Exodus 15:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah.

NIV: When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah. )

NASB: When they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, because they were bitter; for that reason it was named Marah.

CSB: They came to Marah, but they could not drink the water at Marah because it was bitter—that is why it was named Marah.

NLT: When they came to the oasis of Marah, the water was too bitter to drink. So they called the place Marah (which means 'bitter').

KJV: And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.

NKJV: Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah.

Bible scholars have not determined an exact location for this event. The Hebrew word mārāh literally refers to a vinegary, unpleasant taste (Proverbs 27:7). This description suggests water which would normally have been good, but something had spoiled it. Scripture is not specific as to the cause. Marah may have been the location of a spring or pool which had been fouled by recent flooding, mineral collapse, algae, or any number of reasons. Or, it might have been a source which was always "bitter." What matters is that the water was undrinkable, and Israel was becoming desperate (Exodus 15:22).

The Israelites will respond poorly to this discovery (Exodus 15:24). Despite being rescued with miracles (Exodus 12:29–31; 13:21–22; 14:21–29) they seem to forget God's guidance. Their complaints are against Moses—probably blaming him for leading them in the wrong direction. Similar protests will be offered about food (Exodus 16:2–3) and again over water (Exodus 17:3). There are also criticisms and disagreements over leadership (Numbers 14:2–4; 16:1–50; 17:5).

Exodus 15:22–27 records the first of God's sustaining miracles during Israel's time in the wilderness. The people left slavery (Exodus 12:40–41) and their pursuers were drowned (Exodus 14:21–29). Yet now, they have trouble finding drinkable water. Moses follows the Lord's advice to change undrinkable water into something clean. God indicates that He will keep Israel free from the kinds of plagues He sent on Egypt (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23; 12:29–32) so long as they obey His commands. The people then find a lush oasis with plenty of water and shelter.

Israel celebrates the supernatural event which eliminated the Egyptian army. God's power parted the waters of the Red Sea for the Hebrews to cross, then collapsed the same waters over the pursuing soldiers (Exodus 14:21–29). Moses, his sister Miriam, and the other Israelites praise the Lord for His works. They anticipate that this event will strike fear into the hearts of the wicked Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 9:4). Yet, when the only water they find is undrinkable, the Israelites complain and criticize Moses. God provides a means to purify the water. He then provides a clear message about obedience and leads the people to a well-watered oasis.

When the nation of Israel was freed (Exodus 12:40–41), God led them to a specific place (Exodus 13:17–18). The Egyptians sent an army in pursuit (Exodus 14:5–9). God completed Israel's salvation by leading them across the Red Sea and wiping out the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:21–28). Here, the people celebrate their freedom with singing and dancing. However, they will soon complain when water runs short. In the following chapter, they will complain about food and be given the gift of "manna" (Exodus 16).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 6/15/2025 4:23:12 PM