Exodus 15:25

And he cried vnto the Lord: and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when hee had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweete: there he made a statute & an ordinance, and there he proued them, Exodus 15:25 (KJV)

This quotation does not appear in the traditional Masoretic Text or in the King James Version of Exodus. The actual passage concerning the Israelites’ experience at Marah is found in Exodus 15:22‑27. After crossing the Red Sea, the people entered the Wilderness of Shur and went three days without finding water (Exodus 15:22). When they arrived at Marah, the water there was bitter and undrinkable (Exodus 15:23).

In their distress the Israelites cried out to the LORD, demonstrating their reliance on Him and their expectation that He would provide relief. The LORD responded by promising fresh water, conditional on the people’s obedience (Exodus 15:26). This promise shows God’s willingness to meet the needs of His people even in harsh desert conditions.

The events at Marah occurred shortly after the Israelites left the Red Sea and before the giving of the Law at Sinai. It was one of several early instances in which God demonstrated His provision for a community traveling through a hostile environment. The episode underscores God’s care and the importance of trusting His guidance.

Believers are encouraged by this account to turn to God in times of need, to trust that He will supply what is required, and to obey His instructions. The narrative reminds us that divine provision often follows sincere prayer and that God’s faithfulness is evident throughout the journey of His people.