How Long Did the Battle Last?

The question of how long a particular battle lasted depends on the historical, biblical, or military context being considered. Focusing on biblical history, especially the account of Israel’s battle with the Amalekites as described in Exodus 17:8–16, we can examine the duration and circumstances of this engagement.

1. The Context of the Battle

The Israelites had recently left Egypt and were journeying through the wilderness. During this journey, the Amalekites attacked them at Rephidim, a place where Israel had set up camp (Exodus 17:8). The attack came from behind, targeting the stragglers and the weak, exploiting Israel’s vulnerability. This ambush forced Moses to call upon Joshua to lead the Israelite army against Amalek in direct combat.

2. The Role of Moses’ Leadership

Moses’ involvement was pivotal, though not on the battlefield in the traditional sense. He stood on a hill with the staff of God, lifting his hands as a symbol of divine support. The scripture notes that as long as Moses’ hands were raised, Israel prevailed; when he lowered them, Amalek gained the advantage (Exodus 17:11).

This unusual strategy meant that the battle’s duration was directly tied to Moses’ endurance and the support he received from Aaron and Hur, who held up his hands when he grew weary (Exodus 17:12). This indicates that the battle was not a quick skirmish but required sustained effort from both the army and their spiritual leader.

3. Estimating the Battle’s Duration

The text does not give an exact number of hours or days. However, several factors can help us infer its possible length:

• Physical strain on Moses: Holding hands raised for an extended period is exhausting, suggesting several hours at least.

• Continuous fighting: Joshua led the troops in combat without mention of a pause, implying an ongoing battle.

• Strategic necessity: Amalek’s attack was significant enough to warrant a total commitment of Israel’s army until the enemy was fully defeated.

Based on these observations, scholars generally estimate that the battle likely lasted a full day, possibly from morning until late afternoon, until the Amalekites were defeated. It was long enough to test endurance, faith, and coordination, but short enough that it did not extend into multiple days.

4. The Outcome and Its Implications

By the end of the battle, Joshua and the Israelite forces overcame Amalek, thanks to both human effort and divine intervention. Moses’ hands symbolized dependence on God, and the necessity of Aaron and Hur’s support highlighted communal solidarity. Following the battle, God commanded Moses to write this event down as a memorial (Exodus 17:14–16), underscoring its importance.

The duration of the battle, therefore, carries more than just tactical significance; it represents a period of sustained faith, divine support, and the necessity of teamwork. The battle’s intensity and reliance on God’s guidance made it a powerful spiritual lesson for Israel and a lasting example of trust in divine provision during trials.

5. Conclusion

While the exact number of hours or the precise start and end times are not recorded in the scriptures, the battle at Rephidim against Amalek likely lasted a single, strenuous day, marked by continuous fighting, Moses’ raised hands, and Joshua’s military leadership. Its significance goes beyond duration, serving as a lasting testament to the necessity of faith, perseverance, and collective support in overcoming formidable challenges.

Who supported Moses’ arms?