“And the Lord said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.”
Context: Exodus 17 is part of the narrative of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The Israelites had recently escaped from Egypt and were now in the wilderness of Sin. In this chapter, the people of Israel faced a shortage of water and complained to Moses.
Dependence on God: The Israelites’ complaint about the lack of water reveals their dependency on God for their basic needs. They had experienced God’s miraculous deliverance from Egypt, and now they were faced with a new challenge. This situation highlights the importance of relying on God and seeking His guidance in times of difficulty.
God’s Instruction to Moses: In response to the people’s complaint, God instructed Moses to take some of the elders of Israel and his rod and go before the people. God provided a specific solution to their problem. The rod mentioned here is the same rod that Moses used to perform miracles before Pharaoh, such as turning the Nile River into blood. It was a symbol of God’s authority and power working through Moses.
Leadership and Obedience: God appointed Moses as the leader of the Israelites, and He expected Moses to take the initiative and lead the people. Moses was instructed to go ahead of the people, demonstrating the role of a leader in guiding and representing the community. Moses’ obedience to God’s command was crucial in this situation.
God’s Provision: As Moses took the rod and went before the people, God performed another miracle. Verse 6 tells us that Moses was to strike the rock at Horeb, and water would come out for the people to drink. When Moses obeyed, water gushed out of the rock, providing for the needs of the Israelites. This miraculous provision demonstrated God’s faithfulness and care for His people, even in the desert.
Lessons for Today:
- Dependence on God: Just as the Israelites depended on God for water, we need to recognize our reliance on Him for all our needs. We should trust in God’s provision and seek His guidance and support in every situation.
- Leadership: The example of Moses reminds us of the importance of strong and obedient leadership. Leaders should be willing to step forward, take initiative, and seek God’s wisdom to guide others effectively.
- God’s Faithfulness: God’s provision of water from the rock highlights His faithfulness to His promises. We can trust that God will provide for us in our times of need, even in seemingly impossible situations.
In conclusion, Exodus 17:5 presents a significant moment in the Israelites’ journey, emphasizing the dependence on God, the role of leadership, and God’s faithful provision. It teaches us valuable lessons about trust, obedience, and relying on God’s guidance in our lives.
