Exodus 17:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So Moses cried to the Lord, "What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me."

NIV: Then Moses cried out to the Lord, "What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me."

NASB: So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, 'What am I to do with this people? A little more and they will stone me!'

CSB: Then Moses cried out to the Lord, "What should I do with these people? In a little while they will stone me!"

NLT: Then Moses cried out to the Lord, 'What should I do with these people? They are ready to stone me!'

KJV: And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.

NKJV: So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me!”

Leading the people of Israel out of slavery was incredibly stressful (Numbers 11:11). Moses' calls out to God as the people debate and challenge him over a lack of water (Exodus 17:1–2). This is even stronger opposition than the first time they worried about having enough water (Exodus 15:22–25). What makes this so frustrating for Moses is that the Israelites have seen extravagant miracles sent by God for their benefit (Exodus 3:19–20). He saved them from their enemy (Exodus 14:21–28) and gave them food from heaven (Exodus 16:13–15). Yet now, their lack of faith and deep despair (Exodus 17:3) has Moses concerned about violence.

His question can be interpreted in two major ways. One is asking what he is to do "with" the people. This is a universal human expression in frustrating situations: "what am I going to do?" Another translation option is that Moses is asking what God wants him to do "to" the people—possibly as punishment for their behavior.

As He promised to do, the Lord will ensure that Israel survives (Exodus 17:5–6). But this time of unfaithful anger is one of Israel's low points in their journey from slavery (Exodus 12:40–41) to the Promised Land (Genesis 17:8; Exodus 12:25). The location will be remembered and named for this very incident (Deuteronomy 6:16; 33:8; Psalm 95:8).

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.