Exodus 15:27

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they came {H935} to Elim {H362}, where were twelve {H8147}{H6240} wells {H5869} of water {H4325}, and threescore and ten {H7657} palm trees {H8558}: and they encamped {H2583} there by the waters {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They came to Eilim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and camped there by the water.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the waters.

American Standard Version

And they came to Elim, where were twelve springs of water, and threescore and ten palm-trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 15:27 marks a significant turning point in the Israelites' wilderness journey, describing their arrival at Elim, a lush oasis providing abundant water and shade. This arrival, immediately following the bitter waters of Marah, serves as a powerful testament to God's unfailing provision and compassionate care for His people, demonstrating His faithfulness to sustain them even amidst the harsh realities of their pilgrimage. It represents a divinely appointed period of much-needed rest and refreshment, symbolizing divine grace and restoration after a season of intense trial and complaint.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative, immediately following the Israelites' miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea")) and their subsequent "Song of the Sea" ([Exodus 15:1-21](/exodus/15-1-21 "Exodus 15:1-21 - The Song of Moses and Miriam")). Their initial journey into the Wilderness of Shur brought immediate hardship, culminating in three days without potable water, leading to their grumbling at Marah, where the water was undrinkable. There, God miraculously intervened, making the bitter waters sweet ([Exodus 15:23-25](/exodus/15-23-25 "Exodus 15:23-25 - The Waters of Marah Made Sweet")), establishing a covenant of healing and obedience. The arrival at Elim directly after Marah provides a stark and welcome contrast, illustrating God's consistent pattern of providing abundant relief and refreshment immediately following a period of testing and hardship. This sequence emphasizes God's immediate and generous response to His people's needs and His unwavering commitment to sustaining them on their journey.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, newly liberated from centuries of bondage in Egypt, were embarking on a transformative journey through a desolate and unforgiving wilderness. This environment was inherently hostile, characterized by extreme temperatures, scarcity of water, and lack of natural sustenance, rendering their survival entirely dependent on divine intervention. Oases like Elim were crucial waypoints, serving as vital sources of life-sustaining water and shade, enabling travelers and their livestock to recover and replenish. The specific numbers "twelve wells of water" and "threescore and ten palm trees" (seventy) were not arbitrary; they held significant symbolic weight in ancient Israelite culture. "Twelve" often represented the [twelve tribes of Israel](/genesis/49-28 "Genesis 49:28 - The Twelve Tribes of Israel"), signifying God's comprehensive provision for all His people. "Seventy" was a number of completeness or universality, seen in the [seventy nations listed in Genesis 10](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Table of Nations") or the [seventy elders appointed to assist Moses](/numbers/11-16 "Numbers 11:16 - Seventy Elders Appointed"). These numbers underscore the abundant, holistic, and divinely ordained nature of God's provision at Elim.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, highlighting God's faithfulness to meet His people's needs in the wilderness, even when they grumble or doubt. It also reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Guidance**, as He meticulously leads Israel through challenging terrain to specific places of rest and restoration. The sequence of Marah and Elim underscores the theme of **Testing and Faith**, where trials serve to reveal human dependence and God's miraculous power. Furthermore, the detailed description of Elim's resources, particularly the symbolic numbers, points to the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's commitment to His covenant people, providing comprehensively for their physical and spiritual well-being as they journey towards the Promised Land. This divine care is a consistent thread, from the manna and quail to the water from the rock, illustrating God's constant presence and provision throughout their wilderness experience, as seen in passages like [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail") and [Exodus 17](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elim (Hebrew, _ʼÊylim'_):** The name of this location, a plural form, likely derives from a root meaning "strong trees" or "oaks," which aptly describes an oasis abundant with vegetation. The presence of numerous palm trees aligns with this etymology, suggesting a place of established growth and natural strength, offering substantial shade and resources. This name itself suggests a place of robust life and stability in contrast to the barren wilderness.
* **wells (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** While primarily meaning "eye," this word is used by analogy to refer to a "fountain" or "spring" of water, as the eye is a source of sight, so a fountain is a source of water for the landscape. In this context, it signifies a natural, abundant source of life-sustaining water, crucial for survival in the desert. The plural "wells" indicates multiple, distinct sources, further emphasizing the richness of the provision.
* **encamped (Hebrew, _chânâh'_):** This primitive root means "to incline," and by implication, "to decline" (as the sun's rays at evening) or, more specifically, "to pitch a tent." Generally, it means "to encamp" for abode or siege. Here, it denotes the act of settling down, establishing a temporary dwelling, and resting. It signifies a halt in their arduous journey, allowing for recovery and replenishment in a secure and hospitable environment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they came to Elim":** This opening clause signifies a divinely guided arrival at a specific, designated location. It implies not a random discovery but a purposeful leading by God, bringing His people to a place of relief and restoration after their recent trials and the bitter experience at Marah. It highlights God's active involvement in their journey.
* **"where [were] twelve wells of water":** This detail highlights the primary and most vital provision in the desert: water. The specific number "twelve" emphasizes that this provision was not merely adequate but perfectly suited and abundantly sufficient for the entire nation of Israel, symbolizing God's comprehensive care for each of the twelve tribes. It speaks to the completeness of God's supply.
* **"and threescore and ten palm trees":** This specifies the presence of numerous palm trees, which would have provided essential shade from the scorching desert sun, as well as potential dates for food. The archaic "threescore and ten" (seventy) underscores the extraordinary abundance of this resource, further emphasizing the lavishness and generosity of God's provision beyond mere necessity.
* **"and they encamped there by the waters":** This final clause indicates the act of settling down, finding rest, and establishing a temporary home in this oasis. It signifies a period of respite and recovery, allowing the people to be refreshed physically and spiritually before continuing their arduous journey. The proximity to the water emphasizes the centrality of this life-giving resource to their rest.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:27 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as Elim stands in stark opposition to the preceding bitter waters of Marah ([Exodus 15:23](/exodus/15-23 "Exodus 15:23 - The Bitter Waters of Marah")). This juxtaposition powerfully highlights God's ability to provide sweetness after bitterness and abundance after scarcity, reinforcing His sovereignty, compassion, and faithfulness. **Symbolism** is also heavily at play, with water representing life, sustenance, and divine provision, and palm trees symbolizing prosperity, shade, and refreshment in a desolate land. The specific numbers employed, a form of **Numerology**, "twelve" and "seventy," are not merely descriptive but carry deep symbolic weight, signifying comprehensive provision for the entire nation of Israel and emphasizing the completeness and abundance of God's grace. The narrative also exhibits **Narrative Progression**, moving from the trial and complaint at Marah to the immediate and generous provision at Elim, illustrating a divine pattern of testing followed by profound demonstrations of care and restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:27 profoundly illustrates the theological theme of God's unfailing provision and His compassionate response to the needs of His people. After the test at Marah, Elim serves as a powerful demonstration of God's faithfulness to sustain and refresh those who depend on Him, even in the most desolate circumstances. It underscores the wilderness as a crucible for faith, where human weakness and dependence on God are brought into sharp relief, and where divine power and care are most clearly revealed. The abundance at Elim signifies that God's provision is not merely sufficient but generous, meeting not only their immediate physical needs but also offering spiritual and emotional restoration. It is a tangible sign of God's covenant loyalty and His desire for His people's well-being.

* [Psalm 23:2](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - He leads me beside still waters")
* [Isaiah 41:18](/isaiah/41-18 "Isaiah 41:18 - I will make rivers in the desert")
* [Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb will lead them to springs of living water")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The journey to Elim offers a timeless message for believers navigating the "wilderness" seasons of their own lives. Just as the Israelites faced periods of intense hardship and scarcity, we too encounter moments of exhaustion, bitterness, or spiritual dryness. Elim reminds us that God is intimately aware of our struggles and faithfully provides "oases" of refreshment and renewed strength precisely when we need them most. These oases may manifest as unexpected breakthroughs, supportive communities, moments of profound spiritual peace, or simply the quiet grace to persevere through challenging circumstances. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of trust, knowing that even after our "Marah" experiences, God is preparing a place of rest and abundance. It calls us to recognize and receive His provision, allowing ourselves to be refreshed and restored before continuing our faith journey, always remembering that His timing is perfect and His care is unfailing. It is a call to lean into divine grace, finding our true rest and sustenance in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Marah" experiences have you faced recently, and how did God demonstrate His provision and faithfulness in those moments, leading you to an "Elim"?**
* **How does the abundance at Elim (twelve wells, seventy palm trees) encourage you to trust God for comprehensive and generous provision in your current circumstances, knowing His supply is always sufficient?**
* **In what ways can you actively seek or create "Elim" moments of spiritual and physical rest and refreshment in the midst of your daily life's demands, prioritizing time for restoration with God?**

### FAQ
**Why are the numbers "twelve" and "seventy" specifically mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The numbers "twelve" and "seventy" are highly significant and not arbitrary. "Twelve" consistently symbolizes the completeness and totality of God's people, representing the [twelve tribes of Israel](/genesis/49-28 "Genesis 49:28 - The Twelve Tribes of Israel") descended from Jacob's sons. Its presence here signifies that God's provision was sufficient and perfectly tailored for the entire nation. "Seventy" (threescore and ten) often denotes completeness or universality in biblical contexts, such as the [seventy nations of the world listed in Genesis 10](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Table of Nations") or the [seventy elders appointed to assist Moses](/numbers/11-16 "Numbers 11:16 - Seventy Elders Appointed"). Together, these numbers emphasize the abundant, comprehensive, and perfectly adequate nature of God's provision for all His people, underscoring His lavish care and attention to detail.

**What is the spiritual significance of Elim following Marah in the Israelites' journey?**

Answer: The sequence of Marah (bitterness and testing) followed by Elim (abundance and rest) is a profound spiritual pattern. It illustrates God's pedagogical method: trials and periods of testing often precede and highlight profound demonstrations of His grace and provision. At Marah, the Israelites' faith was tested, and they learned to depend on God for healing and sustenance, even grumbling in their distress. Immediately afterward, Elim provided a lavish oasis, teaching them that God is faithful to provide refreshment and abundance after hardship. This pattern reinforces the lesson that [God is faithful](/1_corinthians/1-9 "1 Corinthians 1:9 - God is Faithful") to sustain His people through every stage of their journey, transforming moments of bitterness into seasons of blessing and rest, ultimately building their trust in His unfailing character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The oasis of Elim, with its abundant water and shade, serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate source of spiritual refreshment and rest. Just as Elim provided vital sustenance in the physical wilderness, Christ offers [living water that quenches all spiritual thirst](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water that Springs Up to Eternal Life") and provides profound rest for weary souls. The Israelites' journey through the wilderness, marked by trials and divine provision, mirrors the Christian's pilgrimage through a fallen world, where true sustenance is found not in earthly resources but in Christ alone. He is the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - I Am the Bread of Life") and the [true vine](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - I Am the Vine; You Are the Branches"), offering spiritual nourishment that surpasses any physical oasis. The comprehensive provision at Elim, sufficient for all twelve tribes, points to the [superabundant grace found in Christ](/romans/5-17 "Romans 5:17 - Abundance of Grace and the Gift of Righteousness"), who freely offers salvation and eternal life to all who believe. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to provide an oasis in the desert of humanity's sin and brokenness, leading His redeemed people to [springs of living water in the new creation](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb Will Lead Them to Springs of Living Water") where there will be no more thirst or sorrow.

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

Revelation 22:2

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Numbers 33:9

And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim [were] twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched there.

Ezekiel 47:12

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

Isaiah 12:3

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.