Exodus 15:24
ESV
And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?"
NIV
So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?"
NASB
So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, 'What are we to drink?'
CSB
The people grumbled to Moses, "What are we going to drink?"
NLT
Then the people complained and turned against Moses. 'What are we going to drink?' they demanded.
KJV
And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
NKJV
And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?”
What does Exodus 15:24 mean?
This is the first of many times the Israelites "grumble" or complain against Moses. This is not a subtle, private unhappiness or whispered criticism. Rather, it carries a sense of blame and dishonor. Israelites who "grumble" in the story of the exodus are expressing open, hostile, angry discontent. Despite so many miracles (Exodus 12:29–31; 14:21–28), this will become a habit (Exodus 16:2–3; 17:3; Numbers 14:2; 16:11, 41; 17:5). After three days without finding water (Exodus 15:22), the people finally come across a source, but it's undrinkable (Exodus 15:23).God will provide an immediate solution to this problem (Exodus 15:25). He means to teach the people to rely on Him in trusting faith (Exodus 15:26). Soon, He will lead the people to an even better source (Exodus 15:27). Yet the next time Israel is short of water, they will not react with humble faith. Instead, they will make demands (Exodus 17:2).
