Exodus 15

Exodus 15:22-27

They who will go to heaven, must expect ruhu in their way. They no sooner begin their journey, than, 1. They are in want of water, and to a marching army what more 22. So Moses brought Israel from the Red-sea, and they went out into the wilderness of ‘Shur, and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 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. 24. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? 25. And he cried unto the LORD, and the LORD shewed him a tree, ‘which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there ‘he made for them a stature and an ordinance, and there ‘he proved them. 26. And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his thetutes; ‘I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD’s that healeth thee. 27. ¶ And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and therefore and ten palm-trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

They who will go to heaven, must expect ruhu in their way. They no sooner begin their journey, than, 1. They are in want of water, and to a marching army what more dangerous? Nor was their condition much mended at Marah, where, though there was plenty, it was bitter, or brackish, and not fit for drink. Our expected comforts are thus in the possession often embittered, in order to lead us to the fountain of living waters. 2. Their impatience, v. 3. They who live by fonte, not by faith, will not long continue in a cheerful frame: every new difficulty will deject them. 3. The supply granted at Moses’ prayer. A tree is pointed out, whose property either was to sweeten the waters, or which by miraculous power God used, as Moses’ rod to work the wonder. There is not a useful plant for food or physie, but we should read in it God’s goodness and wisdom. 4. The charge given them. Twice they had begun to show their murmuring spirit: God now expects their confidence, promises them his blessing, and freedom from the plagors of Egypt, if they are obedient; and therein imimates, that if they should join with Egypt in rebellion, they would share with it in suffering. Note, God is no respecter of persons; if his own people sin, they must impart for it. 5. Another march brings them to Elim, where they have water in abundance, and shady palms to cover them. Note, (1.) If our comforts are delayed, yet we should possess our souls in patience. (2.) God is usually better to us, than our wishes. (3.) When we are most prosperous, we should remember we are marching to the grave; that we may sit as loose to our comforts, as content under our crosses.