Topical Bible: God: Purifying the Waters of Marah

◄ God: Purifying the Waters of Marah ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Biblical Context:
The event of God purifying the waters of Marah is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 15:22-25. This episode occurs shortly after the Israelites' miraculous escape from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea. As they journey through the wilderness, they face the challenge of finding potable water, which becomes a test of faith and obedience.

Scriptural Account:
The narrative begins with the Israelites traveling for three days in the Desert of Shur without finding water. When they finally arrive at Marah, they discover that the water there is bitter and undrinkable. The people grumble against Moses, expressing their distress and dissatisfaction. In response, Moses cries out to the LORD for help. The LORD shows Moses a piece of wood, which he throws into the water, and the water becomes sweet and drinkable. The Berean Standard Bible records this event as follows:

"So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.) So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, 'What are we to drink?' And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. When he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them" (Exodus 15:22-25).

Theological Significance:
The purification of the waters at Marah is rich with theological implications. It serves as a demonstration of God's providence and care for His people, even in the midst of their trials. The transformation of the bitter waters into sweet drinkable water symbolizes God's ability to turn difficult and seemingly hopeless situations into blessings. This miracle underscores the importance of faith and obedience to God's instructions, as Moses' act of throwing the wood into the water was an act of faith in God's provision.

Lessons in Faith and Obedience:
The incident at Marah is a test of the Israelites' faith and a lesson in obedience. It highlights the human tendency to doubt and complain in the face of adversity, contrasting with the divine call to trust in God's guidance and provision. The LORD uses this moment to establish a statute and ordinance, reminding the Israelites of the importance of listening to His voice and following His commands.

Symbolism and Typology:
The wood that Moses throws into the water can be seen as a typological foreshadowing of the cross of Christ, which transforms the bitterness of sin into the sweetness of salvation. Just as the wood made the waters of Marah sweet, the cross brings healing and redemption to the bitterness of human sinfulness.

Covenantal Relationship:
This event also reinforces the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. By providing for their needs, God reaffirms His commitment to His people, while simultaneously calling them to a deeper trust and reliance on Him. The statute and ordinance given at Marah serve as a reminder of the covenantal obligations that the Israelites are to uphold.

Conclusion:
The purification of the waters at Marah is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the transformative power of His intervention. It invites believers to trust in God's provision and to remain obedient to His commands, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 15:25
And he cried to the LORD; and the LORD showed 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,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

There are Various Figures in the Old Testament of the Wood of the ...
... that is planted by the channels of waters, which should ... and study the law and
commandments of God; even as ... crucified on the tree, and by purifying [us] with ...
/.../chapter lxxxvi there are various figures.htm

The General Service to the Venerated and vivifying Cross.
... indescribable in power, sanctification of waters, purification of ... the Lord crucified
thereon; purifying both our ... trulyunderstand that Thou art God, and that ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter iii the general service.htm

Of the Law.
... ten plagues; who had divided the waters of the ... that by sacrificing, and resting,
and purifying themselves, and ... might come to the knowledge of God, who ordained ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv of the law.htm

Moab is My Washpot
... water which cleanses our feet; for that purifying stream we ... There is no peace, saith
my God, to the ... is never dry, but flows with perennial waters of bitterness ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/moab is my washpot.htm