Exodus 17:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, "Give us water to drink." And Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?"

NIV: So they quarreled with Moses and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses replied, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?"

NASB: So the people quarreled with Moses and said, 'Give us water so that we may drink!' And Moses said to them, 'Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?'

CSB: So the people complained to Moses, "Give us water to drink." "Why are you complaining to me?" Moses replied to them. "Why are you testing the Lord?"

NLT: So once more the people complained against Moses. 'Give us water to drink!' they demanded. 'Quiet!' Moses replied. 'Why are you complaining against me? And why are you testing the Lord?'

KJV: Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the Lord?

NKJV: Therefore the people contended with Moses, and said, “Give us water, that we may drink.” So Moses said to them, “Why do you contend with me? Why do you tempt the Lord?”

The people of Israel saw God meet their needs with miracle after miracle. They were freed from slavery (Exodus 12:40–41) thanks to God's plagues on Egypt (Exodus 3:19–20). God rescued them by parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–28). He purified water for them (Exodus 15:22–25). The Lord gave them miraculous food when they were hungry (Exodus 16:13–15). But when water is scarce for a second time, they are angry and contentious.

At times, the Israelites are said to "grumble" against Moses (Exodus 15:24; 16:2). That describes discontent, complaining, and criticism. Here, they "quarrel;" they actively debate and argue with him. Their response is so aggressive that Moses is afraid it will become violent (Exodus 17:4). Given all the proofs of God's care for the nation, Moses does not understand why they express such hostile anger.

Moses also frames their bickering as testing God. This "testing" implies straining His patience, challenging Him, or presuming to put Him under their scrutiny. Satan tempted Jesus in this way when he suggested that Jesus should jump from a height, forcing God to rescue Him (Matthew 4:5–6; Luke 4:9–11). Jesus refused to put God "to the test" in this way (Matthew 4:7; Luke 4:12). The verse Jesus cites (Deuteronomy 6:16) goes on to mention this incident from Exodus chapter 17.

Unfortunately, this would not be the only time Israel tested God's patience in this way (Numbers 14:22).

Exodus 17:1–7 records the second time God miraculously provided water in response to Israelite complaining. He has just given them meat (Exodus 16:13) and an ongoing daily provision of manna (Exodus 16:14–16). Yet when the people don't find water at their next stop, they react poorly. This time, they openly argue with Moses. Protests are so heated that Moses worries about violence. God instructs Moses and then creates a water source for the people.

Israel condemns and argues against Moses because of a water shortage, despite recent miracles proving the Lord's care. In response, God arranges a public display of His power through Moses. Then, when Amalekites attack Israel, God gives them power to repel the attack. This comes in the form of Moses holding up his staff, assisted by Aaron and Hur. Joshua is introduced as a military leader.

The nation of Israel recently received miraculous provisions of water, bread, and meat (Exodus 15—16). Still, they bitterly argue and bicker against Moses when water becomes scarce. After another miracle, God aids the Hebrews in repelling an enemy attack. Next, they will encounter Moses' father-in-law, who will provide some much-needed advice (Exodus 18).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.