Exodus 15:22-27 So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness… I. WE HAVE AN EXPRESSIVE TYPE OF HUMAN TRIAL IN THE BITTERNESS OF THE WATERS. 1. The bitterness of the waters disappointed their most eager expectations. 2. The bitterness of the waters left them apparently without a grand necessity of life. 3. The bitterness of the waters immediately succeeded a remarkable deliverance. II. WE HAVE UNREASONING MISTRUST OF THE DIVINE PROVIDENCE THE MURMURING OF THE PEOPLE. 1. Their mistrust was unreasoning, considering the person against whom they murmured. Not Moses, but God, was their Guide, as they well knew. 2. Their mistrust was unreasoning, considering the Divine promises they had received. 3. Their mistrust was unreasoning, considering the displays of Divine power which they had witnessed. III. WE HAVE AN INSTRUCTIVE APPEAL FOR DIVINE HELP IN THE PRAYER OF MOSES. 1. It indicates the importance of earnest supplication to God in all our trials. 2. It suggests the importance of a submissive spirit in supplicating deliverance from our trials. IV. WE HAVE A GRACIOUS DISPLAY OF DIVINE POWER IN THE SWEETENING OF THE WATERS. God answers prayer in the hour of trouble. 1. By influencing the mind in the direction whence relief may be obtained. 2. By transmuting the temporal affliction into a rich spiritual blessing. V. WE HAVE AN INTIMATION OF THE DESIGN OF ALL AFFLICTION IN THE DECLARED PURPOSE OF THIS PARTICULAR TRIAL. "There He proved them" — tested their faith and obedience. Afflictions prove us. 1. By discovering to us the unsatisfying nature of earthly things. 2. By disclosing the true measure of our piety. (W. Kirkman.) Parallel Verses KJV: So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. |
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