Exodus 15:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?"

NIV: So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?"

NASB: So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, 'What are we to drink?'

CSB: The people grumbled to Moses, "What are we going to drink?"

NLT: Then the people complained and turned against Moses. 'What are we going to drink?' they demanded.

KJV: And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?

NKJV: And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?”

This is the first of many times the Israelites "grumble" or complain against Moses. This is not a subtle, private unhappiness or whispered criticism. Rather, it carries a sense of blame and dishonor. Israelites who "grumble" in the story of the exodus are expressing open, hostile, angry discontent. Despite so many miracles (Exodus 12:29–31; 14:21–28), this will become a habit (Exodus 16:2–3; 17:3; Numbers 14:2; 16:11, 41; 17:5). After three days without finding water (Exodus 15:22), the people finally come across a source, but it's undrinkable (Exodus 15:23).

God will provide an immediate solution to this problem (Exodus 15:25). He means to teach the people to rely on Him in trusting faith (Exodus 15:26). Soon, He will lead the people to an even better source (Exodus 15:27). Yet the next time Israel is short of water, they will not react with humble faith. Instead, they will make demands (Exodus 17:2).

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 11:13:35 PM