Exodus 17 - Water from a rock

In a particular stage of the journey, the Israelites became thirsty and began to quarrel with one another and with Moses. They again questioned why Moses had taken them from Egypt. They argued so angrily with Moses that Moses cried out to God that if the Israelites did not get water he feared that they may stone him.

God told Moses to take some of the elders with him along with  his staff then in front of the Israelites to take the staff and  to strike the rock at Horeb. The Lord said I will be there and cause water to flow from the rock that they may drink.

At Rephidim, Amalek came to challenge them to a war. Amalek was from an aboriginal tribe from southern Palestine and the Sinai peninsula. Joshua was instructed to select certain men to go with him into battle and Moses would stand at the top of the hill with his arms outstretched. As long as Moses held his arms up the Israelites were winning, but when he grew tired and lowered them the enemy would start winning so Aaron and Hur helped to support his arms and the battle was won. God told Moses he would blot out from memory in the annals of history the mention of Amalek, but will remember the victory of Joshua. An altar was built and praises made to God.

Thank you so much for visiting me today. May God richly bless you and the reading of His word.


image source