“Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the Lord?”
Context: Exodus 17:2 is part of the narrative of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. At this point, they have already witnessed numerous miracles and provisions from God. However, they now find themselves in the desert of Sin, and the lack of water leads them to complain and quarrel with Moses.
The people’s complaint: The Israelites, feeling thirsty and weary, begin to complain and quarrel with Moses, demanding water to drink. Their immediate physical need causes them to express their frustration and discontentment. This complaint reveals their lack of faith and their tendency to forget God’s faithfulness and provision in the past.
Moses’ response: Moses, sensing the people’s frustration, responds by questioning their motives and actions. He asks them why they are quarreling with him and, more importantly, why they are tempting the Lord. Moses recognizes that their complaint is not merely directed at him but ultimately challenges God’s faithfulness and provision. By asking why they are tempting the Lord, Moses highlights their lack of trust in God’s ability to meet their needs.
Lessons from Exodus 17:2:
- Trusting God in difficult times: The Israelites’ complaint and Moses’ response teach us about the importance of trusting God even in challenging situations. Instead of grumbling and quarreling, we should turn to God with our needs and trust in His provision. God had already demonstrated His faithfulness by delivering the Israelites from slavery, and He was more than capable of providing for their present need.
- Remembering God’s faithfulness: The people’s complaint reveals a lack of remembrance of God’s previous acts of provision and faithfulness. It is essential for us to remember God’s faithfulness in our own lives, as it strengthens our faith and helps us maintain a proper perspective during times of difficulty. Reflecting on past experiences of God’s provision and deliverance can give us hope and confidence in His ability to meet our current needs.
- Tempting the Lord: Moses cautions the people about tempting the Lord. Tempting God implies challenging or doubting His ability or willingness to provide for us. We should be careful not to test or doubt God’s faithfulness through our complaints and lack of trust. Instead, we should approach Him with faith and confidence, knowing that He is faithful and able to meet our needs.
Application: In our own lives, we may face challenging circumstances that lead us to doubt and complain. However, the example of Exodus 17:2 encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness, remember His past provision, and avoid tempting Him through our lack of faith. By relying on God and seeking His guidance and provision, we can find peace and rest even in the midst of difficult situations.
Remember, the Bible is a rich source of wisdom and guidance, so it is beneficial to explore the surrounding verses and chapters to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the context and lessons conveyed.
