Exodus 15:24

The Waters of Marah · Exodus 15:22–27
Read Exodus 15

Translations

Modern
So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”
Traditional
And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
Literal
And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?”
Latin
Et murmuravit populus contra Moysen, dicens: Quid bibemus?

Original

Hebrew
English
So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”

Notes

Instead of thinking about recent lessons in faith, the people lost hope and started to complain, as is often the case in difficult times. If complaining becomes a habit, it can lead to failure in the ultimate test, as it did for the Israelites (see Numbers 14; Psalm 95:7–11; Hebrews 3:7–11).

  • First at Marah and then at Elim, God gave water to the people.

  • The exact location of the Desert of Shur is unknown (15:22).

On the journey from the sea to Mount Sinai, God continued to care for the people's needs. During the events where he rescued them, he showed his power. Here, he showed that he cares about their basic needs.

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Moses The Cross and Passover

Events

People

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Book of Exodus Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Deuteronomy, Book of Edom, Edomites Exodus, the God, Names of Heal, Healing Moses Music Song of Moses

Topics

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Trying Our Faith and Obedience Complaining Evil for Good: Israelites, to Moses Israel: Complained on Account of the Bitter Water Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Marah: Murmuring of the People on Account of Bitter Water Marah: The First Station of the Israelites, where Moses Made the Bitter Waters Sweet Meekness: Moses Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Murmuring of Israelites Against Moses Murmuring: Israelites Trouble: About Water