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

EXODUS 17:11KJV
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Exodus 17:11 (KJV)

What does Exodus 17:11 mean?

Exodus 17:11 describes how, during a battle between Israel and Amalek, Israel would begin to win whenever Moses held up his hand, but when he lowered his hand, Amalek would start to win. The verse highlights a direct connection between Moses’ actions and the outcome of the fight.

In this scene, Moses stands on a hill while Israel fights the Amalekites below. The verse focuses on the physical act of Moses raising or lowering his hand, showing that the success of Israel in battle is tied to what Moses does. This moment sets up the following verses, which explain how others help Moses keep his hands steady.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 17:11

  • "Hand" (יָד, yad): This word is used twice in the verse, emphasizing the importance of Moses’ physical gesture. In Hebrew, "hand" can also symbolize power or action, which adds depth to the scene.
  • "Prevailed" (גָּבַר, gavar): Used for both Israel and Amalek, this word means to become strong or to overcome. The verse uses the same word for both sides, making the connection between Moses’ actions and the shifting momentum in the battle clear.

Why Exodus 17:11 matters

  • Exodus 17:11 clarifies that the battle’s outcome is not just about military strength but is closely tied to Moses’ visible actions, suggesting a deeper meaning behind the gesture.
  • The verse sets up the need for support, as Moses cannot keep his hand raised alone, which becomes important in the next verses when Aaron and Hur assist him.
  • This moment connects to the larger theme in Exodus of Israel’s dependence on God’s guidance and intervention, as Moses’ raised hand is often understood as a sign of appeal to God.

Where else these words appear

“prevailed” Hebrew H1396 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 7:18 And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.
  • 2 Samuel 11:23 And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate.
  • Psalms 117:2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

“Amalek” Hebrew H6002 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 36:12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau's wife.
  • Judges 3:13 And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.
  • 1 Samuel 15:8 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.

“down” Hebrew H5117 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.
  • 2 Samuel 21:10 And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.
  • Isaiah 7:19 And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes.