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Exodus 17

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 17 of 40

1 And all the congregation of the sons of Israel pulled up stakes from the Wilderness of Sin, according to their journeys, by the mouth of Jehovah. And they camped in Rephidim. And there was no water for the drinking of the people quarreled with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said to them, Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you tempt Jehovah?

2 And the people thirsted there for water, and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Why, then, have you caused us to go up from Egypt, to cause me and my sons and my livestock to die with thirst?

3 And Moses cried to Jehovah, saying, What shall I do to this people? Yet a little and they will stone me.

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Chapter Summary

1 The people murmur for water at Rephidim. 5 God sends Moses to a rock in Horeb, 8 By Aaron and Hur holding up Moses' hands Amalek is overcome. 15 Moses builds an altar.

Key Hebrew Words

רִיב quarrel, strive H7378 · TWOT 2159
נָסָה test, tempt H5254 · TWOT 1373
צוּר rock H6697 · TWOT 1901a
מַטֶּה staff, rod H4294 · TWOT 1352b
אֱמוּנָה steadiness, firmness H530 · TWOT 116e
מִזְבֵּחַ altar H4196 · TWOT 525b

People & Context

Moses

leads Israel from Sin to Rephidim, smites the rock for water, and holds up the staff over the battle

Joshua

chosen by Moses to fight Amalek; defeats them by the mouth of the sword

Aaron

with Hur, holds up one of Moses' weary hands so it stays steady till sundown

Hur

with Aaron, supports Moses' other hand during the battle against Amalek

Amalek

people who come and fight against Israel at Rephidim; Jehovah vows perpetual war against them

Jehovah

directs Moses to the rock at Horeb, gives Israel victory; Moses names the altar Jehovah My Banner

Timeline

Water from Rock at Rephidim

At Rephidim with no water, people quarrel with Moses. God instructs him to strike a rock in Horeb with his staff. Water comes out. Place named Massah and Meribah.

Exodus 17:1-7
War with Amalek

Amalek fights Israel. Joshua leads battle while Moses' raised hands ensure victory. Aaron and Hur support Moses' hands until sunset. Israel wins.

Exodus 17:8-16

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