1
וַ֠יִּסְעוּ כָּל עֲדַ֨ת בְּנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל מִמִּדְבַּר סִ֛ין לְמַסְעֵיהֶ֖ם עַל פִּ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙ בִּרְפִידִ֔ים וְאֵ֥ין מַ֖יִם לִשְׁתֹּ֥ת הָעָֽם
So all the congregation of the sons of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, by their stages, according to the command of the LORD, and they camped at Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink.
Opens the chapter with the standard wayyiqtol itinerary chain begun in Exod 16, moving Israel from the wilderness of Sin to Rephidim; the final clause (asyndetic וְאֵין) breaks the chain to state the problem, foregrounding the crisis that drives the rest of the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַ֠יִּסְעוּand they set outQal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָסַע (H5265)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָסַע (H5265) 'to pull up, set out, journey'; the standard verb for breaking camp to begin the next stage of the wilderness march.
כָּלthe wholeN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head, quantifier over עֲדַתכֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole, every'; in construct heading 'the whole congregation of the sons of Israel.'
עֲדַ֨תcongregation ofN f sg constr · עֵדָה (H5712)Construct chain (genitival)עֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly, community', from יָעַד 'to appoint, meet'; Israel as a gathered covenant body.
בְּנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct plural 'sons of Israel' is the standard designation for the Israelite people.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֧לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant name of Jacob and, by extension, his descendants.
מִמִּדְבַּרfrom the wilderness ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Prepositional phrase of source/motionמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, uninhabited pastureland'; here construct with the place-name Sin.
סִ֛יןSinN proper · סִין (H5512)Genitive completing the construct (place-name)סִין (H5512), the wilderness of Sin between Elim and Sinai (cf. Exod 16:1), distinct from 'Sinai.'
לְמַסְעֵיהֶ֖םby their stagesprep לְ + N m pl constr + 3mp sf · מַסָּע (H4550)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner/distribution)מַסָּע (H4550) 'journey-stage, encampment', from נָסַע; part of the itinerary formula tracking Israel's march station by station.
עַלaccording toprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (norm/standard)עַל (H5921) 'upon, according to'; forms the idiom עַל־פִּי, 'according to the command of.'
פִּ֣יthe mouth/command ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Construct chain, idiomatic (with עַל = 'at the command of')פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; idiom עַל־פִּי יְהוָה, 'at the LORD's command,' marks each stage of the march as divinely directed.
יְהוָ֑הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive completing the idiom 'at the command of the LORD'יְהוָה (H3068), the Tetragrammaton, Israel's covenant God; even the itinerary is framed as obedience to him.
וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙and they campedQal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָנָה (H2583)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָנָה (H2583) 'to encamp, pitch camp'; marks arrival at Rephidim, the setting for both crises of the chapter.
בִּרְפִידִ֔יםat Rephidimprep בְּ + N proper · רְפִידִים (H7508)Locative prepositional phraseרְפִידִים (H7508), a station on the Sinai route, perhaps 'resting-places/supports'; site of the rock-water miracle and the Amalekite attack.
וְאֵ֥יןand there was noconj וְ + negative particle · אַיִן (H369)Negative existential clause (adversative)אַיִן (H369) 'there is not, nothing'; the bare negation of existence that precipitates the whole episode.
מַ֖יִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of the existential clauseמַיִם (H4325) 'water', plural in form; the scarce commodity around which the entire narrative turns.
לִשְׁתֹּ֥תfor ... to drinkprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁתָה (H8354)Purpose/epexegetical infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose nuanceשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; the infinitive names the purpose for which water was lacking.
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Logical subject of the infinitive לִשְׁתֹּתעָם (H5971) 'people'; Israel collectively, the recurring subject of complaint through the chapter.
2
וַיָּ֤רֶב הָעָם֙ עִם מֹשֶׁ֔ה וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ תְּנוּ לָ֥נוּ מַ֖יִם וְנִשְׁתֶּ֑ה וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה מַה תְּרִיבוּן֙ עִמָּדִ֔י מַה תְּנַסּ֖וּן אֶת יְהוָֽה
So the people quarreled with Moses and said, 'Give us water, that we may drink!' And Moses said to them, 'Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?'
The people's contention (רִיב) with Moses and his sharp rhetorical counter-question introduce the chapter's central wordplay (רִיב/נָסָה, anticipating Meribah/Massah in v.7) and its theological question about testing the LORD.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיָּ֤רֶבand ... quarreledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רִיב (H7378)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרִיב (H7378) 'to strive, contend, quarrel, bring a legal complaint'; often a formal dispute/lawsuit, foreshadowing the place-name Meribah (contention) in v.7.
הָעָם֙the peopleart + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Subject of וַיָּרֶבעָם (H5971) 'people'; subject of the quarrel — the same term used repeatedly through the chapter.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase (opposition)עִם (H5973) 'with, against'; marks Moses as the object of the people's contention.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition עִםמֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', Israel's leader and mediator; the recurring addressee of the people's complaints.
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard verb introducing quoted speech.
תְּנוּgive!Qal impv 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Imperative — the people's demand (direct object מַיִם)→ Volitional: direct imperatival demandנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; blunt command voiced against Moses.
לָ֥נוּto usprep לְ + 1cp sf · לְIndirect object of תְּנוּpronominal suffix 'us', the beneficiary of the demanded gift.
מַ֖יִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object of תְּנוּמַיִם (H4325) 'water'; the object of the people's demand.
וְנִשְׁתֶּ֑הthat we may drinkconj וְ + Qal impf/cohort 1cp · שָׁתָה (H8354)Coordinate purpose clause ('so that we may drink')→ Yiqtol/cohortative: purposive, volitional resultשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; cohortative-toned imperfect expressing the purpose of the demand.
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand ... saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Moses' reply.
לָהֶם֙to themprep לְ + 3mp sf · לְIndirect object (recipient of speech)pronominal suffix 'them', referring to the people.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶרמֹשֶׁה (H4872); subject of the rebuttal.
מַהwhyinterrog adverb · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverbial (rhetorical)מָה (H4100) 'what, why'; introduces Moses' rhetorical rebuke, used adverbially here.
תְּרִיבוּן֙do you quarrelQal impf 2mp (paragogic nun) · רִיב (H7378)Predicate verb of rhetorical question→ Yiqtol: durative/present rebuke ('why do you keep contending')רִיב (H7378) 'to strive, contend'; same root as v.2's וַיָּרֶב and the place-name Meribah — the wordplay driving the etiology in v.7.
עִמָּדִ֔יwith meprep עִמָּד + 1cs sf · עִמָּד (H5978)Prepositional phrase, object of תְּרִיבוּןעִמָּד (H5978) poetic/emphatic variant of עִם 'with'; here 'with me', Moses as target of the dispute.
מַהwhyinterrog adverb · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverbial (rhetorical), parallel to previousמָה (H4100); repeated in synonymous parallelism with the first מַה.
תְּנַסּ֖וּןdo you testPiel impf 2mp (paragogic nun) · נָסָה (H5254)Predicate verb of second rhetorical question, in parallel with תְּרִיבוּן→ Yiqtol: durative present rebuke, intensified by Piel ('keep testing')נָסָה (H5254) Piel 'to test, try, put to proof'; the verbal root behind the place-name Massah ('testing') in v.7 — the chapter's central wordplay.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking יְהוָה as the definite direct object; untranslated.
יְהוָֽהthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Direct object of תְּנַסּוּןיְהוָה (H3068); testing 'the LORD' reveals the deeper theological crisis behind the water complaint.
3
וַיִּצְמָ֨א שָׁ֤ם הָעָם֙ לַמַּ֔יִם וַיָּ֥לֶן הָעָ֖ם עַל מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַיֹּ֗אמֶר לָ֤מָּה זֶּה֙ הֶעֱלִיתָ֣נוּ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם לְהָמִ֥ית אֹתִ֛י וְאֶת בָּנַ֥י וְאֶת מִקְנַ֖י בַּצָּמָֽא
But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, 'Why is this that you have brought us up from Egypt, to kill me and my sons and my livestock with thirst?'
Escalates from complaint to outright accusation, echoing the stock exodus-murmuring formula ('why did you bring us up... to kill us') found also at the Reed Sea (14:11) and in the manna/quail narratives.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיִּצְמָ֨אand ... thirstedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · צָמֵא (H6770)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceצָמֵא (H6770) 'to be thirsty'; the physical need that escalates the water-crisis into open rebellion.
שָׁ֤םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial (locative)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; anchors the thirst to Rephidim, soon renamed Massah/Meribah (v.7).
הָעָם֙the peopleart + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Subject of וַיִּצְמָאעָם (H5971) 'people'; subject of both verbs in this verse.
לַמַּ֔יִםfor waterprep לְ (with art) + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Prepositional phrase, object of thirstמַיִם (H4325) 'water'; the definite article marks it as the specific, already-mentioned lack of v.1.
וַיָּ֥לֶןand ... grumbledHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · לוּן (H3885)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלוּן (H3885) Hiphil 'to grumble, murmur'; the technical term for Israel's wilderness complaints against Moses/God (cf. Exod 15:24; 16:2).
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Subject of וַיָּלֶןעָם (H5971); repeated subject, underscoring the people's corporate guilt.
עַלagainstprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (opposition)עַל (H5921) 'upon, against'; marks Moses as target of the murmuring.
מֹשֶׁ֑הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition עַלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); recipient of the people's blame, as throughout the chapter.
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the people's accusatory question.
לָ֤מָּהwhyprep לְ + interrog · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverbial (accusatory rhetorical question)לָמָּה (H4100) 'why, for what purpose'; introduces the people's bitter accusation, echoing Exod 14:11; 16:3.
זֶּה֙is thisdemonstrative · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative resuming/emphasizing לָמָּה ('why is this that...')זֶה (H2088) 'this'; idiomatic intensifying use after an interrogative, common in accusatory rhetorical questions.
הֶעֱלִיתָ֣נוּyou have brought us upHiphil perf 2ms + 1cp sf · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb of the rhetorical question (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act now being challengedעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to bring up, cause to ascend'; used of the exodus from Egypt — here thrown back at Moses as an accusation.
מִמִּצְרַ֔יִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Prepositional phrase of sourceמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; the land of bondage from which Israel was delivered — the accusation implies the exodus itself was a mistake.
לְהָמִ֥יתto killprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · מוּת (H4191)Purpose infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose/result nuanceמוּת (H4191) Hiphil 'to kill, put to death'; the accusation escalates from grumbling to a charge of intended murder.
אֹתִ֛יmeobj marker + 1cs sf · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker + first direct object (with suffix)אֵת (H853) with 1cs suffix; marks Moses himself as the first named object of the supposed murder.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)אֵת (H853); introduces the second object, 'my sons.'
בָּנַ֥יmy sonsN m pl constr + 1cs sf · בֵּן (H1121)Direct objectבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; plural with 1cs suffix — the accusation now includes the children.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (third object)אֵת (H853); introduces the third object, 'my livestock.'
מִקְנַ֖יmy livestockN m pl constr + 1cs sf · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Direct objectמִקְנֶה (H4735) 'livestock, cattle', from קָנָה 'to acquire'; the accusation extends even to the herds — total ruin.
בַּצָּמָֽאwith thirstprep בְּ (with art) + N m sg abs · צָמָא (H6772)Adverbial prepositional phrase (means/cause)צָמָא (H6772) 'thirst', cognate to the verb צָמֵא in v.3a; frames death by thirst as the imagined outcome of the exodus.
4
וַיִּצְעַ֤ק מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל יְהוָ֣ה לֵאמֹ֔ר מָ֥ה אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה לָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֑ה ע֥וֹד מְעַ֖ט וּסְקָלֻֽנִי
So Moses cried out to the LORD, saying, 'What shall I do with this people? A little more and they will stone me!'
Moses turns from the people to God in prayer; his deliberative question and report of imminent stoning mark the crisis's peak before divine intervention.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּצְעַ֤קand ... cried outQal wayyiqtol 3ms · צָעַק (H6817)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceצָעַק (H6817) 'to cry out, appeal for help'; Moses's recourse under pressure is prayer, not retaliation.
מֹשֶׁה֙MosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיִּצְעַקמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the mediator caught between an angry people and God.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal/addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; directs the cry to its proper recipient, the LORD.
יְהוָ֣הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition אֶליְהוָה (H3068); Moses appeals directly to God rather than answering the people himself.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct speech (quotative frame)→ Infinitive construct: quotative/discourse-markingאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard formula opening direct discourse.
מָ֥הwhatinterrog pronoun · מָה (H4100)Direct object of אֶעֱשֶׂה (fronted)מָה (H4100) 'what'; interrogative pronoun functioning as the fronted object of the verb, expressing Moses's desperation.
אֶעֱשֶׂ֖הshall I doQal impf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the deliberative question→ Yiqtol: deliberative — 'what am I to do?'עָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; deliberative imperfect expressing Moses's helplessness before the crowd.
לָעָ֣םwith this peopleprep לְ (with art) + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Prepositional phrase, indirect objectעָם (H5971) 'people'; Moses's own people now threaten him.
הַזֶּ֑הthisart + demonstrative · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; the demonstrative carries a tone of exasperation ('this people!').
ע֥וֹדyetadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverbial, temporal (with מְעַט, 'just a little longer')עוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet, again'; paired with מְעַט to express imminence: 'a little more and...'
מְעַ֖טa littleN m sg abs (adverbial) · מְעַט (H4592)Adverbial accusative of degree, with עוֹדמְעַט (H4592) 'a little, a few'; idiom עוֹד מְעַט 'yet a little (while)' signals the threat is imminent.
וּסְקָלֻֽנִיand they will stone meQal weqatal 3cp + 1cs sf · סָקַל (H5619)Weqatal continuing the deliberative clause (future/consequential)→ Weqatal: future consequence following the temporal clauseסָקַל (H5619) 'to stone'; the mob's threatened method of execution — the seriousness of the crisis.
5
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֗ה עֲבֹר֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הָעָ֔ם וְקַ֥ח אִתְּךָ֖ מִזִּקְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וּמַטְּךָ֗ אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִכִּ֤יתָ בּוֹ֙ אֶת הַיְאֹ֔ר קַ֥ח בְּיָדְךָ֖ וְהָלָֽכְתָּ
And the LORD said to Moses, 'Pass on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel; and your staff, with which you struck the Nile, take in your hand, and go.'
God's answer is a chain of imperatives; recalling the staff's earlier use on the Nile (7:20) reframes the same instrument as an agent of provision rather than plague.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand ... saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces the LORD's response, shifting the narrative from complaint to divine instruction.
יְהוָ֜הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068); God answers the crisis directly, without rebuking Moses for the appeal.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to'; directs the divine speech to Moses.
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); recipient of the divine command.
עֲבֹר֙pass onQal impv 2ms · עָבַר (H5674)Imperative, first in a chain of divine commands→ Volitional: direct divine commandעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass over/through, go on ahead'; God directs Moses to go in front of the people he fears.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (spatial)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct with לְ forms 'before, in front of' — Moses must lead, not hide.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Object of preposition לִפְנֵיעָם (H5971); the very people threatening Moses — he must go ahead of them, exposed.
וְקַ֥חand takeQal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Imperative continuing the command chain→ Volitional: direct divine commandלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; God provides Moses official witnesses for what is about to happen.
אִתְּךָ֖with youprep + 2ms sf · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase, complement of וְקַחאֵת (H854) 'with'; distinct from the object-marker אֵת (H853) though homographic — here the comitative preposition.
מִזִּקְנֵ֣יsome of the elders ofprep מִן + adj m pl constr · זָקֵן (H2205)Partitive prepositional phrase, object of וְקַחזָקֵן (H2205) 'old, elder'; substantized adjective 'elders' — leaders who will witness the miracle.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the elders represent the whole nation as legal witnesses.
וּמַטְּךָ֗and your staffconj וְ + N m sg constr + 2ms sf · מַטֶּה (H4294)Fronted direct object of קַח (resumed after the relative clause)מַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff, rod, tribe'; the same staff used throughout the plague narratives — now the instrument of provision instead of judgment.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwith whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing subordinate clause modifying מַטְּךָאֲשֶׁר (H834) invariable relative particle 'who, which, that'; links the staff to its earlier use against the Nile.
הִכִּ֤יתָyou struckHiphil perf 2ms · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed past act recalledנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; used of the first plague, striking the Nile (Exod 7:20) — the same staff now brings water instead of turning it to blood.
בּוֹ֙with itprep בְּ + 3ms sf · בְּ (H0)Prepositional phrase (instrument), object of הִכִּיתָprep בְּ 'with, by'; instrumental use referring back to the staff.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking the definite object הַיְאֹר; untranslated.
הַיְאֹ֔רthe Nileart + N proper · יְאֹר (H2975)Direct object of הִכִּיתָיְאֹר (H2975) 'the Nile, the river' (Egyptian loanword); recalls the first plague (Exod 7:14-24).
קַ֥חtakeQal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Imperative resuming/repeating the command (emphatic)→ Volitional: direct divine command (emphatic repetition)לָקַח (H3947); repetition of the command from earlier in the verse drives home the instruction after the parenthetical relative clause.
בְּיָדְךָ֖in your handprep בְּ + N constr + 2ms sf · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase (manner/possession), object complement of קַחיָד (H3027) 'hand'; the staff must be personally carried by Moses, not delegated.
וְהָלָֽכְתָּand goQal weqatal 2ms · הָלַךְ (H1980)Weqatal continuing the imperative chain (final command)→ Weqatal: volitional continuation of the command sequenceהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; concludes the string of instructions — Moses is to proceed to the site of the miracle.
6
הִנְנִ֣י עֹמֵד֩ לְפָנֶ֨יךָ שָּׁ֥ם עַֽל הַצּוּר֮ בְּחֹרֵב֒ וְהִכִּ֣יתָ בַצּ֗וּר וְיָצְא֥וּ מִמֶּ֛נּוּ מַ֖יִם וְשָׁתָ֣ה הָעָ֑ם וַיַּ֤עַשׂ כֵּן֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה לְעֵינֵ֖י זִקְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
'Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, and the people will drink.' And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
God's promise to 'stand' at the rock guarantees the outcome before Moses acts; the concluding wayyiqtol (וַיַּעַשׂ) reports exact compliance witnessed by the elders, closing the water-crisis unit (vv.1-6).
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
הִנְנִ֣יbehold, Ipresentative particle + 1cs sf · הִנֵּה (H2005)Presentative particle introducing a circumstantial/participial clauseהִנֵּה (H2005) 'behold, here'; with 1cs suffix, the classic self-presentation formula introducing a divine promise of presence.
עֹמֵד֩standingQal ptc ms · עָמַד (H5975)Participle predicate with הִנְנִי (vivid future/present)→ Participle: imminent/ongoing action, vividly presentעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; God's promised presence at the very site of the miracle, guaranteeing its success.
לְפָנֶ֨יךָbefore youprep לְ + N pl constr + 2ms sf · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (spatial), complement of עֹמֵדפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; 'before you' reassures Moses that God will precede/accompany him despite the danger from the people.
שָּׁ֥םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial (locative), resumptiveשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; points forward to the specific site named next.
עַֽלon/atprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'upon, at'; locates the rock at Horeb.
הַצּוּר֮the rockart + N m sg abs · צוּר (H6697)Object of preposition עַלצוּר (H6697) 'rock, cliff'; a common divine epithet elsewhere (e.g. Deut 32:4) — here the literal instrument of the miracle.
בְּחֹרֵב֒at Horebprep בְּ + N proper · חֹרֵב (H2722)Prepositional phrase, appositional to הַצּוּר (locating it)חֹרֵב (H2722), another name for Sinai, the mountain of God (cf. Exod 3:1); ties this provision to the site of the coming covenant.
וְהִכִּ֣יתָand you shall strikeHiphil weqatal 2ms · נָכָה (H5221)Weqatal, main command continuing the promise→ Weqatal: volitional/future instructionנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike'; the same verb as v.5's הִכִּיתָ (Nile) — now directed at the rock.
בַצּ֗וּרthe rockprep בְּ (with art) + N m sg abs · צוּר (H6697)Object of וְהִכִּיתָ (prepositional object of striking)צוּר (H6697); repetition anchors the command to the rock just named.
וְיָצְא֥וּand ... will come outQal weqatal 3cp · יָצָא (H3318)Weqatal continuing the sequence of promised results→ Weqatal: consequential futureיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, come forth'; the miraculous result of the striking — water emerging from solid rock.
מִמֶּ֛נּוּfrom itprep מִן + 3ms sf · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source), complement of וְיָצְאוּprep מִן 'from'; refers back to the rock, the surprising source of water.
מַ֖יִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of וְיָצְאוּמַיִם (H4325) 'water'; resolves the shortage lamented in vv.1-3.
וְשָׁתָ֣הand ... will drinkQal weqatal 3ms · שָׁתָה (H8354)Weqatal, final result clause→ Weqatal: consequential futureשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; resolves the people's original demand in v.2.
הָעָ֑םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Subject of וְשָׁתָהעָם (H5971); the same people whose thirst and quarreling opened the chapter now receive provision.
וַיַּ֤עַשׂand ... didQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (resuming the narrative frame)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; marks Moses's obedient compliance with every element of God's instruction.
כֵּן֙so, thusadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of וַיַּעַשׂ ('did so')כֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; the standard formula of exact obedience to divine instruction.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the obedient mediator, vindicated before the people he feared.
לְעֵינֵ֖יin the sight ofprep לְ + N dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Adverbial prepositional phrase (public witness)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; idiom לְעֵינֵי 'before the eyes of' emphasizes the public, verifiable nature of the miracle.
זִקְנֵ֥יthe elders ofadj m pl constr · זָקֵן (H2205)Construct chain (genitival), object of לְעֵינֵיזָקֵן (H2205) 'old, elder'; the same witnesses summoned in v.5, confirming the miracle's legitimacy.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the elders represent and legally attest for the whole nation.
7
וַיִּקְרָא֙ שֵׁ֣ם הַמָּק֔וֹם מַסָּ֖ה וּמְרִיבָ֑ה עַל רִ֣יב בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְעַ֨ל נַסֹּתָ֤ם אֶת יְהוָה֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר הֲיֵ֧שׁ יְהוָ֛ה בְּקִרְבֵּ֖נוּ אִם אָֽיִן
And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the sons of Israel, and because they tested the LORD, saying, 'Is the LORD among us, or not?'
The naming formula closes unit one with a double etiology (Massah/Meribah) built on wordplay with the preceding verbs (נָסָה/רִיב), and ends on the unanswered, unbelieving question that frames the whole episode as a test of Israel's faith rather than merely a physical need.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיִּקְרָא֙and he calledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; introduces the etiological naming formula that closes the episode.
שֵׁ֣םthe name ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Construct chain (genitival), direct object of וַיִּקְרָאשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; construct heading the naming formula 'the name of the place.'
הַמָּק֔וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Genitive completing the construct chainמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; refers to the site at Rephidim/Horeb of vv.1-6.
מַסָּ֖הMassahN proper · מַסָּה (H4532)Second object/predicate complement of וַיִּקְרָא (the name given)מַסָּה (H4532) 'testing, trial', from נָסָה (H5254, cf. נַסֹּתָם below); the name commemorates Israel's testing of the LORD.
וּמְרִיבָ֑הand Meribahconj וְ + N proper · מְרִיבָה (H4809)Coordinate second name-element, in apposition with מַסָּהמְרִיבָה (H4809) 'quarrel, strife', from רִיב (H7378, cf. רִיב below); the name commemorates the people's contention with Moses.
עַלbecause ofprep · עַל (H5921)Causal prepositional phrase, first of two parallel reasons for the namingעַל (H5921) 'on account of'; introduces the first ground for the double name.
רִ֣יבthe quarreling ofN m/c sg constr · רִיב (H7379)Construct chain (genitival), object of עַלרִיב (H7379) 'strife, dispute, legal complaint'; cognate to the verb in v.2 (וַיָּרֶב) and to the name מְרִיבָה — the wordplay's first strand.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; 'sons of Israel' as elsewhere in the chapter.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the whole nation is charged with the quarrel.
וְעַ֨לand becauseconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Causal prepositional phrase, second parallel reason for the namingעַל (H5921); coordinated with the first עַל, giving the second ground for the double name (testing).
נַסֹּתָ֤םtheir testingPiel inf constr + 3mp sf · נָסָה (H5254)Infinitive construct, object of וְעַל (causal, 'because of their testing')→ Infinitive construct: causal, summarizing a completed actנָסָה (H5254) Piel 'to test, try'; the verbal root behind the name מַסָּה — the wordplay's second strand, echoing v.2's תְּנַסּוּן.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking יְהוָה as the definite object of נַסֹּתָם; untranslated.
יְהוָה֙the LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Direct object of נַסֹּתָםיְהוָה (H3068); the object of Israel's testing — the theological crux of the episode.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing the quoted question (quotative frame)→ Infinitive construct: quotative/discourse-markingאָמַר (H559); introduces the people's exact words of doubt.
הֲיֵ֧שׁis thereinterrog הֲ + existential particle · יֵשׁ (H3426)Interrogative-existential particle heading the direct questionיֵשׁ (H3426) 'there is, there exists'; the interrogative הֲ turns it into the pointed question of God's presence.
יְהוָ֛הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject/predicate of the existential questionיְהוָה (H3068); the subject whose presence is doubted — the heart of the people's unbelief.
בְּקִרְבֵּ֖נוּin our midstprep בְּ + N sg constr + 1cp sf · קֶרֶב (H7130)Prepositional phrase (locative), complement of הֲיֵשׁקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, inward part'; 'in our midst' questions the reality of God's covenantal presence with Israel.
אִםorconj · אִם (H518)Disjunctive conjunction, second half of the alternative questionאִם (H518) 'if'; here disjunctive 'or,' as commonly in alternative questions (אִם...אָיִן).
אָֽיִןnotnegative particle · אַיִן (H369)Negative predicate completing the alternative question ('or not')אַיִן (H369) 'there is not'; the terse negative counterpart to יֵשׁ, expressing Israel's radical doubt at the chapter's rhetorical center.
8
וַיָּבֹ֖א עֲמָלֵ֑ק וַיִּלָּ֥חֶם עִם יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בִּרְפִידִֽם
Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim.
A new crisis begins abruptly with no causal link to what precedes — Amalek's attack, introducing the chapter's second major unit (vv.8-16).
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַיָּבֹ֖אand ... cameQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, opening a new episode→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, marking a scene shiftבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; introduces the sudden, unprovoked arrival of Amalek — a new threat immediately after the water crisis.
עֲמָלֵ֑קAmalekN proper · עֲמָלֵק (H6002)Subject of וַיָּבֹאעֲמָלֵק (H6002), a nomadic people descended from Esau (Gen 36:12); Israel's archetypal enemy, later placed under a perpetual ban (Deut 25:17-19).
וַיִּלָּ֥חֶםand he foughtNiphal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָחַם (H3898)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָחַם (H3898) Niphal (reciprocal) 'to fight, do battle'; Amalek's aggression against Israel begins the chapter's second crisis.
עִםwith/againstprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase (opposition)עִם (H5973) 'with'; here adversative, 'against.'
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Object of preposition עִםיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the target of Amalek's unprovoked attack.
בִּרְפִידִֽםat Rephidimprep בְּ + N proper · רְפִידִים (H7508)Locative prepositional phraseרְפִידִים (H7508); the same site as the water miracle — crisis follows crisis at this one encampment.
9
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֤ה אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ בְּחַר לָ֣נוּ אֲנָשִׁ֔ים וְצֵ֖א הִלָּחֵ֣ם בַּעֲמָלֵ֑ק מָחָ֗ר אָנֹכִ֤י נִצָּב֙ עַל רֹ֣אשׁ הַגִּבְעָ֔ה וּמַטֵּ֥ה הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים בְּיָדִֽי
So Moses said to Joshua, 'Choose for us men, and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill, with the staff of God in my hand.'
Moses' first recorded delegation of command; the introduction of Joshua and the division of labor (Joshua fights, Moses intercedes) structure the rest of the unit.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand ... saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Moses's first recorded delegation of military command.
מֹשֶׁ֤הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶרמֹשֶׁה (H4872); acts decisively, appointing Joshua to lead the fight.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to'; directs the command to Joshua.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙JoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of preposition אֶליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'the LORD is salvation'; his first appearance in the Torah, here as military commander, later Moses's successor.
בְּחַרchooseQal impv 2ms · בָּחַר (H977)Imperative, first command to Joshua→ Volitional: direct commandבָּחַר (H977) 'to choose, select'; Joshua is given authority to select the fighting force.
לָ֣נוּfor usprep לְ + 1cp sf · לְPrepositional phrase (benefactive), complement of בְּחַר1cp suffix 'us'; Moses associates himself and the people with the coming battle.
אֲנָשִׁ֔יםmenN m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object of בְּחַראִישׁ (H376) 'man'; plural 'men,' i.e. fighting men to be mustered by Joshua.
וְצֵ֖אand go outQal impv 2ms · יָצָא (H3318)Imperative continuing the command chain→ Volitional: direct commandיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; here of going out to battle, as commonly in military contexts.
הִלָּחֵ֣םfightNiphal impv 2ms · לָחַם (H3898)Imperative, purpose/result of וְצֵא ('go out and fight')→ Volitional: direct commandלָחַם (H3898) Niphal 'to fight'; same verb as v.8's וַיִּלָּחֶם — Joshua is commissioned to engage Amalek directly.
בַּעֲמָלֵ֑קagainst Amalekprep בְּ + N proper · עֲמָלֵק (H6002)Prepositional phrase (opposition), complement of הִלָּחֵםעֲמָלֵק (H6002); the enemy named again to specify the target of the fight.
מָחָ֗רtomorrowN m sg abs (adverbial) · מָחָר (H4279)Adverbial accusative of time, fronted for emphasisמָחָר (H4279) 'tomorrow'; Moses's plan spans the following day, matching a set battle-time.
אָנֹכִ֤יIpersonal pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Emphatic subject of נִצָּב (independent pronoun for contrast with Joshua's men)אָנֹכִי (H595) emphatic 1cs pronoun 'I'; contrasts Moses's role (intercessory, on the hill) with Joshua's (combat, in the valley).
נִצָּב֙will station myselfNiphal ptc ms · נָצַב (H5324)Participle predicate expressing near-future intention→ Participle: imminent/planned actionנָצַב (H5324) Niphal 'to station oneself, stand firm'; Moses commits to a fixed post overseeing the battle.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; locates Moses atop the hill.
רֹ֣אשׁthe top ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Construct chain (genitival), object of עַלרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head, top'; construct 'top of the hill' — the vantage point for Moses's intercessory role.
הַגִּבְעָ֔הthe hillart + N f sg abs · גִּבְעָה (H1389)Genitive completing the construct chainגִּבְעָה (H1389) 'hill'; the elevated site overlooking the battlefield below.
וּמַטֵּ֥הand the staff ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · מַטֶּה (H4294)Construct chain (genitival), circumstantial noun clauseמַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff, rod'; the same instrument used at the Nile and the rock — now raised over a battle.
הָאֱלֹהִ֖יםof Godart + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive completing the construct chainאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; calling it 'the staff of God' marks it as the vehicle of divine power, not mere wood.
בְּיָדִֽיin my handprep בְּ + N constr + 1cs sf · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase (manner), predicate complementיָד (H3027) 'hand'; Moses will personally hold the staff aloft, linking his posture to the battle's outcome (cf. v.11).
10
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר אָֽמַר לוֹ֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם בַּעֲמָלֵ֑ק וּמֹשֶׁה֙ אַהֲרֹ֣ן וְח֔וּר עָל֖וּ רֹ֥אשׁ הַגִּבְעָֽה
And Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
Reports Joshua's, and then Moses/Aaron/Hur's, exact fulfillment of the plan just outlined, using the same phrase 'top of the hill' as v.9.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂand ... didQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; Joshua's immediate compliance with Moses's command.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); the obedient commander, executing Moses's instructions exactly.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֤רas/just asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative-relative clause ('as ... had said')אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; with כְּ forms 'according as, just as,' marking exact correspondence between command and execution.
אָֽמַרhad saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: antecedent completed act (Moses's prior instruction)אָמַר (H559) 'to say'; refers back to Moses's command in v.9.
לוֹ֙to himprep לְ + 3ms sf · לְIndirect object of אָמַר3ms suffix 'him,' referring to Joshua.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of אָמַרמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the source of the original command being fulfilled.
לְהִלָּחֵ֖םto fightprep לְ + Niphal inf constr · לָחַם (H3898)Purpose/epexegetical infinitive construct, summarizing Joshua's action→ Infinitive construct: purpose nuanceלָחַם (H3898) Niphal 'to fight'; summarizes Joshua's engagement with Amalek in a single infinitive.
בַּעֲמָלֵ֑קagainst Amalekprep בְּ + N proper · עֲמָלֵק (H6002)Prepositional phrase (opposition), complement of לְהִלָּחֵםעֲמָלֵק (H6002); the enemy, named a third time in as many verses to keep the antagonist in view.
וּמֹשֶׁה֙and Mosesconj וְ + N proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)First of three coordinated subjects of עָלוּמֹשֶׁה (H4872); heads the trio ascending the hill, per his own plan in v.9.
אַהֲרֹ֣ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Second coordinated subject of עָלוּאַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses's brother and later high priest; introduced here in a supporting role.
וְח֔וּרand Hurconj וְ + N proper · חוּר (H2354)Third coordinated subject of עָלוּחוּר (H2354), a leader associated with Aaron (cf. Exod 24:14), otherwise little-known; his mention here and in v.12 is his primary role in the Torah.
עָל֖וּwent upQal perf 3cp · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main clause), summarizing the three men's action→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; the three take their intercessory position overlooking the battle.
רֹ֥אשׁthe top ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Construct chain (genitival), object of עָלוּ (accusative of goal)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head, top'; same phrase as v.9, confirming Moses executed his own stated plan.
הַגִּבְעָֽהthe hillart + N f sg abs · גִּבְעָה (H1389)Genitive completing the construct chainגִּבְעָה (H1389) 'hill'; the vantage point from which the outcome of the battle will be visibly tied to Moses's raised hands.
11
וְהָיָ֗ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר יָרִ֥ים מֹשֶׁ֛ה יָד֖וֹ וְגָבַ֣ר יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְכַאֲשֶׁ֥ר יָנִ֛יחַ יָד֖וֹ וְגָבַ֥ר עֲמָלֵֽק
Whenever Moses raised his hand, Israel prevailed; and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.
A background, iterative clause (not a single event but a repeated pattern) explaining the correlation observed throughout the day between Moses' hand and the battle's tide — the chapter's key theological claim.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְהָיָ֗הand it wasQal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal introducing a habitual/customary temporal construction ('and it would be that...')→ Weqatal: habitual/iterative — 'and it used to happen that...'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, happen'; here in the classic construction וְהָיָה + כַּאֲשֶׁר introducing an iterated, ongoing pattern.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨רwheneverprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Temporal-comparative conjunction introducing the iterative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'according as, whenever'; marks the recurring correlation between Moses's hand and the battle's tide.
יָרִ֥יםraisedHiphil impf 3ms · רוּם (H7311)Predicate verb of the temporal clause (iterative)→ Yiqtol: iterative/habitual — repeated action in past narrativeרוּם (H7311) Hiphil 'to raise, lift high'; the raised hand becomes the visible sign of dependence on God, holding the staff of God (v.9).
מֹשֶׁ֛הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of יָרִיםמֹשֶׁה (H4872); his physical posture, not his own strength, determines the battle's course.
יָד֖וֹhis handN constr + 3ms sf · יָד (H3027)Direct object of יָרִיםיָד (H3027) 'hand'; singular here (contrast plural יָדָיו in v.12), holding the staff of God.
וְגָבַ֣רprevailedQal weqatal 3ms · גָּבַר (H1396)Weqatal, apodosis of the iterative construction→ Weqatal: iterative consequence ('and Israel would prevail')גָּבַר (H1396) 'to be strong, prevail, overpower'; the visible outcome tied directly to Moses's raised hand.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of וְגָבַריִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); Israel's military success is explicitly tied to Moses's intercessory posture, not to Joshua's tactics alone.
וְכַאֲשֶׁ֥רand wheneverconj וְ + prep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Coordinated temporal-comparative conjunction, contrastive clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); parallel construction to the first כַּאֲשֶׁר, now describing the opposite condition.
יָנִ֛יחַloweredHiphil impf 3ms · נוּחַ (H5117)Predicate verb of the second temporal clause (iterative)→ Yiqtol: iterative/habitual — repeated action in past narrativeנוּחַ (H5117) Hiphil 'to set down, let rest'; here of lowering the hand from exhaustion, the antithesis of יָרִים.
יָד֖וֹhis handN constr + 3ms sf · יָד (H3027)Direct object of יָנִיחַיָד (H3027); repetition of the earlier term underscores the strict correlation of posture and outcome.
וְגָבַ֥רprevailedQal weqatal 3ms · גָּבַר (H1396)Weqatal, apodosis of the second iterative clause→ Weqatal: iterative consequenceגָּבַר (H1396); the same verb applied now to Amalek — the outcome flips precisely with Moses's hand.
עֲמָלֵֽקAmalekN proper · עֲמָלֵק (H6002)Subject of וְגָבַרעֲמָלֵק (H6002); Israel's enemy, whose fortunes rise and fall inversely with Moses's arm — the theological point of the whole scene.
12
וִידֵ֤י מֹשֶׁה֙ כְּבֵדִ֔ים וַיִּקְחוּ אֶ֛בֶן וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ תַחְתָּ֖יו וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב עָלֶ֑יהָ וְאַהֲרֹ֨ן וְח֜וּר תָּֽמְכ֣וּ בְיָדָ֗יו מִזֶּ֤ה אֶחָד֙ וּמִזֶּ֣ה אֶחָ֔ד וַיְהִ֥י יָדָ֛יו אֱמוּנָ֖ה עַד בֹּ֥א הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ
Now Moses' hands grew heavy, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on this side and one on that side; so his hands were steady until the sun set.
Explains the human means (the stone, Aaron and Hur's support) by which the pattern of v.11 was sustained for a full day, underscoring that even Moses' intercession depends on communal support.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וִידֵ֤יand the hands ofconj וְ + N dual constr · יָד (H3027)Construct chain (genitival), subject of the nominal clauseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; dual construct 'hands of Moses,' subject of the following adjective.
מֹשֶׁה֙MosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Genitive completing the construct chainמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the very arms that determine the battle now fail from fatigue.
כְּבֵדִ֔יםwere heavyadj m pl abs · כָּבֵד (H3515)Predicate adjective of the nominal clause ('Moses' hands were heavy')כָּבֵד (H3515) 'heavy'; human weakness intrudes even at the height of the theological drama.
וַיִּקְחוּand they tookQal wayyiqtol 3mp · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Aaron and Hur's practical response to Moses's exhaustion.
אֶ֛בֶןa stoneN f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct object of וַיִּקְחוּאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; an improvised seat, contrasting with the earlier miraculous rock (הַצּוּר) of v.6.
וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּand they putQal wayyiqtol 3mp · שִׂים (H7760)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place'; practical provision for Moses to rest without lowering his hands.
תַחְתָּ֖יוunder himprep תַּחַת + 3ms sf · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional phrase (locative), complement of וַיָּשִׂימוּתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, beneath'; the stone is positioned for Moses to sit.
וַיֵּ֣שֶׁבand he satQal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; Moses remains at his post, seated rather than standing, to endure the long day.
עָלֶ֑יהָon itprep עַל + 3fs sf · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative), complement of וַיֵּשֶׁבprep עַל 'upon'; 3fs suffix referring back to אֶבֶן (feminine), the stone.
וְאַהֲרֹ֨ןand Aaronconj וְ + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)First coordinated subject of תָּמְכוּאַהֲרֹן (H175); moves from bystander (v.10) to active supporter of Moses's arms.
וְח֜וּרand Hurconj וְ + N proper · חוּר (H2354)Second coordinated subject of תָּמְכוּחוּר (H2354); paired again with Aaron as Moses's physical support.
תָּֽמְכ֣וּheld upQal perf 3cp · תָּמַךְ (H8551)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a sustained, decisive supporting actתָּמַךְ (H8551) 'to support, hold up, sustain'; the concrete image of communal aid enabling Moses's intercessory posture to continue.
בְיָדָ֗יוhis handsprep בְּ + N dual constr + 3ms sf · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase (object of support), complement of תָּמְכוּיָד (H3027) 'hand'; dual, referring to both of Moses's arms now held up by his companions.
מִזֶּ֤הon this sideprep מִן + demonstrative · זֶה (H2088)Adverbial prepositional phrase (spatial distribution)זֶה (H2088) 'this'; idiom מִזֶּה...וּמִזֶּה 'on this side...and on that side,' describing Aaron and Hur positioned one on each side of Moses.
אֶחָד֙onenumeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Numeral in apposition, specifying one supporter per sideאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; distributive use, 'one on this side.'
וּמִזֶּ֣הand on that sideconj וְ + prep מִן + demonstrative · זֶה (H2088)Adverbial prepositional phrase, second half of the distributive pairזֶה (H2088); completes the idiom, locating the second supporter.
אֶחָ֔דonenumeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Numeral in apposition, specifying the other supporterאֶחָד (H259); 'and one on that side' — Aaron and Hur symmetrically flanking Moses.
וַיְהִ֥יand ... wereQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; introduces the resulting state of Moses's hands.
יָדָ֛יוhis handsN dual constr + 3ms sf · יָד (H3027)Subject of וַיְהִייָד (H3027) 'hand'; dual, subject of the resulting steadiness.
אֱמוּנָ֖הsteadyN f sg abs (predicate) · אֱמוּנָה (H530)Predicate noun/adjective of the clause ('his hands were steadiness')אֱמוּנָה (H530) 'steadiness, faithfulness, firmness', from אָמַן 'to be firm/trustworthy'; used here almost adverbially of Moses's hands staying 'firm' — a term elsewhere denoting God's own faithfulness.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase (temporal), marking the duration's endpointעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; marks the full extent of the day's effort.
בֹּ֥אthe going down ofQal inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Infinitive construct, temporal complement of עַד→ Infinitive construct: temporal markerבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go'; idiom בֹּא הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ 'the coming/setting of the sun,' marking sunset.
הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁthe sunart + N sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Subject of the infinitive בֹּאשֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'sun'; the battle, and Moses's endurance, lasts the entire day.
13
וַיַּחֲלֹ֧שׁ יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ אֶת עֲמָלֵ֥ק וְאֶת עַמּ֖וֹ לְפִי חָֽרֶב
So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
Reports the battle's outcome in a single terse clause, resolving the second crisis and setting up the divine oracle that follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיַּחֲלֹ֧שׁand ... overwhelmedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָלַשׁ (H2522)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, resolution of the battle→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָלַשׁ (H2522) 'to weaken, prostrate, defeat'; the decisive military outcome, correlated throughout with Moses's raised hands.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיַּחֲלֹשׁיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); credited with the battlefield victory, though the narrative has made clear the true cause was Moses's intercession.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking עֲמָלֵק as the definite object; untranslated.
עֲמָלֵ֥קAmalekN proper · עֲמָלֵק (H6002)Direct object of וַיַּחֲלֹשׁעֲמָלֵק (H6002); the defeated enemy, whose hostility here becomes the basis for the divine oracle of vv.14-16.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)אֵת (H853); introduces the second object, 'his people.'
עַמּ֖וֹhis peopleN sg constr + 3ms sf · עַם (H5971)Direct object of וַיַּחֲלֹשׁ (coordinate with עֲמָלֵק)עַם (H5971) 'people'; Amalek's fighting force, defeated alongside their leader/nation.
לְפִיwith the edge ofprep לְ + N sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Adverbial prepositional phrase (instrument), construct chain (genitival)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; idiom לְפִי־חֶרֶב 'by the mouth/edge of the sword,' i.e. by the sword's blade — standard idiom for wholesale slaughter.
חָֽרֶבthe swordN f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Genitive completing the construct idiomחֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword'; completes the idiom for total military defeat.
14
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֗ה כְּתֹ֨ב זֹ֤את זִכָּרוֹן֙ בַּסֵּ֔פֶר וְשִׂ֖ים בְּאָזְנֵ֣י יְהוֹשֻׁ֑עַ כִּֽי מָחֹ֤ה אֶמְחֶה֙ אֶת זֵ֣כֶר עֲמָלֵ֔ק מִתַּ֖חַת הַשָּׁמָֽיִם
Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Write this as a memorial in the book, and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.'
God's command to write and recite establishes a permanent, quotable record; the emphatic infinitive absolute מָחֹה אֶמְחֶה makes this the strongest of the chapter's several divine speeches.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand ... saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces God's climactic oracle following the victory.
יְהוָ֜הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068); God himself pronounces the verdict on Amalek.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to'; directs the divine speech to Moses.
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); commanded to preserve the oracle in writing.
כְּתֹ֨בwriteQal impv 2ms · כָּתַב (H3789)Imperative, first command→ Volitional: direct divine commandכָּתַב (H3789) 'to write'; one of the earliest explicit divine commands to Moses to produce a written record (cf. Exod 24:4).
זֹ֤אתthisdemonstrative f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Direct object of כְּתֹבזֹאת (H2063) 'this' (fem.); refers to the following declaration about Amalek.
זִכָּרוֹן֙as a memorialN m sg abs (adverbial) · זִכָּרוֹן (H2146)Adverbial accusative of purpose/result ('as a memorial')זִכָּרוֹן (H2146) 'memorial, remembrance', from זָכַר 'to remember'; a permanent record ensuring the episode and its verdict are not forgotten.
בַּסֵּ֔פֶרin the bookprep בְּ (with art) + N m sg abs · סֵפֶר (H5612)Prepositional phrase (locative), complement of כְּתֹבסֵפֶר (H5612) 'book, scroll, document'; likely referring to an ongoing written record that becomes part of the Torah.
וְשִׂ֖יםand reciteQal impv 2ms · שִׂים (H7760)Imperative continuing the command chain→ Volitional: direct divine commandשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place'; idiom שִׂים בְּאָזְנֵי 'put in the ears of,' i.e. recite aloud so as to be heard and remembered.
בְּאָזְנֵ֣יin the ears ofprep בְּ + N dual constr · אֹזֶן (H241)Prepositional phrase (idiomatic), construct chain (genitival)אֹזֶן (H241) 'ear'; idiom for oral proclamation ensuring Joshua personally hears and remembers the verdict.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֑עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Genitive completing the construct idiom (recipient of the recitation)יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); as Amalek's conqueror and Moses's eventual successor, Joshua is singled out to carry the mandate forward (cf. 1 Sam 15).
כִּֽיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer introducing the content of the written memorialכִּי (H3588) 'that, because'; introduces the substance of what is to be written/recited — God's own oath.
מָחֹ֤הutterlyQal inf abs · מָחָה (H4229)Infinitive absolute intensifying the following finite verb (emphatic construction)→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic intensification ('I will surely/utterly blot out')מָחָה (H4229) 'to wipe out, blot out, erase'; infinitive absolute before the same verb's finite form intensifies the certainty and totality of the coming judgment.
אֶמְחֶה֙I will blot outQal impf 1cs · מָחָה (H4229)Predicate verb (main clause), intensified by preceding infinitive absolute→ Yiqtol: emphatic future — an irrevocable divine resolveמָחָה (H4229) 'to wipe out'; God's first-person, self-committing oath against Amalek.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking זֵכֶר עֲמָלֵק as the definite object; untranslated.
זֵ֣כֶרthe remembrance ofN m sg constr · זֵכֶר (H2143)Construct chain (genitival), direct object of אֶמְחֶהזֵכֶר (H2143) 'remembrance, memory, name', cognate to זִכָּרוֹן above; ironically, Amalek's 'remembrance' is preserved precisely by this written command to erase it.
עֲמָלֵ֔קAmalekN proper · עֲמָלֵק (H6002)Genitive completing the construct chainעֲמָלֵק (H6002); the object of the divine ban, developed further in v.16 and Deut 25:17-19.
מִתַּ֖חַתfrom underprep מִן + prep · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional phrase (locative), complement of אֶמְחֶהתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, beneath'; with מִן, 'from under' — a merism for totality (cf. next word).
הַשָּׁמָֽיִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Object of preposition מִתַּחַתשָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; idiom 'from under heaven' expresses total, universal erasure — nothing of Amalek's memory will remain anywhere.
15
וַיִּ֥בֶן מֹשֶׁ֖ה מִזְבֵּ֑חַ וַיִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ יְהוָ֥ה נִסִּֽי
And Moses built an altar and called its name 'The LORD is my banner.'
Moses responds to the oracle with a memorial altar, paralleling the naming etiology of v.7 (Massah/Meribah) with a second, confessional name, 'the LORD is my banner.'
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיִּ֥בֶןand ... builtQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּנָה (H1129)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; Moses commemorates the victory with a cultic structure, as elsewhere after major divine deliverances.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיִּבֶןמֹשֶׁה (H4872); builds the altar personally, as leader and mediator.
מִזְבֵּ֑חַan altarN m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object of וַיִּבֶןמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar', from זָבַח 'to sacrifice'; here likely a memorial altar rather than one used for sacrifice, marking the site of victory.
וַיִּקְרָ֥אand he calledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; introduces the naming formula for the altar.
שְׁמ֖וֹits nameN sg constr + 3ms sf · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וַיִּקְרָא (name given)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the altar's name becomes a permanent theological confession.
יְהוָ֥הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3071)First element of the compound name (subject of the naming predication)יְהוָה (H3068/3071); here the divine name forms the first half of the altar's title, credited as the true victor over Amalek.
נִסִּֽיis my bannerN sg constr + 1cs sf · נֵס (H3071)Predicate noun completing the compound name 'YHWH-nissi'נֵס (H5251, here forming part of the compound proper name H3071 'YHWH-nissi') 'banner, standard, signal-pole'; the altar's name, 'the LORD is my banner,' proclaims God as the rallying standard under which Israel fought and won.
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וַיֹּ֗אמֶר כִּֽי יָד֙ עַל כֵּ֣ס יָ֔הּ מִלְחָמָ֥ה לַיהוָ֖ה בַּֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק מִדֹּ֖ר דֹּֽר
And he said, 'A hand upon the throne of the LORD! The LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.'
A notoriously compressed and much-debated saying (perhaps an ancient oath formula) that reaffirms v.14's promise: the LORD's own hostility toward Amalek will continue in perpetuity, closing the chapter on a note of ongoing conflict rather than final resolution.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing the closing oracle→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Moses's (or the narrator's) concluding declaration.
כִּֽיfor/surelyconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal/asseverative conjunction introducing the declarationכִּי (H3588) 'for, because, surely'; here likely asseverative ('surely') or causal, introducing the terse oracular statement.
יָד֙a handN sg abs · יָד (H3027)Subject of the (elliptical) nominal clauseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; a famously compressed, much-debated clause; likely evokes Moses's raised hand of vv.11-12, now transposed to the divine 'hand' raised against Amalek.
עַלagainst/uponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase completing the nominal clauseעַל (H5921) 'upon, against'; links 'hand' to 'the throne of Yah.'
כֵּ֣סthe throne ofN sg constr (defective for כִּסֵּא) · כֵּס (H3676)Construct chain (genitival), object of עַלכֵּס (H3676), a rare defective spelling of כִּסֵּא 'throne' found only here; ancient tradition treats this as a solemn oath-formula, its truncated spelling mirroring the incompleteness of God's throne/name 'until Amalek is blotted out.'
יָ֔הּthe LORD/YahN proper (shortened divine name) · יָהּ (H3050)Genitive completing the construct chainיָהּ (H3050), the short/poetic form of the divine name יְהוָה (cf. Exod 15:2); its use here, alongside the truncated כֵּס, has long been read as symbolizing an incomplete divine name/throne until Amalek's final defeat.
מִלְחָמָ֥הwarN f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Subject/predicate of a new nominal clause ('the LORD has war with Amalek')מִלְחָמָה (H4421) 'war, battle', from לָחַם; the LORD's own ongoing hostility toward Amalek, matching the human battle just fought.
לַיהוָ֖הthe LORD hasprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase of possession ('war belongs to the LORD')יְהוָה (H3068); the possessor of the war — this is now God's own perpetual campaign, not merely Israel's.
בַּֽעֲמָלֵ֑קwith Amalekprep בְּ + N proper · עֲמָלֵק (H6002)Prepositional phrase (opposition), complement of מִלְחָמָהעֲמָלֵק (H6002); the enduring object of the divine war just declared.
מִדֹּ֖רfrom generationprep מִן + N sg abs · דּוֹר (H1755)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal extent)דּוֹר (H1755) 'generation, age'; idiom מִדֹּר דֹּר 'from generation to generation,' expressing perpetuity.
דֹּֽרto generationN sg abs · דּוֹר (H1755)Completing the idiomatic temporal phraseדּוֹר (H1755); repetition without conjunction intensifies the sense of unending duration — the war with Amalek spans all time (cf. 1 Sam 15; Esth 3, the Haman/Agag connection).