Exodus 17:2-3

2 1Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, "Give us water to drink." And Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you 2test the LORD?"
3 But the people thirsted there for water, and 3the people grumbled against Moses and said, "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?"

Exodus 17:2-3 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 3

  • 1. Numbers 20:3, 4
  • 2. Deuteronomy 6:16; Psalms 78:18, 41; Psalms 95:8, 9; Isaiah 7:12; Matthew 4:7; 1 Corinthians 10:9; Hebrews 3:8, 9
  • 3. Exodus 15:24; Exodus 16:2
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.