Exodus 15:22-17:7
We're given 3 stories in this section of Exodus. The first & third are about water. The second is about food. All three revolve around the Israelites grumbling and God providing through the leadership of His servant Moses.
Story #1 Bitter waters of Marah
It's easy for us to criticize the Israelites for grumbling so soon after the spectacular Exodus, but 3 days without water would bring almost anyone to question the leadership, especially considering they had approached an oasis only to find its waters extremely bitter. But we must ask, what does grumbling actually accomplish? Moses, it should be noted, doesn't respond with empty promises. He doesn't respond to the people at all. His first priority is to go to God. God's answer directs Moses to place a piece of wood in the bitter water. As post-cross Christians, the significance of this action may be in the parallelism between the this wood and the wood of the cross. Both were used to accomplish the salvation of God's people. In more general terms, however, this story seems to be a microcosm of Israel's recent history. Their life in Egypt had been bitter, but by God's power it was becoming sweet. God promises His people, here, that if they will obey Him, He will bless and protect them. The story ends with God graciously leading Israel to Elim, a location with 12 springs and 70 palm trees.
Story #2 Manna from Heaven
The second instance of grumbling comes as a result to the lack of food in the desert. The Israelites felt as if they were going to starve to death and would have been better off as slaves in Egypt where at least they had plenty of food to eat. Once again, Moses doesn't respond without hearing from the Lord Who declares that He will send bread from heaven on a daily basis while they sojourn in the desert. (Quail is also provides, but more can be found about that In Numbers 11). The 'bread' was found on the ground each morning. The people didn't know what it was, so they called it 'manna' (Hebrew for 'what is it?'). There was just the right amount for everyone to have a sound meal. Two problems emerged. First, some attempted to keep some manna until morning, perhaps not having enough faith that God would provide again. Second, some tried to gather on the Sabbath day (Saturday) even though God had specifically told them to gather twice the daily amount on Friday. (As an aside, it should be noted that this passage is the first instance of the word 'Sabbath' in the Old Testament.) These acts of disobedience made both Moses & God angry. The majority, however, seem to have obeyed and God provided the manna throughout the 40 years. In fact, some of it was to be kept so that future generations could hear to story of God's great provision. Jesus, of course, references the 'bread from heaven' in John 6. Also, see Deut. 8:3, 16
Story #3 Water from a Rock
Once again, the people are thirsty. This time they don't even have bitter water. Moses, again, cries out to the Lord instead of responding instantly to the people. He is commanded to strike a rock, which then pours out water. Paul tells us, in 1 Corinthians 10:4, that the rock represented Christ. He is our true source of life.
Story #1 Bitter waters of Marah
It's easy for us to criticize the Israelites for grumbling so soon after the spectacular Exodus, but 3 days without water would bring almost anyone to question the leadership, especially considering they had approached an oasis only to find its waters extremely bitter. But we must ask, what does grumbling actually accomplish? Moses, it should be noted, doesn't respond with empty promises. He doesn't respond to the people at all. His first priority is to go to God. God's answer directs Moses to place a piece of wood in the bitter water. As post-cross Christians, the significance of this action may be in the parallelism between the this wood and the wood of the cross. Both were used to accomplish the salvation of God's people. In more general terms, however, this story seems to be a microcosm of Israel's recent history. Their life in Egypt had been bitter, but by God's power it was becoming sweet. God promises His people, here, that if they will obey Him, He will bless and protect them. The story ends with God graciously leading Israel to Elim, a location with 12 springs and 70 palm trees.
Story #2 Manna from Heaven
The second instance of grumbling comes as a result to the lack of food in the desert. The Israelites felt as if they were going to starve to death and would have been better off as slaves in Egypt where at least they had plenty of food to eat. Once again, Moses doesn't respond without hearing from the Lord Who declares that He will send bread from heaven on a daily basis while they sojourn in the desert. (Quail is also provides, but more can be found about that In Numbers 11). The 'bread' was found on the ground each morning. The people didn't know what it was, so they called it 'manna' (Hebrew for 'what is it?'). There was just the right amount for everyone to have a sound meal. Two problems emerged. First, some attempted to keep some manna until morning, perhaps not having enough faith that God would provide again. Second, some tried to gather on the Sabbath day (Saturday) even though God had specifically told them to gather twice the daily amount on Friday. (As an aside, it should be noted that this passage is the first instance of the word 'Sabbath' in the Old Testament.) These acts of disobedience made both Moses & God angry. The majority, however, seem to have obeyed and God provided the manna throughout the 40 years. In fact, some of it was to be kept so that future generations could hear to story of God's great provision. Jesus, of course, references the 'bread from heaven' in John 6. Also, see Deut. 8:3, 16
Story #3 Water from a Rock
Once again, the people are thirsty. This time they don't even have bitter water. Moses, again, cries out to the Lord instead of responding instantly to the people. He is commanded to strike a rock, which then pours out water. Paul tells us, in 1 Corinthians 10:4, that the rock represented Christ. He is our true source of life.
posted by matthew at 2:45 PM
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