And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
11. held up, &c.] a gesture suggestive partly of strenuousness and energy, partly of appeal for help to God.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The act represents the efficacy of intercessory prayer – offered doubtless by Moses – a point of great moment to the Israelites at that time and to the Church in all ages.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 11. 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, Ex 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 on Ex 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.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Moses held up his hand, with the rod of God in it. This gesture, though fervent prayer was doubtless joined with it, seems not to have been the gesture of praying, which is the lifting up of both hands, but of an ensign-bearer, or of one ready to smite his enemies. Howsoever this was only a sign whereby Moses strengthened his faith, and quickened his prayers, and heightened the courage of the soldiers below, and protested that he expected victory not from the skill and prowess of his army, but from the assistance of God.
When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed; God so dispensing his favour, that the honour of the day and victory might be wholly ascribed to the rod and power of God, not to Israel.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
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, 1Ti 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.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Verses 11-16:
So long as Moses’ hand was uplifted, Israel prevailed in battle. The uplifted hand symbolized a prayer to God for help. God saw this, and gave Israel strength for the battle. To emphasize the importance of continuing in prayer, God allowed Amalek to prevail when Moses’s had begun to grow weary and droop.
This teaches the importance of importunity in prayer, 1Ti 2:8; Lu 18:1-8; 1Th 5:17.
The problem of Moses’ weariness and the drooping of his hand was solved in a simple manner. Moses sat on a rock, and Aaron stood on one side, Hur on the other, and each supported an arm. They remained thus until sunset, when the victory over Amalek was complete.
This teaches the importance of co-operation in the work of the Lord. Moses was God’s chosen leader for Israel. But he needed the support of others to fulfill his mission. This principle applies today. God’s chosen leaders need the co-operation and support of brethren in life’s battles, 1Co 3:9.
Jehovah instructed Moses to record in a book and preserve it as a memorial for future generations, that Amalek was to be utterly destroyed. He was especially to instruct Joshua concerning this. This provision was to be fulfilled by future generations, see Nu 24:20; De 25:19; 1Sa 15:7; 30:1, 17; 2Sa 8:12. When Amalek lifted his hand against Israel, he was in reality lifting it against Jehovah. There would be war between Jehovah and Amalek from generation to generation.
Moses built an altar, to commemorate this victory. The building of an altar implies a sacrifice. Moses followed the patriarch’s example and named this altar (cf. Ge 33:20). He called it “Jehovah-nissi,” meaning “Jehovah is my banner.” In this, Moses ascribed the honor of victory to Jehovah.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(11) When Moses held up his hand . . . Israel prevailed, &c.In order to teach the lesson of the value of intercessory prayer, God made the fortunes of the fight to vary according as Moses held up his hand, or allowed it to sink down. It is not probable that the Israelites were directly affected by the bodily movements of Moses, or indeed could discern them, but Moses, Aaron, and Hur were struck by the fact that the fluctuations in the battle coincided with the motions of Moses hands.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
DISCOURSE: 90
THE HISTORY OF THE JEWS TYPICAL OF CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE
Exo 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.
IT pleases God, in general, to effect his purposes by certain means; yet the very means he uses are, for the most part, such as tend only to illustrate his power, and to lead our minds up to him as the first great Cause of all. But on no occasion has the truth of this observation more manifestly appeared, than in the history now before us, wherein we are informed, that the success of the Israelites in an engagement with Amalek was made to depend, not on the bravery of the soldiers, or the skill of their commander, but on the holding up of the hands of Moses at a distance from the field of battle.
In discoursing on this remarkable event, we shall consider it as,
I.
A typical history The whole history of the Israelites, from their deliverance out of Egypt to their establishment in the land of Canaan, was altogether of a typical nature: but we shall limit our observations to the circumstances now under our consideration.
We may notice then a typical reference,
1.
In the conflicts which the Israelites maintained
[The Israelites were scarcely come out of Egypt, before they were attacked by the Amalekites, though no provocation had been given on their part. This represented the opposition which the world and Satan make to the true Israelites, as soon as ever they separate themselves from the ungodly, and set their faces towards the promised land. Though they do nothing to merit persecution, yea, though, in every point of view, they are become more excellent and praiseworthy, and desire nothing but to prosecute their journey peaceably through this dreary wilderness, yet are they hated, reviled, persecuted; nor can they obtain the inheritance prepared for them, without arming themselves for the combat, and warring a good warfare.]
2.
In the commander under whom they fought
[Joshua was appointed to set the army in array, and lead them out to battle. Now the very name of Joshua is precisely the same with that of Jesus [Note: Act 7:45; Heb 4:8.], who is given to us of God to be our leader and commander [Note: Isa 55:4.]. He is the Captain of our salvation, under whom we are enlisted, and under whose banners we fight. Whether we bear more or less the brunt of the battle, it is He who appoints us our respective stations; and it is to Him that we must look for direction and support. And while, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, we endure hardness at his command, we may depend on him for all necessary provision, and for an abundant share of the spoils of victory.]
3.
In the means by which they obtained the victory
[The rod of Moses was that with which he had wrought his wonders in Egypt; and it was a special emblem of the divine power. This he was to hold up in the sight of Israel on an adjacent hill: and, while he held it up, they prospered; but when, through infirmity, he let it down, their enemies prevailed against them. Now it is thus that we are to obtain the victory against our enemies: we must have our eyes fixed on the power of God exerted in our behalf: as long as we have clear views of this, we shall vanquish every adversary; but, if at any time this cease to be exalted in our eyes, we shall surely faint and fail.
The lifting up of the hands of Moses may further denote the efficacy of prayer. And it is certain that our success will fluctuate, according as our applications at the throne of grace are continued or relaxed.]
But this history may further be considered as affording us,
II.
An instructive lesson
It may well teach us,
1.
That, whatever mercies we have received, we must still expect conflicts
[The Israelites had been brought through the Red Sea, and fed both with manna from heaven, and water from the solid rock; and they might have fondly dreamed of nothing but security and peace: but they were rather called to scenes of difficulty and danger. Thus it is with us, when we commit ourselves to the guidance of the pillar and the cloud. We may think perhaps that, because we are reconciled to God, and made heirs of his kingdom, we are henceforth to enjoy uninterrupted tranquillity: but we shall soon find, that we have to wrestle; and that too, not only with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers. We may indeed be screened for a season by the good providence of God; as the Israelites were kept from going through the territory of the Philistines, lest they should be discouraged by the opposition that they would have met with from that warlike people [Note: Exo 13:17.]: but we are men of war by our very profession; and, sooner or later, our courage and fidelity will be put to the test. It is through much tribulation that we must enter into the kingdom; and we must fight the good fight of faith, before we can receive the crown of righteousness from the hands of our righteous Judge.]
2.
That we must not despond, though our success for a time should appear doubtful
[The Israelites in this very first encounter were at times repulsed; and victory was long held in suspense, before it was finally declared in their favour. Thus we must expect, that cur enemies, though frequently beaten, will return to the charge, and often threaten our very destruction. But, if wounded, we must apply to Christ for healing; if faint, we must beg him to renew our strength; if driven before our enemies, we must rally, and resume the contest, ever remembering under whom we fight, and how much depends upon a victorious issue. We must also, like Aaron and Hur, assist each other; holding up each others hands, and animating each others hearts; nor ever terminate our exertions, till God shall scatter all our enemies, and bruise under our feet the vanquished foe.]
3.
That a believing use of the appointed means, how inadequate soever, or even useless, they may appear, will be crowned with success at last
[Nothing can be conceived less connected with the event, than the means which were used by Moses; yet were they necessary: for if, when through infirmity the use of them was intermitted, the scale of victory was instantly turned in favour of the Amalekites, much more, if he had disregarded them altogether, would the most fatal effects have followed: but the persevering use of them procured at last the desired success. Thus the attending of public ordinances, and waiting upon God in secret, may seem but ill calculated to produce such great effects as are said to depend upon them: but, as the occasional and unallowed neglect of these duties is attended with many painful consequences, so a wilful contempt of them would infallibly terminate in our destruction. On the other hand, a diligent and continued attention to them will and must prevail: our prayer shall go up with acceptance before God, and the word we hear shall prove the power of God to the salvation of our souls. Only let us lift up holy hands without doubting, until the evening of life, and we shall be more than conquerors through him that loved us.]
Address,
1.
Those who know nothing of spiritual conflicts
[If they, who are at ease in Zion, and experience no spiritual conflicts, were real Christians, there would be no resemblance at all between them and the Israelites, by whom they were typically represented; and all that is spoken about the Christian warfare, the armour provided for us, and the General under whom we fight, would be altogether without a meaning. But in vain shall the true Israelites expect peace, as long as there are any Amalekites in the world. Our Lord came not to send peace on earth, but a sword: and though he may, in some instances, cause our enemies to be at peace with us, yet will they never be so much at peace, but that we shall have many to contend with: or, if men should cease from troubling us, we shall have enough, both from Satan and our own lusts, to call forth all our exertions, and to make us fervent in imploring help from God. Let those, then, who feel not these conflicts, inquire whether their peace be not the consequence of a captivity to their enemies, instead of a victory over them: nor let them ever expect to reign with Christ, unless they first enlist under his banners, and fight after his example.]
2.
Those who are ready to faint by reason of their conflicts
[Your insufficiency to withstand your enemies often discourages and disquiets you: but the Israelites prevailed, notwithstanding their inexperience in the art of war, because they had God on their side. Fear not then ye, whose hands are weak, whose knees are feeble, and whose hearts are faint; for, behold, your God shall come and save you [Note: Isa 35:3-4.]. Behold, his power is now exalted in your sight: look at it; remember what it has effected in the days of old: and know, that it shall be exerted in your behalf, if you do but trust in it. Nor forget, what a Captain you are fighting under: the world, which molests you, has been overcome by him; and the prince of this world has been judged by him. Fight on then a little longer, assured that you shall ere long put your feet upon the necks of your enemies, and enjoy the fruits of victory for ever and ever.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
Moses was both a standard bearer and an intercessor for Israel, and as such represented the Lord Jesus. Isa 55:4 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Exo 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.
Ver. 11. When Moses held up his hand. ] The push of Moses’s prayers did more than the pikes of all Israel besides. Moses orat et vincit, cessat et vincitur, saith one. Great is the power of prayers. Henricus Anceps, the Emperor of Germany, slew and put to flight a huge army of the Hungarians, his soldiers all crying out with a loud voice, Kyrie eleison; Kyrie eleison! – i.e., Lord, have mercy upon us; Lord, have mercy upon us! This was done before the city of Mersburg. a
a Bucholc., Chronol.
when = according as.
hand. Samaritan Pentateuch and Septuagint read “hands”. Compare Exo 17:12.
Psa 56:9, Luk 18:1, 1Ti 2:8, Jam 5:16
Reciprocal: Jos 8:18 – Stretch Jos 8:26 – drew not 1Sa 15:33 – As thy sword 2Ki 13:18 – he smote thrice 1Ch 5:20 – And they
17:11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let {g} down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
(g) So that we see how dangerous a thing it is to cease in prayer.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes