Topical Bible: Israel: Journey to Marah

◄ Israel: Journey to Marah ►

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The journey to Marah is a significant episode in the early stages of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. This event highlights the challenges faced by the Israelites in the wilderness and underscores God's provision and testing of His people.

Biblical Context

After the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, the Israelites began their journey through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. This journey marks the beginning of their transition from slavery in Egypt to becoming a nation under God's covenant. The account of the journey to Marah is found in Exodus 15:22-27.

The Journey

The Israelites traveled for three days in the Desert of Shur without finding water. This period of travel without a water source would have been a severe test of faith and endurance for the newly liberated people. The lack of water in the harsh desert environment quickly became a critical issue, leading to a crisis of trust in God's provision.

Arrival at Marah

Upon reaching Marah, the Israelites discovered water, but it was bitter and undrinkable. The name "Marah" itself means "bitter" in Hebrew, reflecting the nature of the water and the people's disappointment. The bitterness of the water at Marah became a physical manifestation of the spiritual and emotional bitterness that the Israelites experienced in their journey.

The People's Reaction

The Israelites' response to the bitter water was one of grumbling and complaint against Moses. This reaction is indicative of a recurring theme throughout the wilderness journey, where the people frequently expressed doubt and dissatisfaction despite witnessing God's miraculous interventions. In Exodus 15:24, the people asked, "What are we to drink?"

Moses' Intercession and God's Provision

In response to the people's complaints, Moses cried out to the LORD, seeking guidance and help. The LORD showed Moses a piece of wood, which he was instructed to throw into the water. Upon doing so, the water became sweet and drinkable. This miraculous transformation of the water at Marah is a testament to God's power and His willingness to provide for His people in their time of need.

Divine Testing and Instruction

The journey to Marah was not only a test of the Israelites' faith but also an opportunity for God to teach them about obedience and trust. In Exodus 15:25-26, the LORD made a statute and ordinance for them at Marah, stating, "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His statutes, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD who heals you."

Significance

The episode at Marah serves as an early lesson in the wilderness journey, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and reliance on God. It foreshadows the ongoing relationship between God and Israel, where the people's faith would be continually tested, and God's faithfulness would be repeatedly demonstrated. The transformation of the bitter waters into sweet is symbolic of God's ability to turn difficult circumstances into blessings for those who trust in Him.

Subsequent Journey

Following the events at Marah, the Israelites continued their journey and arrived at Elim, where they found twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, providing a place of rest and refreshment. This transition from Marah to Elim illustrates the pattern of testing and provision that characterizes the Israelites' wilderness experience.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 15:23
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.
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Numbers 33:8
And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the middle of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.
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Library

From Egypt to Sinai.
... people the folly of resisting Jehovah and assured Israel of his ... to notice only a
few places and incidents of the journey. (1) They encamped at Marah, being the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter v from egypt to.htm

Following the Cloud.
... Then a great shout went up from the host of Israel. ... Soon they took up their journey,
the cloudy pillar going ... thirst, they came to the waters of Marah, but they ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise
... Up, and away!" and so we march to Marah, or to ... be the case at the end of their journey
as surely ... Whether Israel traversed sand or rock, the camp never halted ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/shoes of iron and strength.htm

The General Service to the Venerated and vivifying Cross.
... were bitter; therefore the name of it was called Marah. ... And they took their journey
from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter iii the general service.htm

Moab is My Washpot
... of an eastern traveler in a long journey become very ... Moab of old was foremost in
polluting and defiling Israel. ... my God, to the wicked." Their Marah is never dry ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/moab is my washpot.htm

Sin: Its Spring-Head, Stream, and Sea
... When they tasted the waters of Marah, and found them ... But Israel did not remember
God's mercies powerfully. ... They had not gone many days' journey out of Egypt ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/sin its spring-head stream and.htm

Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... would not so, but would go three days' journey in desert ... Then Moses brought the children
of Israel from the sea ... and found no water, and came into Marah, and the ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... He should even risk His safety by a journey to Bethany ... down and cry, "These by thy
gods, O Israel." It is ... water becomes bitter like the stream of Marah, then we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... caravans employed in this traffic accomplished the greater part of their journey
in territories depending upon Babylon, Assyria, or Memphis, and enjoyed thus a ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm