The Book of
Exodus 17
16 verses≈ 3 min4 peopleBSB
Images are artistic interpretations.
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In this chapter
Where we are
- 1–6Slaves in EgyptOppression and a deliverer
- 7–13The plaguesThe LORD against Pharaoh
- 14–18Through the seaRescued and ledChapter 17
- 19–24At SinaiThe covenant and the law
- 25–31A place to dwellThe tabernacle planned
- 32–40Broken and renewedThe calf, mercy, the glory
Water from the Rock
Then 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.
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Stylised map · locations approximate
On the map
To Rephidim
From the “Desert of Sin” Israel moved on “from place to place as the LORD commanded” and camped at Rephidim, near Horeb, the mountain of God. Rephidim is often placed in the Wadi Feiran or the Wadi Refayid (site uncertain), and Mount Sinai is traditionally placed in the south of the peninsula (also uncertain). The dashed line is one proposed route.
The Israelites
So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.”
Moses
“Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?”
The Israelites
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?”
Moses
Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What should I do with these people? A little more and they will stone me!”
And 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. Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
0:20
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”
Reflect
Among us or not?
The cloud was over them and manna lay on the ground every morning, and still Israel asked, “Is the LORD among us or not?” God answered with water from the rock. When have you asked that question? Write down what you were facing, and how God showed you, then or since, that He was there.
The Defeat of the Amalekites
After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.”
Exodus 17:9
Question
Quick question
As the battle went on below, Moses’ hands grew heavy on the hilltop.
Who held up Moses’ hands until the sun went down?
So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his army with the sword.
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”
And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner. “Indeed,” he said, “a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD. The LORD will war against Amalek from generation to generation.”
And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner.
Exodus 17:15
Pray
Hands held up
Moses could not keep his arms raised alone; “Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side.” Thank God for the people who have held you up. Ask Him to show you whose hands you can hold up this week, in prayer and in practical help. And rest in this: the victory is His. “The LORD Is My Banner.”
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Exodus 17
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A verse to carry with you
And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner.
Exodus 17:15
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