Exodus 17:2 - Therefore the people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh?”
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What does "Exodus 17:2" mean?
Exodus 17:2 describes a scene of desperation and conflict between the Israelites and Moses during their journey in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break down the verse to understand its meaning:
"Therefore the people quarreled with Moses...": This establishes the situation. The Israelites are in a state of discontent and they are expressing it by arguing or contending with Moses, their leader. The "therefore" likely links back to the preceding context, which implies that the people were suffering from thirst and there was no readily available water source.
"...and said, “Give us water to drink.”": This is the core of their complaint. They are directly demanding that Moses provide them with water. This demand reflects their urgent need and perhaps a lack of trust in Moses' ability to lead them. They are focused on their immediate problem.
"Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh?”": This is Moses' response to their demand. He points out two key issues:
"Why do you quarrel with me?": Moses is frustrated that they are directing their anger and frustration at him personally. He sees himself as a mediator or servant of God, not the ultimate source of their provision.
"Why do you test Yahweh?": This is the more significant part of his response. He understands that their demand is not just a request for water, but a test of God's power and willingness to provide for them. By demanding a miracle, they are questioning God's faithfulness and trustworthiness. They are essentially doubting whether God is truly with them and able to sustain them in the wilderness.
The verb "test" in this verse can also imply putting God to the test in a negative sense, challenging God's authority.
In essence, this verse highlights:
The Israelites' lack of faith: They are quick to complain and demand when faced with hardship, instead of trusting that God will provide.
Moses' role as a mediator: He acts as a bridge between the people and God, trying to guide them towards trusting in God's power.
The importance of trusting God: The verse underscores the idea that true faith involves trusting God's provision, even when circumstances seem bleak. The people are being asked to have faith that God, who brought them out of Egypt, will continue to care for them.
The danger of demanding miracles: While God can and does perform miracles, the Israelites are not approaching God with humility and faith. They are, in Moses' view, improperly challenging Him.
This story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of faith and trust in God during times of hardship and a lesson on how to deal with trials as a community. It also demonstrates the difficult role Moses had to play in shepherding a people who often doubted and complained.
Exodus 17:2 - Therefore the people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh?”
What does "Exodus 17:2" mean?
Exodus 17:2 describes a scene of desperation and conflict between the Israelites and Moses during their journey in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break down the verse to understand its meaning:
"Therefore the people quarreled with Moses...": This establishes the situation. The Israelites are in a state of discontent and they are expressing it by arguing or contending with Moses, their leader. The "therefore" likely links back to the preceding context, which implies that the people were suffering from thirst and there was no readily available water source.
"...and said, “Give us water to drink.”": This is the core of their complaint. They are directly demanding that Moses provide them with water. This demand reflects their urgent need and perhaps a lack of trust in Moses' ability to lead them. They are focused on their immediate problem.
"Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh?”": This is Moses' response to their demand. He points out two key issues:
"Why do you quarrel with me?": Moses is frustrated that they are directing their anger and frustration at him personally. He sees himself as a mediator or servant of God, not the ultimate source of their provision.
"Why do you test Yahweh?": This is the more significant part of his response. He understands that their demand is not just a request for water, but a test of God's power and willingness to provide for them. By demanding a miracle, they are questioning God's faithfulness and trustworthiness. They are essentially doubting whether God is truly with them and able to sustain them in the wilderness.
The verb "test" in this verse can also imply putting God to the test in a negative sense, challenging God's authority.
In essence, this verse highlights:
The Israelites' lack of faith: They are quick to complain and demand when faced with hardship, instead of trusting that God will provide.
Moses' role as a mediator: He acts as a bridge between the people and God, trying to guide them towards trusting in God's power.
The importance of trusting God: The verse underscores the idea that true faith involves trusting God's provision, even when circumstances seem bleak. The people are being asked to have faith that God, who brought them out of Egypt, will continue to care for them.
The danger of demanding miracles: While God can and does perform miracles, the Israelites are not approaching God with humility and faith. They are, in Moses' view, improperly challenging Him.
This story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of faith and trust in God during times of hardship and a lesson on how to deal with trials as a community. It also demonstrates the difficult role Moses had to play in shepherding a people who often doubted and complained.