Meat for the Hungry

Seriously, are we still talking about the undrinkable water at Marah? Yes, and I’ll tell you why. This miracle marks the beginning of Israel’s new life, as the cross marks the beginning of our new life. After their symbolic death and burial, three days later Israel emerged from this grave and the bondage of Egypt, to face toxic water. Drinking poisonous water would send them back to the grave forever, so they complained against Moses and he cried out to the Lord. This grace-filled God heard their cry and ended their pain with Tree-healed, sweet water. Even though the bitter waters of Marah may have represented Israel’s attitude, scholars believe they also signify life’s “bitter” trials.

“So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them. And there He tested them,” (Exodus 15:25) Helpless and angry, Israel berated Moses because Marah’s water was toxic. He cried to the Lord for help and at the Lord’s command, Moses tossed a Tree into the water and it became drinkable. Tell me, once the Tree submerged, how did the Israelites know the water was pure? Did God use special effects like Hollywood? Was there a magic wave that changed the appearance of the water?

“So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea…out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water.” (Exodus 15:22) In the dry, barren, sun-baked land, Israel traveled three days without water. Remember, it was not only men, women, and children, they also had livestock. No water meant death. Even if they found enough for the six-hundred thousand plus people, would they be able to save their animals? In this barren wilderness, probably not. Finally, they came upon the bitter waters of Marah, so named because the word Marah actually means bitter. Water normally preserving human life, here caused death. Frustrated, “…the people complained against Moses, saying, ‘What shall we drink?’” (Ex. 15:24) Let’s take a step back for a minute.