Exodus 17:4
And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּצְעַ֤ק
cried
H6817
וַיִּצְעַ֤ק
cried
Strong's:
H6817
Word #:
1 of 12
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
יְהוָ֣ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מָ֥ה
H4100
מָ֥ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה
What shall I do
H6213
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה
What shall I do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לָעָ֣ם
unto this people
H5971
לָעָ֣ם
unto this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
ע֥וֹד
H5750
ע֥וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
Cross References
1 Samuel 30:6And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.Numbers 14:10But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.Acts 14:19And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.John 10:31Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.John 8:59Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Historical Context
Stoning was community execution for extreme offenses. Israel's willingness to execute Moses shows the depth of their unbelief and the danger leaders face when following God through trials.
Questions for Reflection
- How does taking complaints to God rather than defending ourselves model faithful leadership?
- What does the speed from murmuring to murderous intent teach about unbelief's trajectory?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me—Moses' cry demonstrates proper response: taking complaint to God rather than arguing with complainers. His question 'What shall I do?' recognizes human insufficiency—Moses cannot create water. The phrase 'almost ready to stone me' (עוֹד מְעַט וּסְקָלֻנִי, od m'at us'qaluni) reveals how quickly murmuring becomes murder in intent. This prefigures Christ's crucifixion: like Moses, the appointed deliverer faces death from those He came to save. Moses' intercession despite their hostility models Christ's prayer: 'Father, forgive them' (Luke 23:34). Leadership means bearing others' unbelief while seeking God's solution.