The Journey in the Wilderness and the Giving of the Law (Exodus 15-24)

These passages recount the Israelites’ travels through the wilderness, God’s provision and laws, and the establishment of His covenant with them at Mount Sinai.

Bitter Water Made Sweet

The Waters of Marah

After their triumphant crossing of the Red Sea, the Israelites traveled into the Desert of Shur. For three days, they found no water. When they reached Marah, they could not drink the water because it was bitter, causing the people to grumble against Moses.

God Provides Sweet Water

Moses cried out to the Lord, who showed him a piece of wood. When Moses threw the wood into the water, it became sweet and drinkable. God then gave the Israelites a decree and a promise, saying He would heal them if they obeyed His commands.

Oasis at Elim

After Marah, the Israelites came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees. They camped there and enjoyed the abundant water and shade.

Manna and Quail

God Provides Manna

In the Desert of Sin, the Israelites grumbled again, this time about the lack of food. God heard their complaints and promised to rain down bread from heaven. The next morning, the ground was covered with a flaky substance, which they called manna. It tasted like wafers made with honey.

Quail in the Evening

In the evening, God also provided quail, which covered the camp. This demonstrated God’s continuous provision and care for His people, despite their complaints.

Instructions for Manna

God instructed the Israelites to gather only what they needed for each day, teaching them reliance on His daily provision. On the sixth day, they were to gather twice as much to prepare for the Sabbath rest.

Water from the Rock and Battle with the Amalekites

Water from the Rock

Continuing their journey, the Israelites camped at Rephidim, where there was no water. Again, they quarreled with Moses, demanding water. God instructed Moses to strike a rock at Horeb with his staff, and water gushed out, providing for the people’s needs.

Battle with the Amalekites

The Amalekites attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses stood on a hill with the staff of God in his hands. As long as he held up his hands, the Israelites prevailed. When he lowered them, the Amalekites gained the upper hand. Aaron and Hur supported Moses’ hands, ensuring Israel’s victory.

Jethro’s Visit

Jethro’s Advice

Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, visited the Israelite camp, bringing Moses’ wife and sons. Jethro observed Moses judging the people from morning till evening and advised him to appoint capable men as leaders to help bear the burden.

Establishing Leaders

Moses heeded Jethro’s advice and appointed leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. These leaders handled minor disputes, while Moses addressed the more difficult cases, improving the governance of the people.

Covenant at Mount Sinai

Preparing for the Covenant

The Israelites reached Mount Sinai, where God instructed Moses to consecrate the people. They were to wash their clothes and abstain from certain activities to prepare for meeting God. On the third day, God descended on the mountain in fire, smoke, and a thick cloud, with the sound of a loud trumpet.

The Ten Commandments

God spoke to the Israelites from Mount Sinai, giving them the Ten Commandments. These laws covered their relationship with God and with each other, forming the foundation of their covenant with Him.

Additional Laws

Laws on Social Justice and Conduct

God provided further laws concerning servants, personal injuries, property protection, social justice, and Sabbath laws. These laws aimed to establish a just and compassionate society, reflecting God’s character.

The Covenant Confirmed

Ratifying the Covenant

Moses built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Young men sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Moses read the Book of the Covenant to the people, who agreed to obey all that God had spoken.

Moses Ascends the Mountain

God called Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders to approach the mountain. They saw God and ate and drank in His presence. Moses then ascended the mountain alone, where he stayed for forty days and forty nights, receiving further instructions from God.

These chapters detail the incredible journey and transformation of the Israelites as they move from bondage to becoming a nation bound by a covenant with God. God’s provision, laws, and promises guide them towards their destiny.