Exodus 17
The Israelites Murmur for WaterThis passage tells the story of the Israelites facing a serious problem—they had no water in the wilderness. Even though they were following God’s guidance, they came to a place where there was nothing to drink. This teaches us that we can experience hard times even when we are doing what is right. God sometimes allows these troubles to test our faith and to show his power when he helps us.v. 1: The Israelites traveled as the Lord commanded, led by the pillar of cloud and fire. Still, they arrived at a place with no water . This shows that even when we are obeying God, we might face difficulties. God often lets us go through trials to strengthen our faith and to show his glory when he brings relief. v. 2–4: The people became upset and demanded water from Moses. They said, Give us water, that we may drink (Exodus 17:2 a). Their thirst made them impatient and angry. They even accused Moses of bringing them out of Egypt to die in the desert (Exodus 17:3 b). Their anger became so strong that Moses was afraid they might stone him (Exodus 17:4 c). Moses responded calmly and tried to remind them that by complaining, they were actually doubting God, not just him. Then Moses prayed to God for help because he did not know what else to do. He trusted that God would listen and guide him (Luke 14:21 d). – – v. 5–6: God answered Moses and told him to take his staff and some elders and go ahead of the people. God said he would stand before Moses on the rock at Horeb. Moses was to strike the rock, and water would come out for everyone to drink (Exodus 17:5–6 e). Moses obeyed, and water flowed out in abundance. This miracle showed God’s patience and mercy, even when the people complained. God provided for their needs, just as Jesus taught us to do good to our enemies (Romans 12:20; Matthew 5:44–45 f). The water from the rock was a sign of God’s power and kindness, and it satisfied the people’s thirst (Psalm 78:15–16; Psalm 114:8; Deuteronomy 32:13). God can provide for us even in the most difficult situations, just as he gave water in the wilderness (Isaiah 43:20 g). The rock also points to Christ, who gives us living water for our souls (1 Corinthians 10:4; John 7:38–39; John 4:14). – v. 7: Moses named the place Massah, which means “temptation,” and Meribah, which means “strife,” because the people quarreled and tested the Lord by asking, Is the Lord among us or not? . The names were a reminder of their sin and a warning not to doubt God’s presence and promises. It teaches us that questioning God’s care is a serious mistake, especially after he has already shown us so much kindness. The Conflict with Amalek; The Defeat of AmalekThis section tells the story of Israel’s first recorded battle after leaving Egypt. The Amalekites, descendants of Esau, attacked Israel without warning. This attack showed the deep hostility between the two peoples. God allowed this trouble to come, possibly as a lesson to the Israelites who had recently been arguing among themselves. The story also shows that God’s people must sometimes defend themselves, but also trust in God’s help. God would use this event to teach important lessons about prayer, faith, and giving him the glory for every victory.v. 8: The Amalekites came and fought against Israel in the wilderness . They attacked the Israelites from behind, where the tired and weak people were traveling (Deuteronomy 25:17–18 h). This attack was an act of hatred going back to Esau and Jacob. God allowed this trouble as a consequence for Israel’s grumbling and fighting among themselves. v. 9: Moses told Joshua—who is mentioned here for the first time—to pick some men and go out to fight Amalek . Joshua would lead the soldiers while Moses stood on the hill with the “rod of God” in his hand. The rod reminded everyone of God’s power and past miracles. Israel needed to act, not just wait for God to do everything for them. God wants us to use the means he gives us, while still trusting in him. v. 10–12: Joshua fought in the valley, and Moses went to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. Moses held up his hands with the rod. When he did this, Israel was winning. When he lowered his hands, Amalek started to win (Exodus 17:11 i). Moses’ hands grew tired, so Aaron and Hur helped by holding up his hands, one on each side. Moses sat on a stone while they supported him, and his hands stayed steady until sunset (Exodus 17:12 j). This shows that prayer and faith are very important, and sometimes we need help from others to keep going. It also reminds us that even great leaders can become tired and need support. – – v. 13: Joshua and the Israelite soldiers defeated the Amalekites . Even though the Israelites were not trained fighters and had many disadvantages, God gave them victory. Joshua was a sign of the future Savior, Jesus, who would defeat evil for us. God’s people may struggle, but with God’s help, they will win in the end. v. 14: After the victory, God told Moses to write down what happened as a memorial and to tell Joshua about it . This is one of the first times writing is mentioned in the Bible. God wanted future generations to remember both the attack and how he saved his people. God also promised that Amalek would be wiped out completely, and this happened later in Israel’s history (1 Samuel 15; 2 Samuel 8:12 k). v. 15: Moses built an altar to thank God and called it “Jehovah-nissi,” which means “The Lord is my banner” . Instead of honoring Joshua or himself, Moses gave all the glory to God. The altar was a way for everyone to remember that God fought for them, and his presence was like a banner over them (Psalm 20:5 l). v. 16: God said there would be war with Amalek from generation to generation because they raised their hand against the throne of the Lord (Exodus 17:16 m). This means that God would always oppose the enemies of his people. It was a warning never to make peace with those who fight against God. In the end, God will defeat all enemies who oppose his kingdom (Revelation 17:14 n).
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