Exodus 17
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Pitched in Rephidim - In Num 33:12-14 it is said, that when the Israelites came from Sin they encamped in Dophkah, and next in Alush, after which they came to Rephidim. Here, therefore, two stations are omitted, probably because nothing of moment took place at either. See the notes on Numbers 33 (note).
Open source ↗THE PEOPLE MURMUR FOR WATER. (Exo 17:1-7) 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 (Num. 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 (Num 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.
Open source ↗And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin,.... Where they had stayed some time, at least a week, as it should seem, from the gathering the manna there six days, and resting on the seventh: after their journeys: first from the wilderness of Sin to Dophkah, and from Dophkah to Alusb, and from Alush to Rephidim, as appears from Num 33:12 their two stations at Dophkah and Alush are here omitted, nothing very remarkable or of any moment happening at either place: according to the commandment; or "mouth of the Lord" (d), who, either with an articulate voice out of the cloud, ordered when they should march, and where they should encamp; or else this was signified by the motion or rest of the pillar of cloud or fire, which always went before them, in which the Lord was: and pitched in Rephidim; which was a place on the western side of Mount Sinai: according to Bunting (e), Dophkah was twelve miles from the wilderness of Sin, and Alush twelve miles from Dophkah, and Rephidim eight miles from Alush: and Jerom says (f), according to the propriety of the Syriac language, it signifies a remission of hands: and to which the Targum of Jonathan seems to have respect, adding,"the place where their hands ceased from the precepts of the law, wherefore the fountains were dried up;''and it follows: and there was no water for the people to drink; being a sandy desert place. (d) "super ore", Montanus, "ad os", Vatablus. (e) Travels, p. 82. (f) Epist. ad Fabiolam de 42 mansion. tom. 3. fol. 15. B.
Open source ↗Want of Water at Rephidim. - Exo 17:1. On leaving the desert of Sin, the Israelites came למסעיהם, "according to their journeys," i.e., in several marches performed with encampings and departures, to Rephidim, at Horeb, where they found no water. According to Num 33:12-14, they encamped twice between the desert of Sin and Rephidim, viz., at Dofkah and Alush. The situation of Rephidim may be determined with tolerable certainty, partly from Exo 17:6 as compared with Exo 18:5, which shows that it is to be sought for at Horeb, and partly from the fact, that the Israelites reached the desert of Sinai, after leaving Rephidim, in a single day's march (Exo 19:2). As the only way from Debbet er Ramleh to Horeb or Sinai, through which a whole nation could pass, lies through the large valley of es-Sheikh, Rephidim must be sought for at the point where this valley opens into the broad plain of er Rahah; and not in the defile with Moses' seat (Jokad Seidna Musa) in it, which is a day's journey from the foot of Sinai, or five hours from the point at which the Sheikh valley opens into the plain or er Rahah, or the plain of Szueir or Suweiri, (Note: Burckhardt, p. 799; v. Raumer, Zug der Israeliten, p. 29; Robinson's Palestine, pp. 178, 179; De Laborde, comment., p. 78; Tischendorf, Reise i. p. 244.) because this plain is so far from Sinai, that the Israelites could not possibly have travelled thence to the desert of Sinai in a single day; nor yet at the fountain of Abu Suweirah, which is three hours to the north of Sinai (Strauss, p. 131), for the Sheikh valley, which is only a quarter of a mile broad at this spot, and enclosed on both sides by tall cliffs (Robinson, i. 215), would not afford the requisite space for a whole nation; and the well found here, which though small is never d…
Open source ↗Here is, I. The strait that the children of Israel were in for want of water; once before the were in the like distress, and now, a second time, Exo 17:1. They journeyed according to the commandment of the Lord, led by the pillar of cloud and fire, and yet they came to a place where there was no water for them to drink. Note, We may be in the way of our duty, and yet may meet with troubles, which Providence brings us into for the trial of our faith, and that God may be glorified in our relief. II. Their discontent and distrust in this strait. It is said (Exo 17:3), They thirsted there for water. If they had no water to drink, they must needs thirst; but this intimates, not only that they wanted water and felt the inconvenience of that want, but that their passion sharpened their appetites and they were violent and impatient in their desire; their thirst made them outrageous. Natural desires, and those that are most craving, have need to be kept under the check and control of religion and reason. See what was the language of this inordinate desire. 1. They challenged Moses to supply them (Exo 17:2): Give us water, that we may drink, demanding it as a debt, and strongly suspecting that he was not able to discharge it. Because they were supplied with bread, they insist upon it that they must be supplied with water too; and indeed to those that by faith and prayer live a life of dependence upon God one favour is an earnest of another, and may be humbly pleaded; but the unthankful and unbelieving have reason to think that the abuse of former favours is the forfeiture of further favours: Let not them think that they shall receive any thing (Jam 1:7), yet they are ready to demand every thing. 2. They quarrelled with him for bringing them out of Egypt, as if, instead of deliver…
Open source ↗17:1 from place to place: With a large and diverse group, travel was undoubtedly slow and arduous. It is also possible that God was using this time to demonstrate his care by miraculously providing for their needs before bringing them to Mount Sinai and offering his covenant to them.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
עֵדָה (ʻêdâh, H5712) — a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd) בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity נָסַע (nâçaʻ, H5265) — properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e. start on ajourney מִדְבָּר (midbâr, H4057) — a pasture (i.e. open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert; also… סִין (Çîyn, H5512) — Sin the name of an Egyptian town and (probably) desert adjoining מַסַּע (maççaʻ, H4550) — a departure (from striking the tents), i.e. march (not necessarily a single day's… פֶּה (peh, H6310) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech);… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God חָנָה (chânâh, H2583) — properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening);… רְפִידִים (Rᵉphîydîym, H7508) — Rephidim, a place in the Desert מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… שָׁתָה (shâthâh, H8354) — to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… רִיב (rîyb, H7378) — properly, to toss, i.e. grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. hold a… מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen שָׁתָה (shâthâh, H8354) — to imbibe (literally or figuratively) נָסָה (nâçâh, H5254) — to test; by implication, to attempt יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God
Open source ↗עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… צָמֵא (tsâmêʼ, H6770) — to thirst (literally or figuratively) מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen לוּן (lûwn, H3885) — to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense)… מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… מִצְרַיִם (Mitsrayim, H4714) — Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt מוּת (mûwth, H4191) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… מִקְנֶה (miqneh, H4735) — something bought, i.e. property, but only livestock; abstractly, acquisition צָמָא (tsâmâʼ, H6772) — thirst (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver צָעַק (tsâʻaq, H6817) — to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… מְעַט (mᵉʻaṭ, H4592) — a little or few (often adverbial or compar.) סָקַל (çâqal, H5619) — properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if…
Open source ↗יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver עָבַר (ʻâbar, H5674) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive,… פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) זָקֵן (zâqên, H2205) — old יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity מַטֶּה (maṭṭeh, H4294) — a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising… נָכָה (nâkâh, H5221) — to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively) יְאֹר (yᵉʼôr, H2975) — a channel, e.g. a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the Nile, as the one river of Egypt,… יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), הָלַךְ (hâlak, H1980) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Open source ↗עָמַד (ʻâmad, H5975) — to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… צוּר (tsûwr, H6697) — properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder;… חֹרֵב (Chôrêb, H2722) — Choreb, a (generic) name for the Sinaitic mountains נָכָה (nâkâh, H5221) — to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively) יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… שָׁתָה (shâthâh, H8354) — to imbibe (literally or figuratively) מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application עַיִן (ʻayin, H5869) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape) זָקֵן (zâqên, H2205) — old יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Open source ↗קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… שֵׁם (shêm, H8034) — an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority,… מָקוֹם (mâqôwm, H4725) — properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific);… מַסָּה (Maççâh, H4532) — Massah, a place in the Desert מְרִיבָה (Mᵉrîybâh, H4809) — Meribah, the name of two places in the Desert רִיב (rîyb, H7379) — a contest (personal or legal) בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity נָסָה (nâçâh, H5254) — to test; by implication, to attempt יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יֵשׁ (yêsh, H3426) — there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection) קֶרֶב (qereb, H7130) — properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial…
Open source ↗בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) עֲמָלֵק (ʻĂmâlêq, H6002) — Amalek, a descendant of Esau; also his posterity and their country לָחַם (lâcham, H3898) — to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle (as destruction) יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity רְפִידִים (Rᵉphîydîym, H7508) — Rephidim, a place in the Desert
Open source ↗מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, H3091) — Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader בָּחַר (bâchar, H977) — properly, to try, i.e. (by implication) select אֱנוֹשׁ (ʼĕnôwsh, H582) — a man in general (singly or collectively) יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… לָחַם (lâcham, H3898) — to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle (as destruction) עֲמָלֵק (ʻĂmâlêq, H6002) — Amalek, a descendant of Esau; also his posterity and their country מָחָר (mâchâr, H4279) — properly, deferred, i.e. the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely,… נָצַב (nâtsab, H5324) — to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively) רֹאשׁ (rôʼsh, H7218) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of… גִּבְעָה (gibʻâh, H1389) — a hillock מַטֶּה (maṭṭeh, H4294) — a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising… אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with…
Open source ↗יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, H3091) — Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) לָחַם (lâcham, H3898) — to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle (as destruction) עֲמָלֵק (ʻĂmâlêq, H6002) — Amalek, a descendant of Esau; also his posterity and their country אַהֲרוֹן (ʼAhărôwn, H175) — Aharon, the brother of Moses חוּר (Chûwr, H2354) — Chur, the name of four Israelites and one Midianite עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… רֹאשׁ (rôʼsh, H7218) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of… גִּבְעָה (gibʻâh, H1389) — a hillock
Open source ↗מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver רוּם (rûwm, H7311) — to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively) יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity גָּבַר (gâbar, H1396) — to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently נוּחַ (nûwach, H5117) — to rest, i.e. settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and… עֲמָלֵק (ʻĂmâlêq, H6002) — Amalek, a descendant of Esau; also his posterity and their country
Open source ↗מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), כָּבֵד (kâbêd, H3515) — heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult,… לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) אֶבֶן (ʼeben, H68) — a stone שׂוּם (sûwm, H7760) — to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and… יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… אַהֲרוֹן (ʼAhărôwn, H175) — Aharon, the brother of Moses חוּר (Chûwr, H2354) — Chur, the name of four Israelites and one Midianite תָּמַךְ (tâmak, H8551) — to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close אֶחָד (ʼechâd, H259) — properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first אֱמוּנָה (ʼĕmûwnâh, H530) — literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) שֶׁמֶשׁ (shemesh, H8121) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched…
Open source ↗יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, H3091) — Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader חָלַשׁ (châlash, H2522) — to prostrate; by implication, to overthrow, decay עֲמָלֵק (ʻĂmâlêq, H6002) — Amalek, a descendant of Esau; also his posterity and their country עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… פֶּה (peh, H6310) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech);… חֶרֶב (chereb, H2719) — drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or…
Open source ↗יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver כָּתַב (kâthab, H3789) — to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe) זִכְרוֹן (zikrôwn, H2146) — a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing) סֵפֶר (çêpher, H5612) — properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book שׂוּם (sûwm, H7760) — to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and… אֹזֶן (ʼôzen, H241) — broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form in man) יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, H3091) — Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader מָחָה (mâchâh, H4229) — properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil),… זֵכֶר (zêker, H2143) — a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration עֲמָלֵק (ʻĂmâlêq, H6002) — Amalek, a descendant of Esau; also his posterity and their country שָׁמַיִם (shâmayim, H8064) — the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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After they had set out from Rephidim, they entered the Wilderness of Sinai, and Israel camped there in front of the mountain.
On the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left the land of Egypt, the whole congregation of Israel set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai.
After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.