Exodus 17:1

¶ And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and [there was] no water for the people to drink.

And all the congregation {H5712} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} journeyed {H5265} from the wilderness {H4057} of Sin {H5512}, after their journeys {H4550}, according to the commandment {H6310} of the LORD {H3068}, and pitched {H2583} in Rephidim {H7508}: and there was no water {H4325} for the people {H5971} to drink {H8354}.

The whole community of the people of Isra'el left the Seen Desert, traveling in stages, as ADONAI had ordered, and camped at Refidim; but there was no water for the people to drink.

Then the whole congregation of Israel left the Desert of Sin, moving from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.

And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, by their journeys, according to the commandment of Jehovah, and encamped in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.

Commentary

Exodus 17:1 marks a crucial point in the Israelites' wilderness journey after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt through the Red Sea. This verse sets the stage for a significant test of faith and a powerful display of God's provision.

Context

Following their departure from the Wilderness of Sin, where God had previously provided manna and quail, the entire congregation of Israel continued their nomadic journey. Their movements were not random but were meticulously orchestrated "according to the commandment of the LORD," highlighting God's direct guidance over His people. They arrived at Rephidim, a new encampment, only to discover a severe and immediate crisis: "there was no water for the people to drink." This lack of water, a fundamental necessity for survival in the arid wilderness, immediately created tension and distress among the vast multitude, setting the scene for the events of the following verses.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance Amidst Adversity: The phrase "according to the commandment of the LORD" underscores that even when led into challenging circumstances, God is sovereign and purposeful. He guides His people not always to ease, but often to places where their faith will be stretched and His power revealed.
  • Human Dependence and Need: The immediate and stark reality of "no water" highlights the Israelites' complete dependence on God for their most basic needs. This recurring theme throughout the wilderness narrative emphasizes that human self-sufficiency is an illusion, especially in God's plan.
  • Testing and Provision: God often leads His people into situations of lack to test their hearts and demonstrate His ability to provide miraculously. This moment in Rephidim serves as a divine classroom, preparing the Israelites to trust God even when circumstances seem impossible.

Linguistic Insights

The "wilderness of Sin" (Hebrew: Midbar Sin) is a geographical location, distinct from the concept of moral "sin." It was situated between Elim and Mount Sinai. The name "Rephidim" itself is thought to mean "rests" or "props," which is ironic given the unrest and lack of support (water) found there. This contrast emphasizes the immediate challenge faced by the thirsty congregation.

Practical Application

Exodus 17:1 reminds believers today that God's leading does not always mean a path free from challenges. We may be led "according to the commandment of the LORD" into situations where our resources are insufficient, and our needs are great. In such moments, like the Israelites at Rephidim, our faith is tested. However, this verse, when read in context with the subsequent provision, encourages us to remember that God is aware of our needs and faithful to provide, often in miraculous ways, even when "there was no water." It calls us to trust His sovereign guidance and depend on His unfailing care, just as He cared for His people in the wilderness. For further reflection on God's provision in the wilderness, consider Deuteronomy 8:2-3.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 16:1

    ¶ And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which [is] between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.

  • Exodus 19:2

    For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come [to] the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount.

  • Exodus 17:8

    ¶ Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

  • Numbers 33:12

    And they took their journey out of the wilderness of Sin, and encamped in Dophkah.

  • Numbers 33:14

    And they removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink.
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