But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
We have here the story of the war with Amalek, which, we may suppose, was the first that was recorded in the book of the wars of the Lord, Num 21:14. Amalek was the first of the nations that Israel fought with, Num 24:20. Observe, I. Amalek's attempt: They came out, and fought with Israel, Exo 17:8.
Commenting on Exodus 17:8-16
But Moses's hands were heavy,.... And hung down through weariness, holding up the rod first in one hand, and then in another, for so long a time; and thus sometimes, through infirmity, the best of men grow remiss in prayer, their hands are weak and hang flown through the corruptions of their hearts, the power of unbelief, the temptations of Satan, and want of immediate...
The Amalekites struck at Israel's rear in a cowardly, unprovoked assault, no injury had been given them. As descendants of Esau, they nursed an ancient grudge, and seeing God's blessings multiply upon Israel, they dared to defy the God who had just destroyed Egypt.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 17:8-16