Exodus 17:3
Exodus 17:3 in Multiple Translations
But 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?”
And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?
And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore hast thou brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?
And the people were in great need of water; and they made an outcry against Moses, and said, Why have you taken us out of Egypt to send death on us and our children and our cattle through need of water?
But the people were so thirsty for water there that they went on complaining to Moses, saying, “Why did you have to bring us out of Egypt? Are you trying to kill us and our children and livestock by thirst?”
So the people thirsted there for water, and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore hast thou thus brought vs out of Egypt to kill vs and our children and our cattel with thirst?
and the people thirst there for water, and the people murmur against Moses, and say, 'Why [is] this? — thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to put us to death, also our sons and our cattle, with thirst.'
The people were thirsty for water there; so the people murmured against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?”
And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Why is this that thou hast brought us out of Egypt to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?
So the people were thirsty there for want of water, and murmured against Moses, saying: Why didst thou make us go forth out of Egypt, to kill us and our children, and our beasts with thirst?
But the people were very thirsty, and they continued to complain to Moses/me. They were saying things like “Why did you bring us out of Egypt?”, and “Did you bring us here to cause us and our children and livestock to die ◄from thirst/because we had no water to drink► [RHQ]?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 17:3
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 17:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּצְמָ֨א
שָׁ֤ם
הָ/עָם֙
לַ/מַּ֔יִם
וַ/יָּ֥לֶן
הָ/עָ֖ם
עַל
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
לָ֤/מָּה
זֶּה֙
הֶעֱלִיתָ֣/נוּ
מִ/מִּצְרַ֔יִם
לְ/הָמִ֥ית
אֹתִ֛/י
וְ/אֶת
בָּנַ֥/י
וְ/אֶת
מִקְנַ֖/י
בַּ/צָּמָֽא
וַ/יִּצְמָ֨א
tsâmêʼ
H6770
to thirst
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁ֤ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
לַ/מַּ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
וַ/יָּ֥לֶן
lûwn
H3885
to lodge
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
זֶּה֙
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
הֶעֱלִיתָ֣/נוּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff
מִ/מִּצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Prep | N-proper
לְ/הָמִ֥ית
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֹתִ֛/י
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
בָּנַ֥/י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מִקְנַ֖/י
miqneh
H4735
livestock
N-mp | Suff
בַּ/צָּמָֽא
tsâmâʼ
H6772
thirst
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 17:3
וַ/יִּצְמָ֨א
tsâmêʼ
H6770
"to thirst"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to feel thirsty, either physically or spiritually, and is used in the Bible to describe a strong desire or longing, like in Psalm 42:2 where David thirsts for God. It can also refer to a lack of something, like water or satisfaction. It is often used figuratively.
Definition: (Qal) to be thirsty
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (be a-, suffer) thirst(-y). See also: Exodus 17:3; Psalms 42:3; Psalms 63:2.
שָׁ֤ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
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.
לַ/מַּ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | 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.
וַ/יָּ֥לֶן
lûwn
H3885
"to lodge"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.
Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.
הָ/עָ֖ם
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
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/יֹּ֗אמֶר
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.
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | 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.
זֶּה֙
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הֶעֱלִיתָ֣/נוּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
מִ/מִּצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
Prep | N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
לְ/הָמִ֥ית
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
אֹתִ֛/י
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
בָּנַ֥/י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
מִקְנַ֖/י
miqneh
H4735
"livestock"
N-mp | Suff
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
בַּ/צָּמָֽא
tsâmâʼ
H6772
"thirst"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to the feeling of thirst itself, whether physical or spiritual, and is used in the Bible to describe a strong desire or need, like in Exodus 17:3 where the Israelites complain about lacking water in the desert. It can also symbolize a longing for God.
Definition: thirst
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: thirst(-y). See also: Exodus 17:3; Isaiah 5:13; Psalms 69:22.
Study Notes — Exodus 17:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 17:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 17:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 17:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 17:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 17:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 17:3
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 17:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 17:3
- Sermons on Exodus 17:3
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!” 5And the LORD said to Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel with you. Take along in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 16:2–3 | And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!” they said. “There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!” |
| 2 | Exodus 15:24 | So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” |
Exodus 17:3 Summary
In Exodus 17:3, the people were thirsty and felt like Moses had led them into a desperate situation, so they grumbled against him. This shows that even though God had done amazing things for them, like parting the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31, they still struggled to trust Him. We can learn from their mistake by choosing to trust God, even when things seem tough, just like it says in Romans 8:28 that God works all things for our good. By trusting God, we can avoid grumbling and complaining, and instead, find peace and contentment in His presence, as promised in Philippians 4:6-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the people grumble against Moses in Exodus 17:3?
The people grumbled against Moses because they were thirsty and felt that he had led them out of Egypt only to die of thirst, as stated in Exodus 17:3, much like the Israelites had previously complained in Exodus 16:3 and would again in Numbers 11:4-6.
What was the people's main concern in Exodus 17:3?
The people's main concern was that they, their children, and their livestock would die of thirst, as stated in Exodus 17:3, highlighting their lack of trust in God's provision, similar to their concerns in Exodus 16:3.
How does Exodus 17:3 relate to other instances of the Israelites' grumbling in the Bible?
Exodus 17:3 is one of several instances where the Israelites grumbled against Moses and God, such as in Exodus 15:24, Exodus 16:2, and Numbers 14:2, demonstrating a pattern of unbelief and disobedience, as warned against in 1 Corinthians 10:10.
What can we learn from the people's mistake in Exodus 17:3?
We can learn that grumbling and complaining against God's leaders, as seen in Exodus 17:3, can be a sign of a deeper issue of unbelief and distrust in God's goodness and provision, as taught in Psalm 106:7 and Psalm 107:33-34.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I grumble or complain against God's plan for my life, and how can I instead choose to trust in His goodness?
- What are some areas where I feel like I'm 'thirsting' spiritually, and how can I seek to quench that thirst through prayer and Scripture?
- How can I apply the lesson of Exodus 17:3 to my own life, recognizing that God is always working for my good, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain?
- What role does faith and trust play in my relationship with God, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in His provision and care?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 17:3
And the people thirsted there for water,.... They saw there was no water when they first came thither, and therefore chid Moses for bringing them to such a place, where they could not subsist; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 17:3
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 17:3
Exodus 17:3 And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore [is] this [that] thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?Ver. 3. Murmured against Moses.] Magistrates have many times a weary life with the mutinous multitude. Seneca observeth of Egypt, - it proved true of this people newly come out of Egypt, - that it was loquax et ingeniosa in contumeliam praefectorum provincia: in qua, qui vitaverit culpam, non effugit infamiam; That it was a province apt to prate against their governors, and to cast a slur upon them, though never so well deserving.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 17:3
(3) To kill us.—This was no exaggeration. Thirst kills as surely as hunger, and more quickly. Whole armies have died of it. (Herod. iii. 26.) Ships’ crews have perished of it on the ocean, with “water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink.” Unless a supply could somehow or other have been provided speedily, the whole people must have been exterminated.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 17:3
Verse 3. And the people murmured] The reader must not forget what has so often been noted relating to the degraded state of the minds of the Israelites. A strong argument however may be drawn from this in favour of their supernatural escape from Egypt. Had it been a scheme concerted by the heads of the people, provision would necessarily have been made for such exigencies as these. But as God chose to keep them constantly dependent upon himself for every necessary of life, and as they had Moses alone as their mediator to look to, they murmured against him when brought into straits and difficulties, regretted their having left Egypt, and expressed the strongest desire to return. This shows that they had left Egypt reluctantly; and as Moses and Aaron never appear to have any resources but those which came most evidently in a supernatural way, therefore the whole exodus or departure from Egypt proves itself to have been no human contrivance, but a measure concerted by God himself.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 17:3
3. murmured] see on Exodus 15:24. Wherefore, &c.] cf. Numbers 20:4-5; also Exodus 14:11 f., Exodus 16:3. brought us up] into the high ground of the Sin. Peninsula. us, &c.] Heb. me, and my children, and my cattle,—the first pers. sing denoting the people. So Numbers 20:19 al.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 17:3
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 17:3
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God's Response to Israel by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the response of God to the grumblings of the children of Israel after their deliverance from Egypt. He emphasizes the importance of hav |
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The Graves of Lust by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for God's mercy and anointing to set people free from lust and discontent. The sermon focuses on the story of the Israel |
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A Thankful Heart by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances. He shares stories from the Bible, such as Paul and Silas praising God in prison |
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Yoked With Christ by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the heavy burden that the Israelites carried while wandering in the wilderness. He compares their physical burden to the burden of sin that |
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A Temporary, God Appointed Wilderness by Carter Conlon | This sermon focuses on the concept of a temporary God-appointed wilderness, emphasizing the purpose of challenges and trials in preparing individuals for their divine calling. It e |
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Knowing God's Ways - Part 6 by Walter Beuttler | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and the challenges he faced. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's ways and not losing faith in difficult time |
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Victory Over Sin by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. preaches on 'Victory Over Sin,' emphasizing the human tendency to blame others for our sins instead of taking personal responsibility. He illustrates this with the e |