And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.
God commanded this written down so the memory would never perish, not to settle disputes about which book, but that all ages should know He performed a work worthy of eternal glory. Joshua needed this history recited to him, that recollection of God's faithfulness might give him invincible firmness against the difficulties ahead.
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
Write this account in a book that it endures and reaches the latest posterity, both to show Amalek's great impiety and inhumanity, and to display God's goodness and power for His people. Rehearse it to Joshua so he, who fought in this battle, might know the rule of his conduct toward them.
AI summary