Exodus 17:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.

NIV: The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.

NASB: Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel journeyed by stages from the wilderness of Sin, according to the command of the Lord, and camped at Rephidim, and there was no water for the people to drink.

CSB: The entire Israelite community left the Wilderness of Sin, moving from one place to the next according to the Lord’s command. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.

NLT: At the Lord’s command, the whole community of Israel left the wilderness of Sin and moved from place to place. Eventually they camped at Rephidim, but there was no water there for the people to drink.

KJV: And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the Lord, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.

NKJV: Then all the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey from the Wilderness of Sin, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink.

After Israel celebrated their rescue at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–29) they set off into the wilderness. This desert area was called "Sin," unrelated to the English word which means immorality. Soon, the Israelites complained about not finding water. The Lord provided for their thirst (Exodus 15:22–25). He then sent meat (Exodus 16:13) and a daily provision of bread (Exodus 16:14–16).

For the second time, Israel has trouble finding enough water. Rather than reacting with reassured faith, they harshly criticize Moses (Exodus 17:2–3). He worries they may become violent (Exodus 17:4). Once again, the Lord will graciously supply them with water using Moses as a mechanism (Exodus 17:6)

Exodus 17:1–7 records the second time God miraculously provided water in response to Israelite complaining. He has just given them meat (Exodus 16:13) and an ongoing daily provision of manna (Exodus 16:14–16). Yet when the people don't find water at their next stop, they react poorly. This time, they openly argue with Moses. Protests are so heated that Moses worries about violence. God instructs Moses and then creates a water source for the people.

Israel condemns and argues against Moses because of a water shortage, despite recent miracles proving the Lord's care. In response, God arranges a public display of His power through Moses. Then, when Amalekites attack Israel, God gives them power to repel the attack. This comes in the form of Moses holding up his staff, assisted by Aaron and Hur. Joshua is introduced as a military leader.

The nation of Israel recently received miraculous provisions of water, bread, and meat (Exodus 15—16). Still, they bitterly argue and bicker against Moses when water becomes scarce. After another miracle, God aids the Hebrews in repelling an enemy attack. Next, they will encounter Moses' father-in-law, who will provide some much-needed advice (Exodus 18).

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.