Exodus 17:9

“And Moses said unto Joshua, etc.] The son of Nun, who was his minister, and was a man of war from his youth, trained up in the art of war, and afterwards succeeded Moses, and was captain of the armies of Israel, and fought at the head of them, and subdued the Canaanites. Moses knew he was a fit person for the present purpose, and therefore gave him the following orders: choose us out men; the stoutest and most courageous, best able to bear arms, and engage in war; for the multitude in common was not qualified for such service, nor was there any necessity of engaging them all in it: and go out; out of the camp, and meet them at some distance, that the women and children might not be terrified…”

“Moses said unto Joshua--or, "Jesus" (Act 7:45; Heb 4:8). This is the earliest notice of a young warrior destined to act a prominent part in the history of Israel. He went with a number of picked men. There is not here a wide open plain on which the battle took place, as according to the rules of modern warfare. The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe, making an irregular attack on a multitude probably not better trained than themselves, and for such a conflict the low hills and open country around this wady would afford ample space [ROBINSON].”

“Joshua - This is the first mention of the great follower and successor of Moses. He died at the age of 110, some 65 years after this transaction. His original name was Hosea, but Moses calls him by the full name, which was first given about forty years afterward, as that by which he was to be known to succeeding generations. From this it may perhaps be inferred that this portion of Exodus was written, or revised, toward the end of the sojourn in the wilderness. The rod of God - See Exodus 4:20. The hill is supposed to be the height now called Feria an the north side of the plain Er Rahah; (or, Jebel Tahuneh over Feiran. Palmer). return to 'Top of Page'”

“I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my land - 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 as to animate them; as to God by way of appeal to him; Is not the battle the Lord's? Is not he able to help, and engaged to help? Witness this rod! Moses was not only a standard - bearer, but an intercessor, pleading with God for success and victory. Exodus 17:10”

“17:9-13 This victory was a gift from God, as the description here makes clear. The determining factor was God’s blessing, as indicated by Moses’ upraised hands. This principle was illustrated again and again in the conquest of the land of Canaan. Without God’s blessing, Israel could do nothing (see Num 14:42-45; Josh 7:10-12). 17:9 Joshua was Moses’ trusted assistant (33:11) who would eventually become his successor (Deut 31:7-8). This early experience was important training for leading the people later in the conquest of the land. The Hebrew name Joshua, which means “savior,” is equivalent to the Greek name Jesus (see also study note on Heb 4:8).”

“unto Joshua: Exo 17:13, Exo 24:13; Num 11:28, Num 13:16, Oshea, Jehoshua, Deu 32:44, Hoshea, Called Jesus, Act 7:45; Heb 4:8 Choose: Num 31:3, Num 31:4 the rod: Exo 4:2, Exo 4:20 Exodus 17:10”