Exodus 17:14-16
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God instructs Moses to write this down not just for a general memorial, but specifically to "rehearse it in the ears of Joshua." This highlights Joshua's future leadership and the enduring, generational nature of God's decree against Amalek. It’s a crucial transfer of responsibility and a promise of future, complete judgment being passed directly to the next 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.” And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My Banner, saying, “A hand upon the throne of the LORD! The LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Immediately following a dramatic victory where Moses' raised hands secured Israel's triumph over the Amalekites, God instructs Moses to record this event in a book. This memorial is not just for historical record, but specifically to be impressed upon Joshua, indicating his future leadership and God's severe judgment against Amalek. This divine pronouncement sets the stage for a generations-long, divinely ordained conflict with the Amalekites, a threat that would be passed down to future leaders.
Why would God command Moses to write down a victory, and then issue a severe decree against an enemy?
God's instructions to Moses in Exodus 17:14 are multi-layered. First, He wants the victory over Amalek recorded 'in a book.' This isn't just about remembering a military triumph; it's about preserving the record of God's faithfulness in delivering His people. The use of 'in the book' suggests Moses was already maintaining a written record of God's dealings with Israel, likely a collection of significant events.
More than just celebrating a win, God issues a profound decree: 'I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.' This is a prophetic judgment, a divine declaration that Amalek's existence as a nation will be erased. This directive wasn't just for Moses and the people of his time; it was a charge to be passed on.
Why the Emphasis on Remembering and Erasing?
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Why specifically tell Moses to tell Joshua? What was this story meant to instill in the future leader?
The command to 'recite it in the ears of Joshua' is a powerful moment of leadership transition and spiritual discipleship. It highlights that Joshua wasn't just being prepared to lead militarily, but to lead with a deep understanding of God's justice and His ongoing covenant with Israel.
Joshua's Preparation:
Joshua’s future leadership is thus grounded not only in military strategy but also in divine revelation and a righteous judgment against those who oppose God's will.
What was so terrible about Amalek's attack that it warranted a decree of utter annihilation?
The Amalekites’ assault on Israel in Exodus 17 wasn't just a border skirmish; it represented a profound spiritual rebellion and a deep-seated hatred for God’s chosen people. Understanding their sin is key to grasping God's decree.
The Nature of Amalek's Transgression:
Understand the original words
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
A structure, often made of earth or stones, used for sacrifice or as a monument to commemorate a significant divine encounter or intervention. Altars represent a place of meeting between God and man.
Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. It signifies His eternal existence, faithfulness, and self-revelation to His people.
nes · Hebrew Noun
A standard, flag, or signal pole used to rally troops or identify a gathering point. As a divine title, it signifies that God is the source of Israel’s protection, identity, and victory.
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.
yād · Hebrew Noun
The physical organ or the metaphorical symbol of power, authority, agency, or action. In a biblical context, it frequently signifies God's intervention in human affairs or the strength required to fulfill a divine purpose.
kēs · Hebrew Noun
A royal seat or dais used by a king to signify sovereignty, authority, and judgment. It represents the place from which God rules over His people and the nations, and His presence is often associated with its holiness and stability.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God, revealing Him as the self-existent, faithful, and redeeming One. It denotes the personal and relational nature of God, who enters into covenant with His people and acts on their behalf in history.
milḥāmâ · Hebrew Noun
A state of armed conflict between nations or peoples. In Scripture, it is often used to describe God’s holy judgment against those who oppose His kingdom or oppress His people, reflecting His righteousness and sovereignty over all enemies.
ʿAmālēq · Hebrew Proper Noun
A specific people group descending from Esau, who became the prototypical enemies of Israel. Theologically, they represent the prideful and persistent opposition of the world against the people of God and His kingdom purposes.
dōr · Hebrew Noun
A period of time encompassing the lifespan of those living at once, or the succession of descendants. In the Bible, it highlights the continuity of God's purposes, His faithfulness to the covenant, and the ongoing nature of spiritual conflict throughout human history.
The enmity of Amalek toward Israel wasn't just a political or military conflict; it was rooted in a deep-seated opposition to God's plan for His chosen people, stemming from ancient familial conflicts and a blatant disregard for God's power. This eternal decree of judgment highlights God's unwavering commitment to protect His people and ultimately bring His justice against those who oppose Him.
c. 15th century BC
Israelites wander in the wilderness
Following their miraculous exodus from Egypt, the Israelites were journeying through the Sinai wilderness. During this time, they faced various challenges, including lack of water and food, and encounters with hostile peoples.
c. 15th century BC— this verse
Amalek attacks Israel at Rephidim
The Amalekites, descendants of Esau, launched a surprise attack on the vulnerable rear of the Israelite camp. This unprovoked assault occurred while the Israelites were particularly weary and vulnerable.
c. 15th century BC
Moses leads Israel to victory
With Joshua leading the fighting men and Moses interceding from a hilltop with his hands raised in prayer (supported by Aaron and Hur), Israel achieved a miraculous victory over the Amalekites.
c. 15th century BC
God commands Amalek's remembrance to be blotted out
Following the victory, God instructs Moses to record the event and specifically to impress upon Joshua that the memory of Amalek would be utterly destroyed.
c. 14th century BC
Deuteronomy commands Amalek's destruction
Centuries later, the command to remember and destroy Amalek is reiterated by Moses as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, emphasizing the ongoing nature of this divine judgment.
c. 11th century BC
Saul partially destroys the Amalekites
King Saul carries out God's command to attack the Amalekites, achieving a significant victory but failing to completely obey God's instructions.
c. 10th century BC
David defeats the Amalekites
David also battles and defeats the Amalekites, further reducing their influence and fulfilling God's decree against them.
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 to blot out Amalek, demonstrating the long-term nature of this judgment and the importance of remembering the initial offense.
Psalm 83:3-4This psalm speaks of nations plotting against Israel, identifying Amalek as a key enemy who joined forces against God's people, highlighting their consistent hostility throughout history.
1 Chronicles 4:42-43This passage records the final, almost complete, destruction of the remnant of Amalek by Simeonites, showing the ultimate fulfillment of God's decree to blot out their remembrance.
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 instructs Moses to write this down not just for a general memorial, but specifically to "rehearse it in the ears of Joshua." This highlights Joshua's future leadership and the enduring, generational nature of God's decree against Amalek. It’s a crucial transfer of responsibility and a promise of future, complete judgment being passed directly to the next leader.
Immediately following a dramatic victory where Moses' raised hands secured Israel's triumph over the Amalekites, God instructs Moses to record this event in a book. This memorial is not just for historical record, but specifically to be impressed upon Joshua, indicating his future leadership and God's severe judgment against Amalek. This divine pronouncement sets the stage for a generations-long, divinely ordained conflict with the Amalekites, a threat that would be passed down to future leaders.
Immediately following a dramatic victory where Moses' raised hands secured Israel's triumph over the Amalekites, God instructs Moses to record this event in a book. This memorial is not just for historical record, but specifically to be impressed upon Joshua, indicating his future leadership and God's severe judgment against Amalek. This divine pronouncement sets the stage for a generations-long, divinely ordained conflict with the Amalekites, a threat that would be passed down to future leaders.
"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.” And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My…" — God instructs Moses to write this down not just for a general memorial, but specifically to "rehearse it in the ears of Joshua." This highlights Joshua's future leadership and the enduring, generatio…
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Last reviewed October 2026
