So the people grumbled against Moses
The Israelites had just experienced a miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, yet they quickly turned to grumbling. This reflects a recurring theme in the wilderness journey, where the Israelites often expressed dissatisfaction despite God's provision. The act of grumbling is significant as it demonstrates a lack of faith and trust in God's plan and leadership. Moses, as the appointed leader, often bore the brunt of the people's complaints, which foreshadows the challenges faced by leaders who are called to guide God's people. This grumbling can be seen as a precursor to later rebellions, such as in Numbers 14, where the people's lack of faith leads to severe consequences.

saying, “What are we to drink?”
The immediate context is the Israelites' arrival at Marah, where the water was bitter and undrinkable. This question highlights their physical need and desperation, but also their spiritual short-sightedness. Instead of seeking God in prayer, they directed their frustration at Moses. This incident is a test of faith, similar to other trials in the wilderness, such as the lack of food in Exodus 16. The question also points to a deeper spiritual thirst, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who offers "living water" (John 4:10-14). The physical thirst of the Israelites can be seen as a type pointing to the spiritual thirst that only Jesus can satisfy.

1. The Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now journeying through the wilderness.

2. Moses
The leader chosen by God to bring the Israelites out of Egypt and guide them through the wilderness.

3. The Wilderness of Shur
The desert region where the Israelites traveled after crossing the Red Sea, facing the challenge of finding drinkable water.

4. Marah
The place where the Israelites found bitter water, leading to their grumbling against Moses.

5. God's Provision
The underlying event where God tests the faith of the Israelites and ultimately provides for their needs.Trust in God's Provision
The Israelites' grumbling reflects a lack of trust in God's ability to provide. Believers today are called to trust in God's provision, even in challenging circumstances.

The Danger of Grumbling
Grumbling can lead to a hardened heart and a lack of faith. Christians are encouraged to cultivate gratitude and trust instead of complaining.

Leadership Challenges
Moses faced the challenge of leading a grumbling people. Leaders today can learn from Moses' reliance on God for guidance and strength.

Testing and Growth
God uses difficult situations to test and grow our faith. Believers should view challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth.

Community and Support
The Israelites' journey was a communal experience. Christians are reminded of the importance of supporting one another in faith and prayer.Verse 24. - And the people murmured against Moses. As they had already done on the western shores of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:11, 12), and as they were about to do so often before their wanderings were over. (See below, Exodus 16:2; Exodus 17:3; Numbers 14:2; Numbers 16:41; Deuteronomy 1:27, etc.) "Murmuring" was the common mode in which they vented their spleen, when anything went ill with them; and as Moses had persuaded them to quit Egypt, the murmuring was chiefly against him. The men who serve a nation best are during their lifetime least appreciated. What shall we drink? Few disappointments are harder to bear than that of the man, who after long hours of thirst thinks that he has obtained wherewith to quench his intolerable longing, and on raising the cup to his lips, finds the draught so nauseous that he cannot swallow it. Very unpalatable water is swallowed when the thirst is great (Eothen, p. 197). But there is a limit beyond which nature will not go. There "may be water, water everywhere, yet not a drop to drink."

Parallel Commentaries ...


So the people
הָעָ֛ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

grumbled
וַיִּלֹּ֧נוּ (way·yil·lō·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3885: To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinate

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Moses,
מֹשֶׁ֥ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

saying,
לֵּאמֹ֖ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“What
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

are we to drink?”
נִּשְׁתֶּֽה׃ (niš·teh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 8354: To imbibe


Exodus 15:24 NIV
Exodus 15:24 NLT
Exodus 15:24 ESV
Exodus 15:24 NASB
Exodus 15:24 KJV

Exodus 15:24 BibleApps.com
Exodus 15:24 Biblia Paralela
Exodus 15:24 Chinese Bible
Exodus 15:24 French Bible
Exodus 15:24 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Exodus 15:24 The people murmured against Moses saying What (Exo. Ex)