Exodus 15:25
“And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,”
Immediate Context
The preceding line reads “And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?” The titled verse reads “And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,” The following line reads “And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.” Together, these lines place Exodus 15:25 within its immediate canonical and literary sequence.
Reading the Verse
The wording gives an instruction, obligation, prohibition, or prescribed practice. Its force depends on the people addressed, the action required, and the circumstance stated in the passage.
The wording develops in three movements: “And he cried unto the Lord;” then “and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet:” and finally “there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,” These clauses should be read together.
Biblical Significance
Biblical commands show that faithfulness takes concrete form. They must also be read within their covenantal and literary setting so that the original requirement and any later application are not confused.
Application
Readers should first identify exactly what is commanded and why. Application begins with reverence for God’s word, precise observation, and careful distinction between the original setting and present responsibilities.
Read in this setting, Exodus 15:25 speaks through its own wording and context. Its claims and application begin with the KJV text above.
