Exo 17:2 | TNotes | STEP | 17:2 testing the Lord is explained in 17:7 . They doubted that God was really with them or cared for them, and they demanded that he prove his presence and care. God invites a test based on faith (“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief,” Mark 9:24 ), but he abhors a test based on doubt (i.e., I don’t believe, and I think God should prove himself to me, as in John 6:30 ). The test based on doubt makes us the judge and God the defendant.

cMark 9:24►

dJohn 6:30►

‏ Exodus 17:2

17:2 ^a testing the Lord is explained in 17:7 ^b. They doubted that God was really with them or cared for them, and they demanded that he prove his presence and care. God invites a test based on faith (“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief,” Mark 9:24 ^c), but he abhors a test based on doubt (i.e., I don’t believe, and I think God should prove himself to me, as in John 6:30 ^d). The test based on doubt makes us the judge and God the defendant.