Exodus 17:5
And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֲבֹר֙
Go on
H5674
עֲבֹר֙
Go on
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
5 of 20
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 20
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הָעָ֔ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 20
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אִתְּךָ֖
H854
אִתְּךָ֖
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
11 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וּמַטְּךָ֗
and thy rod
H4294
וּמַטְּךָ֗
and thy rod
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
12 of 20
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִכִּ֤יתָ
wherewith thou smotest
H5221
הִכִּ֤יתָ
wherewith thou smotest
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
14 of 20
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיְאֹ֔ר
the river
H2975
הַיְאֹ֔ר
the river
Strong's:
H2975
Word #:
17 of 20
a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m
Historical Context
The elders served as witnesses and representatives of the entire congregation. Their presence authenticated the miracle and prevented later disputes about whether Moses found natural water.
Questions for Reflection
- How does leading 'before the people' despite danger model courage through God's command?
- What does the same rod bringing judgment (Egypt) and grace (Israel) teach about the cross?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel—God's instruction to 'go on before' (עֲבֹר, avor) means Moses must lead despite the danger. Taking elders provides witnesses to the miracle, preventing later accusations that Moses found natural water. The command to take 'thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river' identifies the Nile-striking staff that brought plague. That same rod that brought judgment on Egypt will now bring salvation to Israel—the instrument of wrath becomes instrument of grace. This pictures the cross: what seemed God's judgment on Christ becomes salvation's source for believers. The rod's double use shows God's sovereignty over both judgment and mercy.