Exodus 17:2

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore the people {H5971} did chide {H7378} with Moses {H4872}, and said {H559}, Give {H5414} us water {H4325} that we may drink {H8354}. And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto them, Why chide {H7378} ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt {H5254} the LORD {H3068}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The people quarreled with Moshe, demanding, "Give us water to drink!" But Moshe replied, "Why pick a fight with me? Why are you testing ADONAI?"

Berean Standard Bible

So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?”

American Standard Version

Wherefore the people strove with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why strive ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt Jehovah?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 17:2 vividly portrays a critical moment in the Israelites' wilderness journey where, despite recent divine provision, they vehemently confront Moses at Rephidim, demanding water. Moses, discerning the spiritual root of their complaint, identifies their actions not merely as an accusation against him, but as a profound act of "tempting the LORD," challenging God's presence and faithfulness amidst their desperate circumstances. This verse encapsulates the recurring theme of human impatience and lack of trust in the face of hardship, contrasting sharply with God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of wilderness narratives in Exodus that highlight the Israelites' journey from slavery to nationhood, marked by repeated tests of faith and divine provision. Immediately preceding [Exodus 17](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock and War with Amalek"), the Israelites had experienced God's miraculous provision of manna and quail in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail"), demonstrating His ability to sustain them in a barren land. This episode of demanding water at Rephidim (also known as Massah and Meribah in [Exodus 17:7](/exodus/17-7 "Exodus 17:7 - Testing the Lord at Massah and Meribah")) follows quickly on the heels of that provision, underscoring the people's short memory and persistent lack of faith. The narrative then proceeds to God's command for Moses to strike the rock, providing water, and the subsequent battle with Amalek, further illustrating God's active presence and protection over His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Rephidim was a desolate and arid region in the Sinai wilderness, where water was a critical necessity for the vast Israelite multitude, including their livestock. For an ancient nomadic people, the absence of water meant certain death. In this context, the people's desperation was understandable, but their reaction—"chiding" with Moses—was a significant cultural and spiritual act. In ancient Near Eastern societies, a leader was expected to provide for his people, and failure to do so could lead to open rebellion or a challenge to his authority. However, Moses correctly interprets their complaint as more than just an attack on his leadership; it was a challenge to God Himself. Their demand for water was a test of God's presence and power, questioning whether the God who had delivered them from Egypt (as seen in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea")) was truly with them and capable of sustaining them in their present crisis.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal moment in [Exodus 17](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock and War with Amalek") encapsulates several overarching themes central to the wilderness narrative and the broader book of Exodus. Firstly, it highlights the recurring theme of **Divine Provision** in the face of human need, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to sustain His people even in the most desolate circumstances, as seen with the manna and quail in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail"). Secondly, it starkly illustrates the theme of **Human Faithlessness and Rebellion**, as the Israelites repeatedly doubt God's presence and power, choosing to "test the LORD" rather than trust Him, a pattern that recurs throughout their wilderness journey (e.g., [Numbers 14:22](/numbers/14-22 "Numbers 14:22 - Ten Times They Tested Me")). Thirdly, the passage underscores the crucial role of **Moses' Leadership and Intercession**, as he stands between the complaining people and God, discerning the spiritual nature of their sin and appealing to God for intervention. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Enduring Presence and Patience**, as He continues to provide for His rebellious people, revealing His covenant faithfulness despite their provocations, culminating in the miraculous provision of water from the rock (as detailed in [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chide (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** This verb denotes a strong, often aggressive, contention or dispute, stemming from a root meaning "to grapple" or "to wrangle." It frequently carries legal or judicial overtones, implying a formal complaint or quarrel. The people were not merely grumbling but were entering into a serious confrontation with Moses, challenging his authority and, by extension, God's. It signifies a readiness to engage in litigation or a formal grievance.
* **Tempt (Hebrew, _nâçâh'_):** This word means to test, try, prove, or put to the test. When directed towards God, it implies a doubting of His power, presence, or faithfulness, demanding that He demonstrate His capabilities. It is an act stemming from unbelief, rather than a humble seeking of divine intervention, and essentially challenges God's character and promises. Here, the people are putting God on trial, demanding proof of His existence or care.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." Derived from the Hebrew verb "to be" (הָיָה, _hayah_), it signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and unchanging faithfulness. When the people "tempt the LORD," they are not merely testing a generic deity, but challenging the very character and covenant promises of the God who revealed Himself to Moses and delivered them from Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore the people did chide with Moses":** This opening clause immediately establishes the confrontational nature of the people's response to their thirst. Instead of seeking God, they direct their anger and frustration at Moses, holding him personally responsible for their dire situation.
* **"and said, Give us water that we may drink":** This is a direct, imperative demand, not a humble request. It highlights their desperation and impatience, but also their expectation that Moses should instantly resolve their problem, betraying a lack of trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and provision.
* **"And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me?":** Moses' response reveals his understanding that he is merely God's instrument. He recognizes that their complaint, though directed at him, is fundamentally misdirected. By challenging him, they are challenging the divine authority that appointed him.
* **"wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?":** This is Moses' profound theological insight. He identifies the true spiritual nature of their rebellion: their demand for water is an act of "tempting" or "testing" God. This reveals their doubt about God's presence ("Is the LORD among us or not?" - [Exodus 17:7](/exodus/17-7 "Exodus 17:7 - Testing the Lord at Massah and Meribah")) and His ability to provide, despite the overwhelming evidence of His power and faithfulness they had already witnessed. This accusation elevates their complaint from a logistical issue to a grave spiritual offense.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Dialogue** to convey the raw tension and escalating conflict between the people and Moses. Moses' questions function as a **Rhetorical Device**, forcing the people to confront the true, spiritual implications of their actions. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the narrative: despite having recently experienced miraculous deliverance and sustenance, the people quickly revert to doubt and complaint, demonstrating a profound spiritual amnesia. The entire episode serves as a **Cautionary Tale**, illustrating the dangers of impatience, a lack of faith, and the temptation to test God's faithfulness, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable hardships.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 17:2 serves as a pivotal narrative for understanding the theological tension between human faithlessness and divine faithfulness. It underscores the profound spiritual danger of "testing the Lord," an act rooted in doubt and a short-sighted memory of God's past deliverances. Despite God's consistent demonstration of His power and care, the people's immediate response to hardship is complaint and accusation, revealing a deep-seated distrust. This episode highlights the recurring theme of God's patience and enduring commitment to His covenant people, even when they repeatedly fail to trust Him. It also sets the stage for the revelation of God's character as both provider and judge.

* [Numbers 14:22](/numbers/14-22 "Numbers 14:22 - Ten Times They Tested Me")
* [Psalm 78:18-20](/psalms/78-18 "Psalm 78:18-20 - They Tested God in Their Heart")
* [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - You Shall Not Put the Lord Your God to the Test")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 17:2 offers a profound and sobering reflection on the human heart's propensity to doubt and complain, even in the face of overwhelming evidence of God's faithfulness. In our own lives, "wilderness" experiences – periods of scarcity, uncertainty, or intense pressure – often reveal the true measure of our faith. Do we, like the Israelites, quickly resort to grumbling, blaming, or demanding, implicitly questioning God's presence and power in our circumstances? Or do we, grounded in the remembrance of His past provisions and the certainty of His promises, turn to Him in prayer, patiently waiting and trusting that He is indeed "God with us" and able to provide? This passage challenges us to cultivate a robust, resilient faith that is not dependent on immediate gratification or the absence of difficulty, but is deeply rooted in the unchanging character and sovereign care of God. It calls us to resist the temptation to "test" God, choosing instead to rest in His unfailing love and wisdom, even when the path ahead seems dry and barren.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with unexpected difficulties, what is my immediate, gut reaction? Is it complaint, anxiety, or prayerful trust?**
* **How quickly do I forget God's past acts of faithfulness when a new challenge arises? What practices can help me remember His consistent provision?**
* **In what ways might I be subtly "tempting the Lord" by doubting His presence or questioning His ability to provide in my current situation?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more resilient faith that trusts God's character even when circumstances are bleak and His plan is unclear?**

### FAQ
**Why did the people "chide" with Moses instead of praying to God?**

Answer: The people's immediate reaction to "chide" with Moses, rather than turning to God in prayer, stems from a combination of desperation, short-sightedness, and a fundamental lack of faith. While their thirst was real and life-threatening, they had recently witnessed God's miraculous provision of manna and quail in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail"), yet their memory of His faithfulness was quickly overshadowed by the immediate crisis. Their complaint to Moses was an attempt to hold their visible leader accountable for their suffering, rather than recognizing that their ultimate reliance should be on the invisible God who had led them out of Egypt (see [Exodus 14:11-12](/exodus/14-11-12 "Exodus 14:11-12 - Why Have You Brought Us Out to Die?")). Moses rightly perceived this as a deeper spiritual issue – a "testing" of God's presence and power among them.

**What does it mean to "tempt the LORD"?**

Answer: To "tempt the LORD" (Hebrew: _nâçâh_) means to put God to the test, to challenge His power, faithfulness, or presence, often out of doubt or unbelief. It's not a sincere seeking of God's will, but rather a demand for Him to prove Himself on human terms. In Exodus 17:2, the Israelites were essentially saying, "If God is truly with us, let Him give us water." This act of testing implied a skepticism about God's ability or willingness to provide, despite His recent, overwhelming demonstrations of power in delivering them from Egypt and sustaining them in the wilderness. This act of testing is explicitly forbidden in the Law (see [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - You Shall Not Put the Lord Your God to the Test")) and is contrasted with a humble, expectant faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 17:2, with its stark depiction of the Israelites' thirst and their testing of the Lord, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The water that the Israelites demanded and subsequently received from the rock (as described in the verses immediately following [Exodus 17:2](/exodus/17-2 "Exodus 17:2 - The People Chide with Moses")) is explicitly identified by the Apostle Paul as a type of Christ, for "they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ" ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - The Spiritual Rock Was Christ")). Just as the physical rock provided life-sustaining water in the barren wilderness, Jesus is the ultimate source of spiritual life and satisfaction, offering "living water" that eternally quenches the deepest thirst of the human soul ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water") and [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). Furthermore, the Israelites' sin of "testing the Lord" is directly addressed in the New Testament, as Jesus Himself, when tempted by Satan in the wilderness, quotes [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - You Shall Not Put the Lord Your God to the Test") by declaring, "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test" ([Matthew 4:7](/matthew/4-7 "Matthew 4:7 - Jesus Resists Temptation")). Thus, Christ not only fulfills the prophetic type of the life-giving rock but also perfectly embodies the obedient faith that the Israelites lacked, never testing God but always trusting the Father's provision and will, even to the point of crying "I thirst" ([John 19:28](/john/19-28 "John 19:28 - Jesus Thirsts on the Cross")) on the cross, thereby providing the ultimate spiritual drink for all who believe.

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

Deuteronomy 6:16

Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted [him] in Massah.

Psalms 78:18

And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.

1 Corinthians 10:9

Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

Psalms 78:41

Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

Hebrews 3:9

When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.

Isaiah 7:12

But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.

Numbers 21:5

And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for [there is] no bread, neither [is there any] water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.