And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
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
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...
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