And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.
Moses records that Joshua routed Amalek, but the true cause was not the sword, it was the uplifted rod and the intercessor's prayer. The discomfiture of the enemy flowed from the steadfastness of those raised hands, not from military prowess alone.
AI summary
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
Amalek and his people were cut to pieces by the sword of Joshua and the Israelites, achieving a complete victory. This foreshadows the spiritual Israel's ultimate conquest over all their enemies: sin, Satan, the world, and death.
AI summary