Exodus 17:4 - Moses cried to Yahweh, saying, “What shall I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 17:4" mean?
This verse from Exodus 17:4 paints a picture of a highly volatile and desperate situation. Let's break it down:
"Moses cried to Yahweh..." This highlights the severity of the situation. Moses, the leader chosen by God, is in distress and turns to prayer for help. "Cried" suggests a fervent, perhaps desperate, plea.
"...saying, 'What shall I do with these people?'" This reveals Moses's feeling of being overwhelmed and at a loss. He's responsible for leading a huge population, and he doesn't know how to handle their current mood. He's seeking guidance and direction from God.
"They are almost ready to stone me.'" This is the most crucial part, demonstrating the immediate danger. The people are so frustrated, angry, and potentially panicked that they are on the verge of resorting to violence against their leader. Stoning was a brutal and deadly form of punishment in that era. It indicates a complete breakdown of order and respect for Moses's authority.
Meaning and Context:
This verse comes in the context of the Israelites thirsting for water in the desert after their exodus from Egypt. They were complaining bitterly to Moses, blaming him for bringing them into the desert to die of thirst. This verse specifically reveals:
The Israelites' impatience and lack of faith: They quickly forgot the miracles God had already performed for them. Instead of trusting God to provide, they resorted to complaining and threatened violence.
Moses's vulnerability: Despite his position, Moses was not immune to the people's anger. He faced real danger and needed God's protection and wisdom.
The burden of leadership: The verse illustrates the immense responsibility and pressure placed upon Moses as he attempted to guide a difficult and often ungrateful people.
Dependence on God: Moses's prayer demonstrates his reliance on God for guidance and deliverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
In summary, Exodus 17:4 highlights the desperation of Moses facing a rebellious and thirsty people who are ready to turn on him. It shows the fragility of leadership, the need for faith in times of hardship, and the importance of seeking God's guidance.
Exodus 17:4 - Moses cried to Yahweh, saying, “What shall I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”
What does "Exodus 17:4" mean?
This verse from Exodus 17:4 paints a picture of a highly volatile and desperate situation. Let's break it down:
"Moses cried to Yahweh..." This highlights the severity of the situation. Moses, the leader chosen by God, is in distress and turns to prayer for help. "Cried" suggests a fervent, perhaps desperate, plea.
"...saying, 'What shall I do with these people?'" This reveals Moses's feeling of being overwhelmed and at a loss. He's responsible for leading a huge population, and he doesn't know how to handle their current mood. He's seeking guidance and direction from God.
"They are almost ready to stone me.'" This is the most crucial part, demonstrating the immediate danger. The people are so frustrated, angry, and potentially panicked that they are on the verge of resorting to violence against their leader. Stoning was a brutal and deadly form of punishment in that era. It indicates a complete breakdown of order and respect for Moses's authority.
Meaning and Context:
This verse comes in the context of the Israelites thirsting for water in the desert after their exodus from Egypt. They were complaining bitterly to Moses, blaming him for bringing them into the desert to die of thirst. This verse specifically reveals:
The Israelites' impatience and lack of faith: They quickly forgot the miracles God had already performed for them. Instead of trusting God to provide, they resorted to complaining and threatened violence.
Moses's vulnerability: Despite his position, Moses was not immune to the people's anger. He faced real danger and needed God's protection and wisdom.
The burden of leadership: The verse illustrates the immense responsibility and pressure placed upon Moses as he attempted to guide a difficult and often ungrateful people.
Dependence on God: Moses's prayer demonstrates his reliance on God for guidance and deliverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
In summary, Exodus 17:4 highlights the desperation of Moses facing a rebellious and thirsty people who are ready to turn on him. It shows the fragility of leadership, the need for faith in times of hardship, and the importance of seeking God's guidance.