Topical Bible: Israel: Complained for Lack of Water at Rephidim

◄ Israel: Complained for Lack of Water at Rephidim ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The episode of Israel's complaint for lack of water at Rephidim is a significant event in the narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. This event highlights the recurring theme of Israel's struggle with faith and reliance on God's provision during their exodus from Egypt.

Biblical Context

The account is found in Exodus 17:1-7. After the Israelites had departed from the wilderness of Sin, they camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink. This situation led to a crisis of faith among the Israelites, who had already witnessed God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt and His provision of manna and quail.

Scriptural Account

The Berean Standard Bible records the event as follows:

"The entire congregation of the Israelites set out on their journey from the Wilderness of Sin, moving from place to place according to the command of the LORD. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. So the people contended with Moses, 'Give us water to drink.' 'Why do you contend with me?' Moses replied. 'Why do you test the LORD?' But the people thirsted there for water, and they grumbled against Moses. 'Why have you brought us out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?' they complained." (Exodus 17:1-3)

Moses' Response and God's Provision

In response to the people's complaints, Moses cried out to the LORD, expressing his fear of being stoned by the people. The LORD instructed Moses to take some of the elders of Israel and his staff, with which he had struck the Nile, and go to the rock at Horeb. God promised to stand before Moses on the rock, and Moses was to strike the rock, resulting in water flowing out for the people to drink.

"Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the LORD, saying, 'Is the LORD among us or not?'" (Exodus 17:6-7)

Theological Significance

This event at Rephidim is emblematic of the Israelites' ongoing struggle with trust and obedience. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, the Israelites frequently doubted God's presence and provision. The naming of the place as Massah (meaning "testing") and Meribah (meaning "quarreling") serves as a reminder of their contentious spirit and lack of faith.

Theologically, this narrative underscores the importance of faith in God's promises and the dangers of testing the LORD. It also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Christ as the spiritual Rock, as the Apostle Paul later interprets this event in 1 Corinthians 10:4, identifying Christ as the spiritual rock that accompanied the Israelites.

Lessons for Believers

For contemporary believers, the incident at Rephidim serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of doubt and the necessity of trusting in God's provision, even in seemingly dire circumstances. It calls Christians to remember God's faithfulness and to rely on His guidance, trusting that He will provide for their needs in His perfect timing.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 17:2-7
Why the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said to them, Why chide you with me? why do you tempt the LORD?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... children of Israel came to Pharaoh and complained saying: Why ... the multitude of the
children of Israel, in the ... The people thirsted sore for lack and penury of ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm