Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
God commands Moses to record the defeat of Amalek "in the book," suggesting a pre-existing chronicle of God’s dealings with His people. This isn't just about documenting a single victory, but about inscribing a foundational principle of divine justice and protection for future generations, specifically impressing its importance upon Joshua, the successor leader.
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just moments after Joshua led the Israelites to a miraculous victory against the Amalekites, God instructs Moses to record this event for remembrance. This isn't just about celebrating a military win, but about preserving the memory of God's deliverance and issuing a solemn, generational decree against the Amalekites for their unprovoked attack. Moses is specifically told to impress this upon Joshua, signaling Joshua's future leadership and the ongoing, divinely ordained opposition to Amalek.
Why would God command the complete eradication of a nation's memory? This isn't just a historical event; it's a divine declaration with lasting implications.
In Exodus 17:14, God instructs Moses to record His decree: 'I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.' This wasn't a casual threat but a solemn judgment.
The Sin of Amalek
Amalek's aggression against the vulnerable Israelites, who were weary and vulnerable after their miraculous exodus, was a direct affront to God. They attacked God's chosen people without provocation, showing no fear of God or compassion for their fellow humans. This defiance wasn't a one-time mistake but a pattern of hostility.
An Eternal Enmity
This judgment was not to be forgotten. It was to be written down and specifically passed on to Joshua, the future leader of Israel. This highlights that Amalek's threat was not just to Israel's physical safety but to God's covenant promises. God's response was to declare their complete and permanent removal from remembrance, a stark reminder that opposition to God's people is opposition to God Himself.
Moses' hands were stayed by Aaron and Hur, and Joshua led the battle. Now, Moses is commanded to pass a crucial charge directly to him. What does this reveal about leadership and legacy?
The instruction to 'recite it in the ears of Joshua' is incredibly significant. Joshua, who had just bravely led the fight against Amalek, is being entrusted with a weighty responsibility.
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Passing the Torch
This wasn't just about remembering a past battle. It was about preparing Joshua for future conflicts and the ongoing spiritual warfare Israel would face. By having Moses specifically instruct Joshua, God ensures that this divine decree against Amalek and its reasons are not lost.
A Legacy of Vigilance
Joshua would eventually lead Israel into the Promised Land, facing many enemies. This charge served as a foundational lesson: opposition to God's people often stems from deep-seated rebellion, and God's judgment, though sometimes delayed, is sure. Joshua needed to understand that God's victory over Amalek was a precedent for how He would deal with His people's enemies.
God commands the event to be written 'in a book.' What does this reveal about God's desire for His people to remember and learn from history?
The instruction to 'Write this for a memorial in a book' emphasizes the importance of recording and remembering God's actions.
More Than Just History
This wasn't merely about creating a historical record. It was about establishing a testament to God's power, His faithfulness in delivering His people, and His righteous judgment against those who oppose Him. The commentaries suggest this 'book' might have been the beginning of Moses' recorded history, or an existing chronicle of God's dealings.
Learning from the Past
By writing this down, God ensured that the memory of this pivotal victory and the subsequent decree against Amalek would endure. This record would serve as a source of encouragement for future generations, reminding them that God is their defender. It also served as a solemn warning about the consequences of defying the Almighty.
Understand the original words
Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. It signifies His eternal existence, faithfulness, and self-revelation to His people.
machah · Hebrew Verb
An act of total destruction or eradication, often associated with divine judgment against the enemies of God. It signifies the complete removal of a corrupting influence.
The command to erase Amalek's memory wasn't just about a single battle, but a divine decree that took centuries to fully execute, underscoring God's long-term justice and faithfulness to His people.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Depart Egypt
Following the plagues and Passover, the Israelites, led by Moses, escape slavery in Egypt. This marks the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Battle of Rephidim
The Amalekites, descendants of Esau and long-standing enemies of Jacob's line, launch a surprise attack on the vulnerable Israelites in Rephidim.
c. 1446 BC
Moses' Intercession and Victory
With Joshua leading the fighting men, Moses intercedes from a hilltop, holding the staff of God. His raised hands signify God's favor, leading to Israel's victory.
c. 1446 BC
God's Command to Remember and Erase Amalek
God instructs Moses to record the victory and the perpetual enmity against Amalek in a written account for Joshua, vowing to blot out Amalek's memory.
c. 1400 BC
Joshua Leads Conquest of Canaan
Years later, Joshua fulfills God's command, leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and engaging in battles against its inhabitants.
c. 1077 BC
Saul's Partial Destruction of Amalek
King Saul is commanded by God to utterly destroy the Amalekites for their ancient sin, but he disobeys, partially fulfilling the prophecy.
c. 965 BC
David Fights Amalekites
David defeats the Amalekites, avenging their raid on Ziklag and further reducing their presence.
This passage directly commands Israel to remember what Amalek did and to blot out their memory, echoing the divine decree in Exodus and showing the continuation of this divine judgment.
1 Samuel 15:2-3This passage shows God reiterating the command concerning Amalek, instructing Saul to remember and carry out the destruction of Amalekites, highlighting the long-term consequence of their initial sin.
Psalm 83:3-4This psalm speaks of nations conspiring against God's people and wishing to 'blot out the name of Israel from being a nation,' which is a striking parallel to God's decree against Amalek and reflects the ongoing spiritual battle.
Romans 9:17Paul quotes God's declaration about Pharaoh ('For this very purpose I have raised you up') and then connects it to raising up a nation like Amalek for judgment, emphasizing God's sovereignty in using even wicked nations for His purposes.
clarkeExodus 17:14: "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."
Write this for a memorial in a book - This is the first mention of writing on record: what it signified, or how it was done, we cannot tell. But it is evident that either this passage is introduced here instead of Deuteronomy 25:17 , by way of anticipation, or that by the words כתב שפר kethob and sepher…
calvinExodus 17:8-16: "Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim."
But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hut stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
Manus autem Mosis erant graves: itaque tulerunt lapidem et supposuerunt ei, et sedit super ilium, Aharon vero et Hur sustentaverunt manus ejus, alter hinc et alter inde…
God commands Moses to record the defeat of Amalek "in the book," suggesting a pre-existing chronicle of God’s dealings with His people. This isn't just about documenting a single victory, but about inscribing a foundational principle of divine justice and protection for future generations, specifically impressing its importance upon Joshua, the successor leader.
Just moments after Joshua led the Israelites to a miraculous victory against the Amalekites, God instructs Moses to record this event for remembrance. This isn't just about celebrating a military win, but about preserving the memory of God's deliverance and issuing a solemn, generational decree against the Amalekites for their unprovoked attack. Moses is specifically told to impress this upon Joshua, signaling Joshua's future leadership and the ongoing, divinely ordained opposition to Amalek.
Just moments after Joshua led the Israelites to a miraculous victory against the Amalekites, God instructs Moses to record this event for remembrance. This isn't just about celebrating a military win, but about preserving the memory of God's deliverance and issuing a solemn, generational decree against the Amalekites for their unprovoked attack. Moses is specifically told to impress this upon Joshua, signaling Joshua's future leadership and the ongoing, divinely ordained opposition to Amalek.
"Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”" — God commands Moses to record the defeat of Amalek "in the book," suggesting a pre-existing chronicle of God’s dealings with His people. This isn't just about documenting a single victory, but about i…
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Last reviewed October 2026