Exodus 15:25

And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them,

Study Bible

So he cried out to the LORD
The phrase "cried out" in Hebrew is "צָעַק" (tsa'aq), which conveys a deep, earnest plea for help. This is not a casual request but a desperate call for divine intervention. Moses, as the leader of the Israelites, turns to God in a moment of crisis, demonstrating his reliance on divine guidance. This act of crying out is a model of faith and dependence on God, reminding believers that in times of distress, turning to the Lord is the first and most crucial step.

and the LORD showed him a log
The Hebrew word for "showed" is "יָרָה" (yarah), which can also mean to instruct or teach. This suggests that God is not only providing a solution but also imparting wisdom and understanding to Moses. The "log" or "tree" (עֵץ, etz) is a symbol of God's provision and the transformative power of His instructions. In the broader biblical narrative, trees often symbolize life and sustenance, pointing to God's ability to bring life and healing to seemingly hopeless situations.

When he cast it into the waters
The act of casting the log into the waters is an act of obedience and faith. Moses follows God's instruction without hesitation, demonstrating trust in God's wisdom. This action signifies the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when the solution may not be immediately apparent or logical from a human perspective. It is a reminder that faith often requires action, and through obedience, God's power is revealed.

the waters were sweetened
The transformation of the bitter waters of Marah into sweet, drinkable water is a powerful metaphor for God's ability to change circumstances. The Hebrew word for "sweetened" is "מָתַק" (mataq), which implies a pleasant and agreeable change. This miracle illustrates God's provision and care for His people, turning their bitterness into blessing. It serves as a reminder that God can transform the bitterness in our lives into something sweet and life-giving.

There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance
The terms "statute" (חֹק, choq) and "ordinance" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) refer to decrees and judgments that God establishes for His people. This moment at Marah is not just about physical provision but also about spiritual instruction. God is setting a precedent for His relationship with the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of obedience and trust in His laws. It underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, where His statutes are given for their well-being and guidance.

and there He tested them
The Hebrew word for "tested" is "נָסָה" (nasah), which means to try or prove. This testing is not for God's benefit but for the Israelites to understand their own faith and reliance on God. It is a moment of spiritual growth and revelation, where the Israelites are given the opportunity to demonstrate their trust in God's provision. This testing serves as a reminder that challenges in life are often opportunities for spiritual development and deeper reliance on God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. In this verse, Moses acts as an intercessor between God and the Israelites.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who responds to Moses' cry and provides a solution to the problem of bitter water.

3. The Log (or Tree)
The object shown by God to Moses, which, when cast into the water, miraculously transforms the bitter water into sweet, drinkable water.

4. The Waters of Marah
The location where the Israelites encountered bitter water, which was undrinkable until God intervened.

5. Statute and Ordinance
The divine laws or decrees given by God to the Israelites, signifying His covenant and expectations for His people.

Teaching Points

God's Provision in Times of Need
Just as God provided a solution to the bitter waters, He is faithful to provide for our needs when we call upon Him.

The Role of Intercession
Moses' cry to the LORD highlights the importance of intercessory prayer and seeking God's guidance in difficult situations.

Testing and Growth
The testing at Marah was meant to strengthen the Israelites' faith and trust in God. Similarly, our trials can lead to spiritual growth.

Obedience to God's Commands
The statute and ordinance given at Marah remind us of the importance of obeying God's commands as a response to His faithfulness.

Transformation through Obedience
The transformation of bitter water to sweet symbolizes how God can transform our lives when we obey His instructions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Moses' response to the bitter waters at Marah demonstrate the importance of seeking God in times of trouble?

2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our own lives, similar to how He provided for the Israelites at Marah?

3. How can the concept of testing, as seen in Exodus 15:25, be related to the trials we face today? What is God teaching us through these experiences?

4. What are some "bitter waters" in your life that need God's transformative power? How can you apply the lesson of obedience to these situations?

5. How does the account of Marah connect with other instances of God's provision in the Bible, and what does this teach us about His character?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 14:10-31
The crossing of the Red Sea, where God miraculously delivers the Israelites, demonstrating His power and faithfulness.

Numbers 20:7-11
Another instance where God provides water for the Israelites, this time from a rock, showing His continual provision.

Deuteronomy 8:2
Reflects on how God tested the Israelites in the wilderness to know what was in their hearts, similar to the testing at Marah.

James 1:2-4
Discusses the testing of faith and how it produces perseverance, paralleling the testing of the Israelites at Marah.