Bitter Water Made Sweet

One might think that the people of Israel would have no problem trusting the Lord after they saw Him bring an end to the Egyptian army at the Red Sea (Ex. 14). They even celebrated their great deliverance in song (15:1–21), demonstrating a resolve never to forget what had happened so that their faith would be strong. Yet God’s rescue of the Israelites through the waters of the sea did not guarantee that their trust in the Lord would be perfect. As we see in today’s passage, not long after the miracle at the Red Sea, Israel complained against God.

Setting out from the Red Sea, the Israelites soon found themselves in the wilderness of Shur (Ex. 15:22). Most likely, this was an area in the northern part of the Sinai peninsula where water is scarce. Some commentators believe that the Israelites were following an established trade route that facilitated travel through the desert but that required merchants to bring their own water, for there were few springs along the way where water was available. In any case, three days after leaving the Red Sea area, the Israelites were out of water. Coming to a place that would come to be known as Marah, or “bitter,” the nation found water that was not good to drink (Ex. 15:22–23). It may even be that this water looked potable but was found to be bitter and not fit for consumption.

On account of this difficulty, the Israelites “grumbled against Moses” (Ex. 15:24). From the whole context of the passage, it is clear that this grumbling was sin (see also 1 Cor. 10:1–10) and that their complaint was really against God because to grumble against a true prophet who speaks for the Lord is to grumble against the Lord. The problem was not in itself that the Israelites were unhappy with their situation or that it is completely wrong to complain in the presence of our Creator. After all, the Bible includes laments that encourage us to pour out our grief and frustration before the Lord. The sense of “grumble” in Exodus 15:24 is that of an inner discontent that manifests itself in complaining that is hostile toward God. In effect, the Israelites were accusing the Lord of wrongdoing because of their predicament.

God graciously purified the water and then that said their faith and obedience would keep Him from sending the diseases of Egypt on them (vv. 25–26). “Diseases” in verse 26 actually refers to the plagues on Egypt. The point is clear: to avoid judgment, Israel must be thankful and not accuse the Lord of doing wrong (see James 1:13).