After this
This phrase indicates a continuation from the previous events in the narrative. The Israelites had just experienced God's provision of water from the rock at Horeb, demonstrating His faithfulness and care. This sets the stage for the subsequent challenge they face, highlighting the ongoing journey and trials of the Israelites in the wilderness.

the Amalekites came
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe descended from Esau's grandson Amalek. They are often depicted as perennial enemies of Israel. Their attack on the Israelites is significant as it represents the first military challenge faced by the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. The Amalekites' hostility is seen as an embodiment of opposition to God's people, and they are later condemned in Deuteronomy 25:17-19 for their unprovoked attack.

and attacked the Israelites
This attack was unprovoked and targeted the vulnerable, as described in Deuteronomy 25:18, where the Amalekites attacked those who were lagging behind. This act of aggression is seen as cowardly and treacherous. The Israelites, having just been delivered from Egypt, were not yet organized as a military force, making them susceptible to such attacks.

at Rephidim
Rephidim is a location in the Sinai Peninsula, significant as a place where the Israelites camped and experienced God's provision of water. The name Rephidim means "supports" or "rests," which is ironic given the conflict that occurs there. Geographically, it is situated between the wilderness of Sin and Mount Sinai, serving as a backdrop for God's continued guidance and protection of His people. The battle at Rephidim is a precursor to the giving of the Law at Sinai, emphasizing the need for reliance on God in both physical and spiritual battles.

1. Rephidim
A location in the wilderness where the Israelites camped. It is significant as the site of both the provision of water from the rock and the battle with the Amalekites.

2. The Amalekites
A nomadic tribe descended from Esau, known for their hostility towards Israel. They attacked the Israelites at Rephidim, representing opposition to God's people.

3. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, led by Moses, journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. Their encounter with the Amalekites is a test of faith and reliance on God.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who plays a crucial role in guiding them through the wilderness and interceding for them during battles.

5. Joshua
A young leader and warrior who leads the Israelites in battle against the Amalekites, showcasing his emerging leadership.Spiritual Warfare
Just as the Israelites faced physical battles, Christians face spiritual battles. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.

Dependence on God
The Israelites' victory depended on God's intervention. In our lives, we must rely on God for strength and guidance in our challenges.

Leadership and Obedience
Joshua's role in leading the battle under Moses' direction illustrates the importance of obedient leadership and teamwork in fulfilling God's purposes.

Remembrance and Vigilance
The command to remember Amalek's actions serves as a reminder to be vigilant against spiritual complacency and to remember God's past deliverances.

Intercession and Support
Moses' role in interceding for the Israelites during the battle highlights the power of prayer and the need for spiritual support from others.(8) Then came Amalek.--The Amalekites had not been previously (except in the anticipatory notice of Genesis 14:7) mentioned as a nation. Their name marks them for descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12; Genesis 36:16); and it would seem that they early became the predominant people in the Sinaitic peninsula. Balaam speaks of them as "the first of the nations" (Numbers 24:20); and though we do lot meet with the name in the Egyptian records, yet it is probable that they were among the hostile nations whom we find constantly contending with the Egyptians upon their north-eastern frontier. Though Edomitesn they are always regarded as a distinct race, and one especially hostile to Israel (Exodus 17:16). Their present hostility was not altogether unprovoked. No doubt they regarded the Sinaitic region as their own, and as the most valuable portion of their territory, since it contained their summer and autumn pastures. During their absence in its more northern portion, where there was pasture for their flocks after the spring rains, a swarm of emigrants had occupied some of their best lands, and threatened to seize the remainder. Naturally, they would resent the occupation. They would not understand that it was only temporary. They would regard the Israelites as intruders, robbers, persons entitled to scant favour at their hands. Accordingly, they swooped upon them without mercy, attacked their rear as they were upon the march, cut off their stragglers, and slew many that were "feeble, faint, and weary" (Deuteronomy 25:17-18). They then encamped in their neighbourhood, with the design of renewing the struggle on the next day. It was under these circumstances that Moses had to make his arrangements. . . . Verses 8-16. - THE WAR WITH AMALEK. The Amalekites seem to have been descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12). They separated themselves off from the other Edomites at an early date, and became the predominant tribe in the more northern parts of the Sinaitic peninsula, claiming and exercising a sovereignty over the whole of the desert country between the borders of Palestine and Egypt. We do not find the name Amalek in the Egyptian records; but the people are probably represented by the Mentu, with whom so many of the early Egyptian kings contended. The Pharaohs dispossessed them of the north-western portion of the mountain region; but they probably claimed the suzerainty of the central hills and valleys, which the Egyptians never occupied; and on these they no doubt set a high value as affording water and pasture for their flocks during the height of summer. When the Israelites pressed forward into these parts, the Amale-kites, in spite of the fact that they were a kindred race, determined on giving them battle. They began by "insidiously attacking the rear of the Hebrew army, when it was exhausted and weary" (Deuteronomy 25:18). I-laving cut off many stragglers, they attacked the main body at Rephidim, in the Wady-Feiran, and fought the long battle which the text describes (vers. 10-13). The result was the complete discomfiture of the assailants, who thenceforth avoided all contact with Israel until attacked in their turn at the southern frontier of Canaan, when, in conjunction with the Canaanites, they were victorious (Numbers 14:45). A bitter and long continued enmity followed. Amalek, "the first of the nations" to attack Israel (Exodus 24:20), was pursued with unrelenting hostility (Deuteronomy 25:17-19), defeated repeatedly by Saul and David (1 Samuel 14:48; 1 Samuel 15:7; 1 Samuel 27:8; 1 Samuel 30:17; 2 Samuel 8:12); the last remnant of the nation being finally destroyed by the Simeonites in the reign of king Hezekiah, as related by the author of Chronicles (1 Chronicles 4:41-43). Verse 8. - Then came Amalek. The bulk of the Amalekites would have been passing the spring in the lower plains, where herbage is abundant after the early rains, while later in the year it dries up. They would hear of the threatened occupation of their precious summer pastures by the vast host of the Hebrews, and would seek to prevent it by blocking the way. Hence they are said to have "come" - i.e., to have marched into a position where they were not previously, though it was one situated within their country. We must remember that they were nomads. And fought with Israel For the nature of the fighting on the first day, see Deuteronomy 25:18; by which it appears that the original attack was made on the rear of the long column, and was successful. The Amalekites "smote the hindmost" of the Israelites, "even all that were feeble behind them, when they were faint and weary."

Parallel Commentaries ...


After this, the Amalekites
עֲמָלֵ֑ק (‘ă·mā·lêq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6002: Amalek -- a descendant of Esau, also his posterity

came
וַיָּבֹ֖א (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and attacked
וַיִּלָּ֥חֶם (way·yil·lā·ḥem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

the Israelites
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

at Rephidim.
בִּרְפִידִֽם׃ (bir·p̄î·ḏim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7508: Rephidim -- a place in the desert


Exodus 17:8 NIV
Exodus 17:8 NLT
Exodus 17:8 ESV
Exodus 17:8 NASB
Exodus 17:8 KJV

Exodus 17:8 BibleApps.com
Exodus 17:8 Biblia Paralela
Exodus 17:8 Chinese Bible
Exodus 17:8 French Bible
Exodus 17:8 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Exodus 17:8 Then Amalek came and fought with Israel (Exo. Ex)