Exodus 15:24
And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּלֹּ֧נוּ
murmured
H3885
וַיִּלֹּ֧נוּ
murmured
Strong's:
H3885
Word #:
1 of 7
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
הָעָ֛ם
And the people
H5971
הָעָ֛ם
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Exodus 16:2And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:Exodus 14:11And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?Numbers 21:5And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.Jude 1:16These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.Philippians 2:14Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Historical Context
This begins Israel's pattern of wilderness grumbling (Exodus 16:2, 17:3, Numbers 14:2, 16:11). Each crisis produces complaint rather than prayer, revealing unbelief. This pattern provokes God's discipline and delays Canaan entry.
Questions for Reflection
- How quickly does your worship turn to complaint when circumstances disappoint expectations?
- What does directing complaints toward visible leaders rather than seeking invisible God reveal about faith's weakness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Israel's response to disappointment: 'the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?' The verb 'murmured' (lun, לוּן) indicates grumbling, complaining—not merely expressing need but accusatory discontent. Directing complaint toward Moses (visible leader) rather than God (invisible provider) shows how quickly gratitude evaporates under pressure. Three days ago they sang God's praises; now they grumble at first difficulty. This pattern of murmuring recurs throughout wilderness wanderings.