_A.M. 2513. B.C. 1491._ In this chapter are recorded, (1,) The providing water for the host of Israel. 1, In the wilderness they wanted water, Exodus 17:1; Exodus 17:2, In their want they chid with Moses, Exodus 17:2; Exodus 17:3; Exodus 17:3, Moses cried to God, Exodus 17:4; Exodus 17:4, God order... [ Continue Reading ]
_The children of Israel journeyed_ By divers stations, recorded Numbers 33:12, but here omitted, because nothing extraordinary happened in them. _According to the commandment of the Lord_ Signified either by word, or by the motion or rest of the pillar of cloud and fire. Although led by this, they c... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wherefore do ye tempt the Lord?_ By distrusting his power, providence, and faithfulness, upon such a small occasion; by refusing to submit to his will, and to wait upon him in humble fervent prayer for relief; and instead thereof quarrelling with me, as if it were my fault that you want water, and... [ Continue Reading ]
_Go before the people_ Though they spoke of stoning him. He must take his rod with him, not to summon some plague to chastise them, but to fetch water for their supply. O the wonderful patience and forbearance of God toward provoking sinners! He maintains those that are at war with him, and reaches... [ Continue Reading ]
_Is the Lord among us or not?_ To protect and provide for us according to his word; will he be as good as his word, or will he not? Words which implied that to them it was very doubtful. Against doubts of this kind we ought constantly to guard. For, whatever may be suggested to our minds by the enem... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then came Amalek_ When they were upon their march from Rephidim to Horeb, (Deuteronomy 25:17,) and _fought with Israel _ The Amalekites were the posterity of Esau, who hated Jacob because of the birthright and blessing. They did not boldly front them as a generous enemy, but, without any provocatio... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand _ See how God qualifies his people for, and calls them to various services for the good of his church; Joshua fights, Moses prays, and both minister to Israel. This rod Moses held up, not so much to Israel, to animate them, as to Go... [ Continue Reading ]
_Hur_ A person of eminence, no doubt, but who he was is uncertain. Josephus, however, tells us, he was the husband of Miriam, _Antiq._, 50:3, chap. 2. _And when Moses held up his hand_ in prayer (so the Chaldee explains it) _Israel prevailed:_ but _when he let down his hand_ from prayer _Amalek prev... [ Continue Reading ]
Though God gave the victory, yet it is said _Joshua discovered Amalek_, because Joshua was a type of Christ, and of the same name, and in him it is that we are more than conquerors. _The Lord said, Write this for a memorial_ This is the first mention of writing we find in Scripture.... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Moses built an altar, and called it Jehovah-nissi_ The _Lord is my banner._ The presence and power of Jehovah was the banner under which they were listed, by which they were animated and kept together, and therefore which they erected in the day of their triumph. In the name of our God we must... [ Continue Reading ]
_Because the Lord hath sworn_, &c. The original of this passage is variously rendered. There are two senses which appear most plausible. The one of them we have here in our _text_, the other in the margin. The words כי יד על כס יה _chi jad gnall ches Jah_, are literally, _Because the hand upon the t... [ Continue Reading ]