Exodus 15:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 15:27
27 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
Chapter Context
Exodus 15 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, wisdom, holiness. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 15:27
27 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
Analysis
The relief: 'they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees.' After bitter Marah comes abundant Elim—twelve wells (one per tribe?) and seventy palms (matching the seventy elders, Exodus 24:1?). The phrase 'and they encamped there by the waters' pictures rest after crisis. The progression—no water (v. 22), bitter water (v. 23), sweet water (v. 25), abundant water (v. 27)—shows God's pedagogy: testing, then relief; trial, then comfort; wilderness, then oasis.
Historical Context
Elim (possibly Wadi Gharandel, about 60 miles from Egypt) provided abundant water in contrast to Marah. The specific numbers (12 wells, 70 palms) may be symbolic or literal, representing God's provision matching Israel's structure.
Reflection
- How does the progression from no water to bitter water to abundant water reveal God's training methods?
- What 'Elim' has God provided in your life after 'Marah' experiences to refresh and restore you?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Numbers 33:9, Isaiah 12:3, Ezekiel 47:12, Revelation 7:17, 22:2