Exodus 17:4
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 17:4
4 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.
Chapter Context
Exodus 17 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, discipleship, creation. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 17:4
4 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Numbers 14:10, 1 Samuel 30:6
- Parallel theme: John 8:59, 10:31, Acts 14:19