“And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.”
Historical Context:This verse is part of the narrative of the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. They had recently crossed the Red Sea and experienced God’s miraculous provision in the form of manna and quail. However, they faced various challenges and grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
Moses’ Cry for Guidance: In this verse, we find Moses in a difficult situation. The Israelites, thirsty and dissatisfied, had complained to Moses about the lack of water. They were on the brink of stoning him in their frustration. Feeling the weight of their discontentment and the threat to his life, Moses cried out to the Lord for guidance.
Moses’ Prayer: Moses, in his cry for help, turned to the Lord for wisdom and direction. He sought God’s guidance on how to address the people’s need for water and how to diffuse the tension and potential violence against him. Moses understood the importance of seeking God’s guidance in times of crisis and uncertainty.
Moses’ Faith and Trust: By crying out to the Lord, Moses demonstrated his faith and trust in God’s ability to provide a solution. Despite the people’s anger and threat, Moses knew that God was the ultimate source of help and provision. He turned to the Lord, acknowledging his own inability to meet the people’s needs.
God’s Response: Continuing in Exodus 17, we see how God responds to Moses’ cry for help. In the following verses, God instructs Moses to strike the rock at Horeb with his staff, and water miraculously gushes forth to quench the thirst of the people. God not only provides for their immediate physical need but also reveals His power and faithfulness to His people.
Application: This passage teaches us several valuable lessons. First, it reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in challenging situations. Like Moses, we can turn to God in prayer, expressing our concerns, fears, and uncertainties, knowing that He is our source of help.
Second, we learn the significance of trusting in God’s provision. The Israelites’ grumbling and threat to stone Moses reveal their lack of faith and trust in God. On the other hand, Moses models faith by turning to the Lord and relying on His power to meet the people’s needs.
Finally, this passage points to God’s faithfulness and ability to provide for His people even in the midst of challenging circumstances. God’s miraculous provision of water from the rock demonstrates His sovereignty and care for His chosen people.
In summary, Exodus 17:4 teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance and trusting in His provision. It encourages us to turn to Him in times of difficulty and uncertainty, knowing that He is faithful to answer our prayers and provide for our needs.
