayer and action are essential for spiritual revival. He argues that churches must actively participate in the ministry rather than adopt a passive role, warning against complacency and the dangers of expecting ministers to bear the burden alone. Finney outlines specific responsibilities for church members, including prayer, financial support, and active engagement in outreach efforts, to foster a thriving spiritual environment. He stresses that a church's failure to support its minister can lead to stagnation and the loss of revival opportunities. Ultimately, he calls for a united effort to uphold the minister's work, ensuring that both the church and its leaders are aligned in their mission to spread the gospel.
And His Hands Were Steady Until the Going Down of the Sun
By C.H. Spurgeon0The Power of PrayerPerseverance in FaithEXO 17:11C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the power of prayer through the example of Moses, whose intercession was crucial in the battle against the enemy, demonstrating that both prayer and action are necessary in spiritual warfare. He highlights the importance of private prayer, where one must wrestle with sin, and encourages believers to hold up God's promises in their petitions. Spurgeon notes that even Moses grew weary, reminding us that we too may struggle in our devotion, but we can find support in faith and hope. He urges the congregation to seek strength from the Holy Spirit to maintain steadfast prayer until the end of life, when we will transition from prayer to eternal praise.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When Moses held up his hand - We cannot understand this transaction in any literal way; for the lifting up or letting down the hands of Moses could not, humanly speaking, influence the battle. It is likely that he held up the rod of God in his hand, Exo 17:9, as an ensign to the people. We have already seen that in prayer the hands were generally lifted up and spread out, (See Clarke's note on Exo 9:29), and therefore it is likely that by this act prayer and supplication are intended. The Jerusalem Targum says, "When Moses held up his hands in prayer, the house of Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hands from prayer, the house of Amalek prevailed." We may therefore conclude, that by holding up the hands in this case these two things were intended: 1. That hereby a reference was made to God, as the source whence all help and protection must come, and that on him alone they must depend. 2. That prayer and supplication to God are essentially necessary to their prevalence over all their enemies. It is indisputably true that, while the hands are stretched out, that is, while the soul exerts itself in prayer and supplication to God, we are sure to conquer our spiritual adversaries; but if our hands become heavy - if we restrain prayer before God, Amalek will prevail - every spiritual foe, every internal corruption, will gain ground. Several of the fathers consider Moses, with his stretched-out hands, as a figure of Christ on the cross, suffering for mankind, and getting a complete victory over sin and Satan.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed,.... With his rod in it as a banner displayed, as some think, which inspired the Israelites with courage to fight, and they had the better of it; though Aben Ezra rejects that notion, observing, that if that had been the case, Aaron or Hur would have lifted it up, or fixed it in a high place on the mount, that it might have been seen standing; and therefore he thinks the sense of the ancients the most correct, that it was a prayer gesture. And among the Heathens, Moses was famous for the efficacy of his prayers; Numenius, the Pythagoric philosopher (y), says of him, that he was a man very powerful in prayer with God: and so all the Targums interpret it, and particularly the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem paraphrase the words,"when Moses lift up his hands in prayer, the house of Israel prevailed, but when he restrained his hands from prayer, the house of Amalek prevailed,''as it follows: when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed; so that victory seemed to go sometimes on one side, and sometimes on the other, according as the hand of Moses, with the rod in it, was held up or let down; when it was held up, and Israel saw it, they fought valiantly, but when it was let down, and they could not see it, their hearts failed them, and they feared it portended ill to them, which caused them to give way to the enemy. The spiritual Israel of God are engaged in a warfare with spiritual enemies, some within, and some without; and sometimes they prevail over their enemies, and sometimes their enemies prevail over them for a while; and things go on very much as a man either keeps up or leaves off praying, which is signified by the lifting up of holy hands without wrath and doubting, Ti1 2:8 and which when rightly performed, under the influence of the divine Spirit in faith, in sincerity, and with fervency and constancy, has great power with God and Christ, and against Satan and every spiritual enemy. (y) Apud Euseb. Praepar, Evangel. l. 9. c. 8. p. 411.