Exodus 17:2-4

2 So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?”
3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”
4 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”

Exodus 17:2-4 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 17

The children of Israel coming to Rephidim, want water, and chide with Moses about it, who, crying to the Lord, is bid to smite the rock, from whence came water for them, and he named the place from their contention with him, Ex 17:1-7 at this place Amalek came and fought with Israel, who, through the prayer of Moses, signified by the holding up of his hands, and by the sword of Joshua, was vanquished, Ex 17:8-13, for the remembrance of which it was ordered to be recorded in a book, and an altar was built with this inscription on it, "Jehovahnissi": it being the will of God that Amalek should be fought with in every generation until utterly destroyed, Ex 17:14-16.

Cross References 7

  • 1. Numbers 20:2; Numbers 33:14; Psalms 107:5
  • 2. S Exodus 14:12
  • 3. Deuteronomy 6:16; Psalms 78:18,41; Psalms 106:14; Matthew 4:7; 1 Corinthians 10:9
  • 4. S Exodus 15:22
  • 5. S Exodus 15:24; Exodus 16:2-3
  • 6. S Exodus 14:11
  • 7. Numbers 14:10; 1 Samuel 30:6; S John 8:59
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