HAYDOCK CATHOLIC BIBLE COMMENTARY ON THE OLD TESTAMENT

EXODUS 17

CHAPTER XVII.

Ver. 1. Mansions, at Daphca, (Num. xxxiii. 12,) and perhaps at Aluz. C. --- Raphidim, the 11th station mentioned by Moses, which was afterwards called Massa, "temptation," because the people murmured in this place. M.

Ver. 2. Chode, quarrelled and murmured. H. --- Tempt, requiring a miracle, v. 7.

Ver. 6. Before thee, ready to grant thy request at Horeb, a rock to the west of Sinai, and a figure of Jesus Christ, according to S. Paul; who says, (1 Cor. x. 4,) that the spiritual rock followed the Hebrews. Some say a part of the real rock was carried in a chariot. S. Chrys. Others, that the rivulet of waters accompanied them till it fell into the sea near Asiengaber. Usher. --- The Rabbins say, that these waters never failed the Israelites till the death of Mary, for whose sake they were given, and that the bright cloud disappeared with Aaron, and manna at the decease of Moses.

Ver. 7. Temptation. Massa and Meriba "quarrel," as the Heb. reads.

Ver. 8. Amalec. The descendants of Esau by his grandson, living about the Red Sea.

Ver. 9. Josue, who was before called Osee, or Ausem, was the son of Nun. From the victory obtained over the Amalecites, he was ever after called Josue, Jehosuah, or Jesus, "Saviour." He attached himself to Moses, and is styled his servant, as Patroclus and Merione are called servants of Achilles and of Idomen, by Homer; though they were men of high birth. --- Hand, to defend the cause of the Hebrews by a miracle, if it be requisite.

Ver. 10. Hur, grandfather of Beseleel, (1 Par. ii. 19,) grandson of Esron by Caleb.

Ver. 11. And when Moses lifted up his hands. Here Moses was a figure of Christ on the cross, by whose power and mediation we overcome our spiritual enemies. Ch. --- Hands, forming the sign of the cross, as the fathers observe, in the posture of a suppliant. S. Jerom says, the people fasted also till the evening, c. Jos. ii. C. --- If heretics deride the priests of God, standing with their hands extended at the altar, let them reflect on Moses, and on Jesus Christ, who, lifting up his hands, blessed his disciples; and hence learn, that such ceremonies are not vain. W.

Ver. 14. Of Josue, and of all who shall govern after him, that they may remember to execute my decree of extermination, against these cruel Amalecites, who have first dared to oppose the progress of my dejected people. H. --- Moses mentions, that they particularly attacked the feeble and stragglers, (Deut. xxv. 18,) though their army was very formidable. Judith iv. 13. Saul received an express order to destroy this nation; and he made such havoc among them, that they never rose again to any importance, and were confounded with the Idumeans. 1 K. xv. 3. C.

Ver. 15. Exaltation. He has given me the victory. He has supported my hands on high, holding the rod as a standard. H.

Ver. 16. Hand of the throne. The Lord hath lifted up his hand, and sworn on his throne, that war, &c. (Chald.) or the hand of Amalec hath attacked the throne (Israel, the inheritance) of the Lord; therefore shall he pursue them for ever. The Sept. have followed a different reading, "because with a secret hand the Lord will fight; and some suggest, that instead of ces, throne, we should read nos, signal, or standard." Since the hand has attacked the standard of the Lord, the war of the Lord is against Amalec. Le Clerc. --- Or "the Lord has taken his standard into his hand to destroy the Amalecites for ever." Chateillon. C.