Exodus 17:2
Exodus 17:2 in Multiple Translations
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?”
Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?
Wherefore the people strove with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why strive ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt Jehovah?
So the people were angry with Moses, and said, Give us water for drinking. And Moses said, Why are you angry with me? and why do you put God to the test?
Some of them came and complained to Moses, saying, “Give us water to drink!” “Why are you complaining to me?” Moses asked. “Why are you trying to challenge the Lord?”
Wherefore the people contended with Moses, and sayde, Giue vs water that we may drinke. And Moses sayde vnto them, Why contende yee with me? wherefore do ye tempt the Lord?
and the people strive with Moses, and say, 'Give us water, and we drink.' And Moses saith to them, 'What? — ye strive with me, what? — ye try Jehovah?'
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 the LORD?”
Wherefore the people contended with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said to them, Why chide you with me? why do ye tempt the LORD?
And they chode with Moses, and said: Give us water, that we may drink. And Moses answered them: Why chide you with me? Wherefore do you tempt the Lord?
So the people complained to Moses/me again, saying, “Give us water to drink!” Moses/I replied to them, “Why are you ◄criticizing/arguing with► me [RHQ]? And why are you trying to determine whether Yahweh has the power to provide for you?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 17:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 17:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֤רֶב
הָ/עָם֙
עִם
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
תְּנוּ
לָ֥/נוּ
מַ֖יִם
וְ/נִשְׁתֶּ֑ה
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
לָ/הֶם֙
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
מַה
תְּרִיבוּ/ן֙
עִמָּדִ֔/י
מַה
תְּנַסּ֖וּ/ן
אֶת
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יָּ֤רֶב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
תְּנוּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לָ֥/נוּ
Prep | Suff
מַ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
וְ/נִשְׁתֶּ֑ה
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶם֙
Prep | Suff
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
תְּרִיבוּ/ן֙
rîyb
H7378
to contend
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
עִמָּדִ֔/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
with me
Prep | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
תְּנַסּ֖וּ/ן
nâçâh
H5254
to test
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 17:2
וַ/יָּ֤רֶב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
תְּנוּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ֥/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
מַ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וְ/נִשְׁתֶּ֑ה
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ/הֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תְּרִיבוּ/ן֙
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
עִמָּדִ֔/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
"with me"
Prep | Suff
Means 'with me', showing accompaniment, like in Psalm 23:4 where David says God is with him even in difficult times.
Definition: with A grammatical form of im (עִם "with" H5973A) § 1) with
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: against, by, from, [phrase] me, [phrase] mine, of, [phrase] that I take, unto, upon, with(-in.) See also: Genesis 3:12; 1 Samuel 20:28; Psalms 23:4.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תְּנַסּ֖וּ/ן
nâçâh
H5254
"to test"
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to test or try something, often to prove its worth or character. It is used in stories like Job, where God allows Satan to test Job's faith. The idea of testing is also seen in the wilderness, where the Israelites were tested by God.
Definition: : test 1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to test, try 1a2) to attempt, assay, try 1a3) to test, try, prove, tempt
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try. See also: Genesis 22:1; Judges 6:39; Psalms 26:2.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Exodus 17:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 17:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 17:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 17:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 17:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 17:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 17:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 17:2
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 17:2
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 17:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 17:2
- Sermons on Exodus 17:2
Context — Water from the Rock
1Then the whole congregation of Israel left the Desert of Sin, moving from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.
2So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?”
3But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled against Moses: “Why have you brought us out of Egypt—to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” 4Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What should I do with these people? A little more and they will stone me!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 78:18 | They willfully tested God by demanding the food they craved. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 6:16 | Do not test the LORD your God as you tested Him at Massah. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 10:9 | We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes. |
| 4 | Psalms 78:41 | Again and again they tested God and provoked the Holy One of Israel. |
| 5 | Isaiah 7:12 | But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.” |
| 6 | Hebrews 3:9 | where your fathers tested and tried Me, and for forty years saw My works. |
| 7 | Matthew 4:7 | Jesus replied, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” |
| 8 | Psalms 95:9 | where your fathers tested and tried Me, though they had seen My work. |
| 9 | Numbers 21:5 | and spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!” |
| 10 | Acts 15:10 | Now then, why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? |
Exodus 17:2 Summary
In Exodus 17:2, the people were thirsty and asked Moses for water, but Moses told them they were really testing God. This means that when we complain or doubt, we are not just questioning the people around us, but also God's power and love (as seen in Psalm 78:18-20). We can learn to trust God more by remembering His past faithfulness, like the Israelites should have done (Deuteronomy 8:2-5), and by seeking His guidance and provision in our lives. By trusting God, we can avoid testing His patience and instead experience His love and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the people contend with Moses in Exodus 17:2?
The people contended with Moses because they were thirsty and lacked trust in God's provision, as seen in the context of Exodus 17:1, where it is stated that there was no water for the people to drink.
What did Moses mean by 'Why do you test the LORD?' in Exodus 17:2?
Moses meant that the people's complaining and lack of faith was a test of God's patience and power, similar to the incident in Numbers 14:22, where the Israelites also tested God's patience.
How does this verse relate to other instances of complaining in the Bible?
This verse is similar to other instances of complaining in the Bible, such as Exodus 16:2-3, where the people also complained about the lack of food, and Numbers 11:1-3, where they complained about the difficulties of their journey.
What can we learn from Moses' response to the people's complaining?
We can learn from Moses' response that as leaders, we should direct people's focus to God and not take their complaints personally, as seen in Moses' response in Exodus 17:2, and also in 1 Corinthians 10:13, where it is written that God is faithful and will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am testing God's patience and power, and how can I trust Him more?
- How can I, like Moses, direct people's focus to God when they come to me with complaints or concerns?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting God's provision, as seen in Exodus 17:2, to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper trust in God's goodness and provision, especially in times of difficulty or uncertainty?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 17:2
Wherefore the people did chide with Moses,.... Contended with him by words, expostulating with him in a very angry and indecent manner for bringing them thither; loading him with reproaches and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 17:2
Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD? People did chide with Moses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 17:2
By distrusting God’ s power, and providence, and faithfulness, and goodness, upon such a small occasion, by refusing to submit to God’ s will, and to wait upon him by humble and fervent prayers for relief, and instead thereof quarrelling with me, as if it were my fault, and murmuring against God under my name.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 17:2
Exodus 17:2 Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?Ver. 2. The people did chide with Moses.] As they did before for bread. And as thirst is the more eager appetite, so they are more eager and earnest for water than they were for bread. Wherefore do ye tempt the Lord?] viz., Whether he be amongst you and be able by miracle to relieve you.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 17:2
(2) The people did chide.—Water is scanty along the route by which we have supposed Rephidim to have been reached. Such a supply as the people may have brought with them from Elim would have been exhausted. They would have looked forward to Rephidim both for their immediate necessity and for replenishing their water-skins. They would be suffering both from thirst and disappointment. The needs of their children and their cattle (Exodus 17:3) would be an aggravation of their pain. They would see no hope in the future. Under the circumstances we cannot be surprised at their “chiding.” Nothing but a very lively faith, or an utter resignation to the will of God, could have made a people patient and submissive in such an extremity. Give us water.—It was not faith that spoke in these words, but wrath. They had no belief that Moses could give them water, and “were almost ready to stone” him (Exodus 17:4).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 17:2
Verse 2. Why chide ye with me?] God is your leader, complain to him; Wherefore do ye tempt the Lord? As he is your leader, all your murmurings against me he considers as directed against himself; why therefore do ye tempt him? Has he not given you sufficient proofs that he can destroy his enemies and support his friends? And is he not among you to do you good? Exodus 17:7. Why therefore do ye doubt his power and goodness, and thus provoke him to treat you as his enemies?
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 17:2
2. Wherefore] the Heb. is simply And. strove, i.e. disputed, expostulated. The word means properly to argue a case in a court of law; but it is often used more generally. Cf. as here, in the similar narrative, Numbers 20:3; Numbers 20:13; also Genesis 26:20-22; Genesis 31:36 (‘chode’), Judges 11:25. (Not the word so rendered in Exodus 2:13, Exodus 21:22, which means to quarrel or fight.) why [as just before] do ye put Jehovah to the proof?] by doubting, viz. (v. 7) whether He is really in your midst (cf. Numbers 11:20; Numbers 14:14), and able to supply your needs. Tempt is a misleading rendering: for to ‘tempt,’ in modern English, has acquired the sense of provoking or enticing a person in order that he may act in a particular way: whereas the Heb. nissâh is a neutral word, and means to test or prove a person to see whether he will act in a particular way (Exodus 16:4), or whether the character he bears is well established (1 Kings 10:1). God thus ‘proves’ a person, or puts him to the test, when He subjects him to a trial, to ascertain what his character is, or whether his loyalty to Him is sincere (Exodus 16:4, Deuteronomy 8:2; Deuteronomy 13:3; cf. Genesis 22:1, Exodus 15:25; Exodus 20:20 : so the ‘temptations’ of Deuteronomy 4:34; Deuteronomy 7:19; Deuteronomy 29:3 are really trials, or provings, of Pharaoh’s disposition and purpose); and men test or ‘prove’ God when they act as if questioning, and so challenging Him to give proof of, His word, or promise, or ability to help; so here and v. 7 (cf.
Deuteronomy 6:16, Psalms 95:9), Numbers 14:22, Psalms 78:18 (see v. 19 f.), Psalms 78:41; Psalms 78:56, Psalms 106:14, cf. Isaiah 7:12 : in all these passages ‘tempt’ obscures the meaning. If the analysis of the ch., adopted above, is correct, this clause will have stood originally after v. 3.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 17:2
Tempt the Lord - It is a general characteristic of the Israelites that the miracles, which met each need as it arose, failed to produce a habit of faith: but the severity of the trial, the faintness
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 17:2
MARCH TO — WANT OF WATER, Exodus 17:1-7. 1. From the wilderness of Sin — The plain of Murkha. See Introductory Note, (1,) on chapter 16.
Sermons on Exodus 17:2
| Sermon | Description | |
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God at War With Flesh by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the battle between Joshua and Amalek. The preacher emphasizes that the outcome of the battle was not dependent on Joshua's abilities, but ra |
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When Things Don't Make Sense by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the invisible, rather than relying on physical signs and experiences. He warns against seeking tangible |
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Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 2 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a doll that was buried and how it grew into the shape of the doll. He uses this story to emphasize the message that sin will event |
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Don't Slander Your Heavenly Father by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his lifelong commitment to serving God since the age of 8. He emphasizes that God's promises have never failed him and encourages the congr |
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Jesus Was Tempted as We Are by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying away from temptation and sin. He warns against taking unnecessary risks, especially when it comes to exposing onese |
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Isaiah (Part 4) - Behold, My Servant by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Job and how he was stripped of everything he had, including his cattle, camels, goats, servants, and even his sons. The speaker e |
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(Luke) 12 - Intro to the Temptation by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the Gospel of Luke and presents Jesus as the Son of all mankind and the Savior of everybody. The key verse is Luke 19:10, which states that |