THEOSISGregory of Nyssa
The Israelites achieve a significant victory over their adversaries.
Exodus 17:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
And Josue put Amalec and his people to flight, by the edge of the sword.
וַיַּחֲלֹ֧שׁ יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ אֶת־עֲמָלֵ֥ק וְאֶת־עַמּ֖וֹ לְפִי־חָֽרֶב׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)
Israel may possess warriors, weapons, leaders, and great strength, yet that is not the entirety of the matter. His foes could be more numerous, more skilled, more cunning, and bolder; this does not pose a problem. It is vital for him to heed the voice of God and walk in His ways. O Israel, place your faith in the Lord, pray to Him, listen to His words, and act in accordance with His commandments—justly, morally, and mercifully. If you have sinned, do not hesitate to repent and seek restoration. Do not rely on your own strength but place your trust in God; He is ever prepared “to humble your enemies” and grant you a certain and smooth victory over them. What profound and remarkable lessons did Israel glean about this Divine calling to battle!
Read more (98 words)
When Joshua fought against the Amalekites, Moses prayed on the mountain. The more fervently Moses prayed, the stronger Israel fought, leading to victory over the Amalekites. But when Moses grew weary in prayer, the Israelites grew weary in combat, causing victory to sway in favor of the Amalekites. “And it came to pass, when Moses lifted up his hand; Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand; Amalek prevailed.” To signify the exceptional power of communal prayer, Aaron and Hur assisted Moses by supporting his hands as he prayed: “And Jesus overcame Amalek and all his people.”
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Josh 10:42And all their kings, and their lands he took and wasted at one onset: for the Lord the God of Israel fought for him.
- Josh 10:28The same day Joshua took Maceda, and destroyed it with the edge of the sword, and killed the king and all the inhabitants thereof: he left not in it the least remains. And he did to the king of Maceda, as he had done to the king of Jericho.
- Josh 10:37Took it, and destroyed it with the edge of the sword: the king also thereof, and all the towns of that country, and all the souls that dwelt in it: he left not therein any remains: as he had done to Eglon, so did he also to Hebron, putting to the sword all that he found in it.
- Josh 10:32And the Lord delivered Lachis into the hands of Israel, and he took it the following day, and put it to the sword, and every soul that was in it, as he had done to Lebna.
- Josh 11:12And he took and put to the sword and destroyed all the cities round about, and their kings, as Moses the servant of God had commanded him.