Read Exodus 17:1-18:27 at Bible Gateway.
Hebrew paragraph divisions
Exo 17:1-7 {p} YHVH provides water from the rock at Massah and Meribah
Exo 17:8-13 {p} Amalek fought with Israel + Joshua defeated Amalek
Exo 17:14-16 {p} YHVH will have war with Amalek from generation to generation
Exo 18:1-27 {p} YHVH is greater than all the gods
Exo 17:1-18:27 {px4} Chiastic structure
What an unusual central axis. Why would this be the central axis for the whole passage? The passage is about warfare on several levels. There is the striving that Israel did with Moses (his cry to Yehovah: They are almost ready to stone me!) and then there is the warfare with Amalek. But the central axis: Moses sat down on a stone. HE RESTED in other words! And the LORD brought helpers to him to support him. And in holding aloft the rod of God so that Israel prevailed over Amalek, Yehovah taught him that when His name is lifted high over us, HE prevails over our enemies, while we rest in Him. Amalek is a type of antichrist, and that is why YHVH’s war with him lasts from generation to generation.
Exo 17:1-18:27 {px4} Strong theme
YHVH teaches rest in Him through Israel’s striving, Amalek’s warfare, and Jethro’s advice, that His ministers may endure, and His congregation may return in peace.
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