Exodus 17:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 17:2
2 Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?
Chapter Context
Exodus 17 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, worship, 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 13-16: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 17:2
2 Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?
Analysis
Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink—The verb 'chide' (רִיב, riv) means 'to contend, quarrel legally'—Israel puts Moses on trial for their thirst. Their demand 'Give us water' treats Moses as responsible rather than crying to God. Moses' response 'Why chide ye with me?' recognizes their real accusation: 'wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?' The verb 'tempt' (נָסָה, nasah) means 'to test, put to trial'—Israel presumes to test God rather than trust Him. This reverses proper relationship: creatures don't test Creator. Their thirst is legitimate, but their response is faithless, echoing Psalm 78:18—'they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.'
Historical Context
This is the third major complaint (food in Ex 15:24, manna in Ex 16:2, now water), establishing a pattern of murmuring that characterizes Israel's wilderness journey.
Reflection
- How does legitimate need become sinful 'tempting God' through manner of asking?
- What does putting human leaders 'on trial' for circumstances reveal about refusing God's sovereignty?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Deuteronomy 6:16, Isaiah 7:12, Matthew 4:7
- References Moses: Numbers 21:5
- Parallel theme: Psalms 78:18, 78:41, 95:9, Acts 15:10, 1 Corinthians 10:9, Hebrews 3:9