Exodus 15:27
ESV
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there by the water.
NIV
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.
NASB
Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.
CSB
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy date palms, and they camped there by the water.
NLT
After leaving Marah, the Israelites traveled on to the oasis of Elim, where they found twelve springs and seventy palm trees. They camped there beside the water.
KJV
And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
NKJV
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters.
What does Exodus 15:27 mean?
After leaving the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–29), Israel struggled to find water (Exodus 15:22). What they found was so undrinkable that they named the spot "Marah," which itself means "bitter" (Exodus 15:23). This led the people to unfairly criticize Moses (Exodus 15:24). When Moses prayed about the situation, God provided a way to purify the water (Exodus 15:25). This provided an opportunity to explain how obedience to the Lord would keep Israel from unnecessary suffering (Exodus 15:26).Not long after, the Lord brings Israel to a very favorable spot. Ample water, shade, and possibly fruit from the palm trees would have been a welcome sight. This "Elim" may have been the modern location of Wady Gharandel, though this is uncertain. Scripture indicates (Exodus 16:1) that this was near the Wilderness of Sin and prior to Israel's arrival at Mount Sinai. Since they had recently left Egypt before arriving at Elim but leave Elim a month after their liberation (Exodus 12:40–41), Israel must have stayed here for at least several days, or possibly weeks.
Exodus 15:22–27 records the first of God's sustaining miracles during Israel's time in the wilderness. The people left slavery (Exodus 12:40–41) and their pursuers were drowned (Exodus 14:21–29). Yet now, they have trouble finding drinkable water. Moses follows the Lord's advice to change undrinkable water into something clean. God indicates that He will keep Israel free from the kinds of plagues He sent on Egypt (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23; 12:29–32) so long as they obey His commands. The people then find a lush oasis with plenty of water and shelter.
Israel celebrates the supernatural event which eliminated the Egyptian army. God's power parted the waters of the Red Sea for the Hebrews to cross, then collapsed the same waters over the pursuing soldiers (Exodus 14:21–29). Moses, his sister Miriam, and the other Israelites praise the Lord for His works. They anticipate that this event will strike fear into the hearts of the wicked Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 9:4). Yet, when the only water they find is undrinkable, the Israelites complain and criticize Moses. God provides a means to purify the water. He then provides a clear message about obedience and leads the people to a well-watered oasis.
