Battle of Rephidim

Illustration of Battle of Rephidim

The Battle of Rephidim took place during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, shortly after their deliverance at the Red Sea, when the nomadic Amalekites launched an unprovoked attack on the vulnerable travelers encamped at Rephidim in the wilderness. Moses directed Joshua to assemble and lead an Israelite army into combat while he climbed a nearby hill holding the staff of God, accompanied by Aaron and Hur; victory depended on Moses keeping his hands raised in intercession, prompting Aaron and Hur to support his arms until sunset and secure Israel's triumph over Amalek. This account, recorded in Exodus 17, highlights the people's reliance on divine power rather than military strength alone and establishes a memorial of the event, with God declaring perpetual opposition to Amalek and instructing that the victory be written as a reminder for future generations.

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Details

Era
Exodus & Conquest
Category
Exodus
Participants
Israel vs. Amalek
Outcome
Israel victorious while Moses' hands raised
Divine Intervention
Yes

Key Passages

The Battle

Exodus 17:8-16

T8hen came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. 10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Mosesโ€™ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur 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. 13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 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. 15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: 16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

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Did You Know?

1

Israel won only while Moses held his arms up. When he tired, they lost ground.

2

Aaron and Hur held Moses' arms up. Showing the power of community support in spiritual battle.

3

God declared perpetual war against Amalek. They attacked Israel's weakest (the stragglers at the rear).