Exodus 15:22

KJV

¶ So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Moses {H4872} brought {H5265} Israel {H3478} from the Red {H5488} sea {H3220}, and they went out {H3318} into the wilderness {H4057} of Shur {H7793}; and they went {H3212} three {H7969} days {H3117} in the wilderness {H4057}, and found {H4672} no water {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe led Isra'el onward from the Sea of Suf. They went out into the Shur Desert; but after traveling three days in the desert, they had found no water.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the Desert of Shur. For three days they walked in the desert without finding water.

American Standard Version

And Moses led Israel onward from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 15:22 marks an immediate and stark transition for the newly liberated Israelites, shifting abruptly from the euphoria of the Red Sea deliverance and the triumphant Song of Moses to the harsh realities of the wilderness. Led by Moses, they journeyed into the desolate wilderness of Shur, where, after only three days, they encountered a critical test of their faith and endurance: the complete absence of water, underscoring their profound vulnerability and absolute dependence on God's provision in this new and challenging phase of their journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic events of the [Red Sea crossing](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-31 - The Red Sea Crossing and Deliverance") and the subsequent [Song of Moses and Miriam](/exodus/15-1-21 "Exodus 15:1-21 - The Song of Moses and Miriam"), a powerful hymn of praise celebrating God's miraculous deliverance from Pharaoh's army. The narrative shifts abruptly from a moment of profound national triumph and spiritual exhilaration to the immediate onset of hardship. The abrupt transition from the "sea" (as referenced in [Exodus 15:21](/exodus/15-21 "Exodus 15:21 - Miriam's Song")) to the "wilderness of Shur" (Exodus 15:22) highlights the cyclical nature of divine provision followed by human testing, setting the stage for a series of trials that would define Israel's journey through the desert. This verse initiates a new phase where the focus moves from external threats (Pharaoh) to internal challenges of faith, trust, and obedience, establishing a pattern that will characterize much of the [book of Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - The Book of Exodus").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "wilderness of Shur" (also known as the wilderness of Etham in [Numbers 33:8](/numbers/33-8 "Numbers 33:8 - Wilderness of Etham")) refers to the desert region immediately east of the Suez Canal, forming part of the Sinai Peninsula. This area was known for its arid, inhospitable conditions, characterized by vast stretches of sand, rocky terrain, and extremely scarce water sources. For a multitude numbering potentially in the millions, including women, children, and livestock, the lack of water was not merely an inconvenience but an immediate existential threat. Ancient Near Eastern travel, especially for large groups, necessitated careful planning around water sources, making the three-day journey without finding water a critical and deeply concerning development that would have quickly depleted any reserves carried from the Red Sea. This immediate challenge underscores the complete reliance of the Israelites on divine guidance and miraculous provision in an environment utterly unsuited for sustaining such a large population.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 15:22 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the [book of Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - The Book of Exodus") and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it introduces the theme of **divine testing and proving**, where God leads His people into challenging circumstances to reveal their hearts and teach them dependence. This is a recurring motif throughout the wilderness wanderings, as seen in [Deuteronomy 8:2-3](/deuteronomy/8-2-3 "Deuteronomy 8:2-3 - God's Purpose in the Wilderness"). It also highlights the theme of **God's faithful provision**, even in the direst circumstances, setting the stage for subsequent miracles like the manna and water from the rock. Furthermore, it underscores the persistent theme of **Israel's murmuring and lack of trust**, which will be a constant struggle against God's leadership and provision, beginning immediately after a great deliverance and continuing through passages like [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wilderness (Hebrew, _midbâr'_):** This term (H4057, מִדְבָּר) is often translated as "desert" but carries a broader meaning of an uncultivated, uninhabited, or sparsely inhabited region. It is not necessarily barren but is a place where human civilization is absent, making it a challenging environment. Theologically, the _midbâr_ in Israel's narrative is consistently portrayed as a place of divine testing, purification, and formation, where God strips away human self-sufficiency to teach absolute dependence on Him. It is a crucible for faith, where Israel learns to hear God's voice and receive His provision.
* **Went (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** The verb "went" (H3212, יָלַךְ) signifies movement, often a purposeful journey. Here, it describes both Moses "bringing" (H5265, _nâçaʻ'_ - to pull up, start a journey) Israel and Israel themselves "going out" (H3318, _yâtsâʼ'_ - to go out) and "going" (H3212, _yâlak'_ - to walk). This repetition emphasizes the physical progression of the vast multitude into the desolate region. The act of "going" into the wilderness, rather than around it, highlights God's deliberate leading of His people into a place of trial, a necessary step in their spiritual formation.
* **Water (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** The word "water" (H4325, מַיִם) is presented in its dual form, conveying the abundance or totality of water, but here, it is conspicuously absent ("found no water"). Water is the most fundamental necessity for life, especially in an arid desert environment. Its complete lack immediately brings the multitude to a point of existential crisis, highlighting their extreme vulnerability and setting the stage for an immediate test of faith and dependence on God for their very survival.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea":** This opening clause establishes Moses' continued, divinely appointed leadership immediately following the miraculous Red Sea deliverance. It signifies the transition from a moment of dramatic salvation to the ongoing journey of the redeemed people, with Moses serving as God's chosen instrument of guidance. The "Red Sea" here functions as a powerful symbol of their recent salvation and the decisive boundary crossed from slavery to freedom.
* **"and they went out into the wilderness of Shur":** This phrase marks the new geographical and environmental reality for the Israelites. The "wilderness of Shur" is not merely a location but a descriptor of the harsh, challenging conditions they would face. It signifies the beginning of their long sojourn in the desert, a place intentionally designed by God for their spiritual formation, testing, and the revelation of His covenant relationship with them.
* **"and they went three days in the wilderness":** The specific mention of "three days" is significant. It indicates a relatively short but critical period during which any initial supplies of water carried from the Red Sea would have been depleted, making their need immediate and urgent. This detail highlights the swift onset of hardship after their triumphant liberation, underscoring that trials can follow spiritual highs very quickly, bringing God's people to the end of their own resources.
* **"and found no water":** This is the climax of the verse, articulating the dire predicament. The complete absence of water, the most basic necessity for survival for such a large multitude in a desert environment, immediately brings them to a point of profound crisis. It sets the stage for the subsequent murmuring and God's miraculous provision, demonstrating their utter dependence on divine intervention for their very existence.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Juxtaposition** is immediately evident, placing the triumphant celebration of the Red Sea deliverance (Exodus 15:1-21) in stark contrast with the immediate hardship of the waterless wilderness. This abrupt shift highlights the reality that spiritual victory does not exempt one from subsequent trials; indeed, it often ushers in new forms of testing. The "wilderness of Shur" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not merely a geographical location but a testing ground for faith, a crucible where God strips away human self-reliance to cultivate absolute dependence on Him. The journey of "three days" without water serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the numerous trials, periods of murmuring, and cycles of divine provision that will characterize Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, where their faith will be repeatedly tested by a lack of provisions and their persistent need for divine sustenance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:22 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that divine deliverance is often followed by immediate testing, designed not to punish but to purify and deepen faith. God's leading of Israel into a waterless wilderness, despite His omnipotence, reveals His pedagogical intent: to teach His people absolute dependence on Him for every necessity. This passage underscores the theme of God's sovereignty even over hardship, demonstrating that He orchestrates circumstances, including trials, to reveal His character as Provider and Sustainer. It sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of God's miraculous provisions (manna, quail, water from the rock) and Israel's recurring struggles with trust and obedience, establishing a pattern that resonates throughout biblical history, emphasizing that true freedom involves learning to walk in complete reliance on the delivering God.

* [Deuteronomy 8:2-3](/deuteronomy/8-2-3 "Deuteronomy 8:2-3 - God Tests Israel in the Wilderness")
* [Psalm 107:4-7](/psalms/107-4-7 "Psalm 107:4-7 - God Leads Through the Wilderness")
* [Luke 4:1-2](/luke/4-1-2 "Luke 4:1-2 - Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 15:22 offers a timeless and sobering reminder that even after experiencing profound spiritual highs and miraculous interventions, life's journey inevitably leads through periods of "wilderness." These are not accidental detours but divinely ordained seasons designed to test our faith, expose our areas of dependence, and deepen our reliance on God. Just as Israel quickly moved from the jubilation of the Red Sea to the urgent need for water, we too can find ourselves in situations where resources seem scarce, the path is unclear, and our human limitations are starkly revealed. In these "dry places," God calls us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in His unfailing provision and guidance. Our wilderness experiences are not meant to break us, but to build our character, refine our trust, and teach us that true sustenance comes from Him alone. They are essential for our spiritual growth, preparing us for the next stage of our journey with a deeper understanding of His faithfulness and our profound need for Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wilderness" experiences have followed moments of spiritual triumph in your own life?**
* **How do you typically respond when you "find no water" – when essential resources or comforts are suddenly absent or delayed?**
* **In what specific areas is God inviting you to develop a deeper, more absolute dependence on Him today?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness in your life help you navigate present or future "dry places" with trust rather than murmuring?**

### FAQ
**Why did God lead Israel into a waterless wilderness immediately after such a great victory?**

Answer: God's immediate leading of Israel into the wilderness, where they quickly "found no water," was a deliberate act of divine pedagogy. It was designed to test their faith, teach them absolute dependence on Him, and reveal His character as their sole Provider and Sustainer. The wilderness was not merely a geographical location but a spiritual classroom where God intended to strip away their reliance on human strength and Egyptian memories, preparing them to be a people who lived by His word and trusted in His miraculous provision. This pattern of testing after deliverance is a recurring theme in Scripture, ensuring that God's people learn to [walk by faith, not by sight](/2_corinthians/5-7 "2 Corinthians 5:7 - Walk by Faith, Not by Sight"). It demonstrates that God's plan for His people involves both triumphant deliverance and formative trials.

**What is the significance of the "three days" without water?**

Answer: The mention of "three days" is significant because it highlights the immediate and critical nature of the Israelites' need. While they might have carried some water from the Red Sea, a multitude of that size would quickly deplete such supplies in the desert heat. The three-day period brings them to the brink of crisis, emphasizing their acute vulnerability and the urgency of their situation. This swift onset of hardship sets the stage for God's immediate intervention at Marah ([Exodus 15:23-25](/exodus/15-23-25 "Exodus 15:23-25 - The Bitter Waters of Marah")), demonstrating that God is intimately aware of their needs and responds promptly to their cries, even when they respond with murmuring. It underscores that God allows trials to bring His people to the end of their own resources, so they might learn to rely solely on Him and experience His miraculous provision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 15:22, depicting Israel's immediate transition from the triumphant Red Sea deliverance to the waterless wilderness, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Just as Israel was led into a place of testing, Jesus Himself was [led by the Spirit into the wilderness](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1 - Jesus Led by the Spirit into the Wilderness") to be tempted, enduring a forty-day fast that brought Him to a point of extreme physical need, yet He overcame every temptation by relying on the Word of God, declaring that [man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Man Does Not Live on Bread Alone"). This foreshadows Christ as the ultimate faithful Israelite, who perfectly trusts God in the midst of deprivation and fulfills the very obedience Israel failed to maintain. Furthermore, the desperate need for water in the wilderness points to Jesus as the ultimate source of living water. He declared, "[If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus Offers Living Water")," and promised that those who believe in Him would have [rivers of living water flowing from within them](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water"). He is the one who satisfies our deepest spiritual thirst, leading us through the wilderness experiences of life, providing not just physical sustenance but eternal life. The trials in the wilderness also highlight humanity's inherent inability to sustain itself, a need perfectly met by Christ, who is our [true manna from heaven](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and our spiritual rock from whom [living water flows](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ, the Spiritual Rock"). He is the faithful leader who brings His people through every trial, ultimately leading them to the promised rest and eternal sustenance found only in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 16:7

¶ And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.

1 Samuel 15:7

And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah [until] thou comest to Shur, that [is] over against Egypt.

Genesis 25:18

And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that [is] before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: [and] he died in the presence of all his brethren.

Exodus 3:18

And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.