Topical Bible: Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Marah

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◄ Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Marah ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The journey of the Israelites through the desert to Marah is a significant episode in the narrative of the Exodus, illustrating both the challenges faced by the Israelites and the providence of God. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 15:22-27.

Context and Background

Following their miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, the Israelites, led by Moses, began their journey through the wilderness. This period marks the beginning of their 40-year sojourn in the desert, a time characterized by trials, divine guidance, and the formation of a covenant community.

The Journey to Marah

After the crossing of the Red Sea, the Israelites traveled into the Desert of Shur. The initial leg of their journey was marked by a pressing need for water, as they went three days without finding any. This scarcity of water was a test of their faith and reliance on God.

Arrival at Marah

Upon reaching Marah, the Israelites encountered water, but it was bitter and undrinkable. The name "Marah" itself means "bitter," reflecting the nature of the water and the subsequent reaction of the people. The Israelites grumbled against Moses, expressing their discontent and fear for their survival in the harsh desert environment.

Divine Intervention

In response to the people's complaints, Moses cried out to the LORD, who provided a solution. The LORD showed Moses a piece of wood, which he was instructed to throw into the water. Upon doing so, the waters of Marah were miraculously made sweet and drinkable. This act not only met the immediate physical needs of the Israelites but also served as a demonstration of God's power and care for His people.

Statutes and Ordinances

At Marah, the LORD established a statute and an ordinance for the Israelites, testing them and setting a precedent for obedience and trust. The LORD declared, "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD who heals you" (Exodus 15:26). This promise underscored the conditional nature of God's protection and blessing, contingent upon the Israelites' faithfulness and obedience.

Significance

The journey to Marah is emblematic of the broader wilderness experience, highlighting themes of testing, divine provision, and the necessity of faith. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God and the importance of obedience to His commands. The transformation of the bitter waters into sweet also prefigures the transformative power of God in the lives of His people, turning trials into testimonies of His faithfulness.

Subsequent Journey

Following their time at Marah, the Israelites continued their journey to Elim, where they found twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, providing a place of rest and refreshment. This progression from Marah to Elim illustrates the rhythm of testing and provision that characterized the Israelites' desert wanderings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 15:23
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 33:8
And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the middle of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Following the Cloud.
... Then a great shout went up from the host of Israel. ... Again they took up their journey
and passed through a desert land, where they could get no food, and ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

From Egypt to Sinai.
... insect had touched them since they went through a process ... folly of resisting Jehovah
and assured Israel of his ... only a few places and incidents of the journey. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter v from egypt to.htm

Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... not so, but would go three days' journey in desert ... And the children of Israel had
passed through the middle ... Then Moses brought the children of Israel from the ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm

Sin: Its Spring-Head, Stream, and Sea
... But Israel did not remember God's mercies powerfully ... When we come to read through
our personal life-story, we ... They had not gone many days' journey out of Egypt ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/sin its spring-head stream and.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... of the AEgean, and whosoever would pass through their country ... the greater part of
their journey in territories ... by the Wadys of the Arabian Desert, which were ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... should even risk His safety by a journey to Bethany ... testimony of one who has personally
passed through the things ... and cry, "These by thy gods, O Israel." It is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm