Exodus 17

Ex 17:1-7.

THE

PEOPLE

MURMUR FOR

WATER.

1. the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of

Sin--In the succinct annals of this book, those places only are

selected for particular notice by the inspired historian, which were

scenes memorable for their happy or painful interest in the history of

the Israelites. A more detailed itinerary is given in the later books

of Moses, and we find that here two stations are omitted

(Nu 33:1-56).

according to the commandment of the Lord, &c.--not given in

oracular response, nor a vision of the night, but indicated by the

movement of the cloudy pillar. The same phraseology occurs elsewhere

(Nu 9:18, 19).

pitched in Rephidim--now believed, on good grounds, to be Wady

Feiran, which is exactly a day's march from Mount Sinai, and at the

entrance of the Horeb district. It is a long circuitous defile about

forty feet in breadth, with perpendicular granite rocks on both sides.

The wilderness of Sin through which they approached to this valley is

very barren, has an extremely dry and thirsty aspect, little or no

water, scarcely even a dwarfish shrub to be seen, and the only shelter

to the panting pilgrims is under the shadow of the great overhanging

cliffs.

2, 3. the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that

we may drink, &c.--The want of water was a privation, the severity

of which we cannot estimate, and it was a great trial to the

Israelites, but their conduct on this new occasion was outrageous; it

amounted even to "a tempting of the Lord." It was an opposition to His

minister, a distrust of His care, an indifference to His kindness, an

unbelief in His providence, a trying of His patience and fatherly

forbearance.

4. Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this

people?--His language, instead of betraying any signs of resentment

or vindictive imprecation on a people who had given him a cruel and

unmerited treatment, was the expression of an anxious wish to know what

was the best to be done in the circumstances (compare

Mt 5:44;

Ro 12:21).

5. the Lord said unto Moses, &c.--not to smite the rebels, but

the rock; not to bring a stream of blood from the breast of the

offenders, but a stream of water from the granite cliffs. The cloud

rested on a particular rock, just as the star rested on the house where

the infant Saviour was lodged

[Mt 2:9].

And from the rod-smitten rock there forthwith gushed a current of pure

and refreshing water. It was perhaps the greatest miracle performed by

Moses, and in many respects bore a resemblance to the greatest of

Christ's: being done without ostentation and in the presence of a few

chosen witnesses

(1Co 10:4).

7. called the name of the place--Massah ("temptation"); Meribah

("chiding," "strife"): the same word which is rendered "provocation"

(Heb 3:8).

Ex 17:8-16.

ATTACK OF

AMALEK.

8. Then came Amalek--Some time probably elapsed before they were

exposed to this new evil; and the presumption of there being such an

interval affords the only ground on which we can satisfactorily account

for the altered, the better, and former spirit that animated the people

in this sudden contest. The miracles of the manna and the water from

the rock had produced a deep impression and permanent conviction that

God was indeed among them; and with feelings elevated by the conscious

experience of the Divine Presence and aid, they remained calm,

resolute, and courageous under the attack of their unexpected foe.

fought with Israel--The language implies that no occasion had

been furnished for this attack; but, as descendants of Esau, the

Amalekites entertained a deep-seated grudge against them, especially as

the rapid prosperity and marvellous experience of Israel showed that

the blessing contained in the birthright was taking effect. It seems to

have been a mean, dastardly, insidious surprise on the rear

(Nu 24:20;

De 25:17),

and an impious defiance of God.

9. Moses said unto Joshua--or, "Jesus"

(Ac 7:45;

Heb 4:8).

This is the earliest notice of a young warrior destined to act a

prominent part in the history of Israel. He went with a number of

picked men. There is not here a wide open plain on which the battle

took place, as according to the rules of modern warfare. The Amalekites

were a nomadic tribe, making an irregular attack on a multitude

probably not better trained than themselves, and for such a conflict

the low hills and open country around this wady would afford ample

space [ROBINSON].

10-12. Moses . . . went up . . . the hill

. . . held up his hand--with the wonder-working rod;

Moses acted as the standard bearer of Israel, and also their

intercessor, praying for success and victory to crown their arms--the

earnestness of his feelings being conspicuously evinced amid the

feebleness of nature.

13. Joshua discomfited Amalek--Victory at length decided in

favor of Israel, and the glory of the victory, by an act of national

piety, was ascribed to God (compare

1Jo 5:4).

14-16. Write this for a memorial--If the bloody character of

this statute seems to be at variance with the mild and merciful

character of God, the reasons are to be sought in the deep and

implacable vengeance they meditated against Israel

(Ps 83:4).