Exodus 17
Read Exodus 17 (WEB)+
1All the congregation of the children of Israel traveled from the wilderness of Sin, by their journeys, according to Yahweh’s commandment, and encamped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. 2Therefore the people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh?” 3The people were thirsty for water there; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?” 4Moses cried to Yahweh, saying, “What shall I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5Yahweh said to Moses, “Walk on before the people, and take the elders of Israel with you, and take the rod in your hand with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb. You shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7He called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because the children of Israel quarreled, and because they tested Yahweh, saying, “Is Yahweh among us, or not?” 8Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us, and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with God’s rod in my hand.” 10So Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side. His hands were steady until sunset. 13Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14Yahweh said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under the sky.” 15Moses built an altar, and called its name Yahweh our Banner. 16He said, “Yah has sworn: ‘Yahweh will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.’”
World English Bible (public domain)
“And he cried to the Lord, "O Lord, what shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me."”
Exodus 17:4
Summary
In Exodus chapter 17, the Israelites continue their journey through the wilderness and face a critical situation when they find themselves without water. Complaining against Moses, they express their doubts about God's provision and question whether He is truly among them. In response, God instructs Moses to strike a rock at Horeb, from which water then flows abundantly, satisfying the people's thirst and demonstrating God's continual care. Following this miracle, the chapter recounts the battle against the Amalekites, where Joshua leads the Israelite forces. As long as Moses holds up his hands, the Israelites prevail, but when he lowers them, the Amalekites gain the upper hand. Aaron and Hur support Moses by holding up his hands, ensuring victory for Israel. This chapter highlights God’s provision, the importance of faith during trials, and the significance of community and support in spiritual warfare.
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