All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the LORD, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though the Israelites were following God's specific instructions for their journey, the text immediately highlights a critical lack of water. This juxtaposition underscores that obedience doesn't shield us from immediate hardship; rather, it's the context in which God often tests our faith.
All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the LORD, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from their miraculous provision of manna, the Israelites continue their journey under God's direction, setting up camp at Rephidim. However, upon arrival, they discover a critical lack of water, igniting immediate discontent and murmurings against Moses. This sets the stage for a severe test of their faith and God's faithfulness in providing for them once again.
The Israelites were following God's clear direction, yet they found themselves in a desperate situation. What does this tension teach us about faith?
This passage begins by emphasizing that the Israelites moved "according to the commandment of the LORD." This wasn't a haphazard journey; they were being led by God Himself, likely through the pillar of cloud and fire. Yet, immediately after this divine guidance, they arrive at Rephidim, a place described as having "no water for the people to drink."
This is a crucial point:
The Israelites journeyed 'according to the commandment of the LORD,' a phrase that speaks volumes about God's communication and the people's immediate reaction to hardship.
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The Hebrew phrase translated as 'according to the commandment' literally means 'according to the mouth of the LORD.' This emphasizes that God's direction was direct and clear. Yet, the very next moment the people encounter a crisis.
Consider this:
Understand the original words
edah · Hebrew Noun
The organized body of believers or the covenant people of God; it emphasizes the unity of Israel as a single entity under God's governance.
midbar · Hebrew Noun
A barren, uncultivated, or desolate place; spiritually, it often represents a place of testing, dependency on God, and refinement.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God (Yahweh), revealed to Moses, signifying His eternal, self-existent, and faithful nature toward His people.
This event at Rephidim highlights a critical pattern in the Israelites' journey: even when following God's command and experiencing His provision, they quickly falter into complaint and doubt when faced with hardship. Their immediate need for water after receiving manna reveals a deep-seated unbelief, turning their journey of faith into a test of divine forbearance.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, after 430 years of slavery, are miraculously delivered from Egypt under the leadership of Moses, beginning their journey towards the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC
Journey through the Wilderness of Sin
Following their departure from Egypt, the Israelites travel through the Wilderness of Sin, where God miraculously provides them with manna and quail for sustenance.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Arrival at Rephidim
The Israelite congregation arrives at Rephidim as directed by the LORD, but finds no water available for drinking, leading to immediate crisis and complaint.
c. 1446 BC
Water from the Rock
In response to Moses' prayer and striking of a rock, God provides water, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to sustain His people.
c. 1446 BC
The Battle with Amalek
Shortly after receiving water, the Israelites are attacked by the Amalekites at Rephidim, a conflict that Moses, with divine assistance, leads them to victory.
This passage recounts a very similar event where the Israelites again lack water and murmur against Moses, highlighting a recurring pattern of their disbelief and God's provision through striking a rock.
Psalm 95:7-11This psalm reflects on Israel's wilderness experience, specifically mentioning the rebellion at Massah and Meribah (the names given to Rephidim), and serves as a warning against hardening their hearts like their ancestors.
1 Corinthians 10:1-4The Apostle Paul directly references this event, explaining that the rock from which water flowed in the wilderness was a spiritual rock, Christ, emphasizing the spiritual realities behind physical provision.
Deuteronomy 8:15This verse recalls God leading them through the desert and providing water from 'hard rocks,' serving as a reminder of God's power and provision in difficult circumstances, much like what happened at Rephidim.
calvinExodus 17:1-7: "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 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.
Deinde profectus est un…
cambridgeExodus 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."
1a. the congregation ] see on Exodus 12:3 . journeys ] better, as marg., stages ; lit. pluckings up , i.e. (see on Exodus 12:37 ) breakings up of camp. The same expression, Genesis 13:3 , Numbers 10:12 ; Numbers 33:2 . The stations between the wilderness of…
Even though the Israelites were following God's specific instructions for their journey, the text immediately highlights a critical lack of water. This juxtaposition underscores that obedience doesn't shield us from immediate hardship; rather, it's the context in which God often tests our faith.
Fresh from their miraculous provision of manna, the Israelites continue their journey under God's direction, setting up camp at Rephidim. However, upon arrival, they discover a critical lack of water, igniting immediate discontent and murmurings against Moses. This sets the stage for a severe test of their faith and God's faithfulness in providing for them once again.
Fresh from their miraculous provision of manna, the Israelites continue their journey under God's direction, setting up camp at Rephidim. However, upon arrival, they discover a critical lack of water, igniting immediate discontent and murmurings against Moses. This sets the stage for a severe test of their faith and God's faithfulness in providing for them once again.
"All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the LORD, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink." — Even though the Israelites were following God's specific instructions for their journey, the text immediately highlights a critical lack of water. This juxtaposition underscores that obedience doesn'…
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Last reviewed October 2026