---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Exodus 17"
description: "CHAPTER 17   :-. THE PEOPLE
MURMUR FOR WATER. 1. the children of Israel journeyed
from the wilderness of Sin—In the succinct annals of this book,
those pl"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/exodus/17"
---

CHAPTER 17

. THE PEOPLE
MURMUR FOR WATER.

**1. the children of Israel journeyed
from the wilderness of Sin**—In the succinct annals of this book,
those places only are selected for particular notice by the inspired
historian, which were scenes memorable for their happy or painful
interest in the history of the Israelites. A more detailed itinerary
is given in the later books of Moses, and we find that here two
stations are omitted ().
**according to the commandment
of the Lord,** c.—not given in oracular response, nor a vision of
the night, but indicated by the movement of the cloudy pillar. The
same phraseology occurs elsewhere ([Numbers 9:18](../../../kjv/numbers/9/18)
[Numbers 9:19](../../../kjv/numbers/9/19)).
**pitched in Rephidim**—now
believed, on good grounds, to be Wady Feiran, which is exactly a
day's march from Mount Sinai, and at the entrance of the Horeb
district. It is a long circuitous defile about forty feet in breadth,
with perpendicular granite rocks on both sides. The wilderness of Sin
through which they approached to this valley is very barren, has an
extremely dry and thirsty aspect, little or no water, scarcely even a
dwarfish shrub to be seen, and the only shelter to the panting
pilgrims is under the shadow of the great overhanging cliffs.

**2, 3. the people did chide with
Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink,** c.—The want
of water was a privation, the severity of which we cannot estimate,
and it was a great trial to the Israelites, but their conduct on this
new occasion was outrageous it amounted even to "a tempting of
the Lord." It was an opposition to His minister, a distrust of
His care, an indifference to His kindness, an unbelief in His
providence, a trying of His patience and fatherly forbearance.

**4. Moses cried unto the Lord,
saying, What shall I do unto this people?**—His language, instead
of betraying any signs of resentment or vindictive imprecation on a
people who had given him a cruel and unmerited treatment, was the
expression of an anxious wish to know what was the best to be done in
the circumstances (compare [Matthew 5:44](../../../kjv/matthew/5/44);
[Romans 12:21](../../../kjv/romans/12/21)).

**5. the Lord said unto Moses,**
c.—not to smite the rebels, but the rock not to bring a stream of
blood from the breast of the offenders, but a stream of water from
the granite cliffs. The cloud rested on a particular rock, just as
the star rested on the house where the infant Saviour was lodged []. And from the rod-smitten rock there forthwith gushed a
current of pure and refreshing water. It was perhaps the greatest
miracle performed by Moses, and in many respects bore a resemblance
to the greatest of Christ's: being done without ostentation and in
the presence of a few chosen witnesses ().

**7. called the name of the
place**—Massah ("temptation"); Meribah ("chiding,"
"strife"): the same word which is rendered "provocation"
([Hebrews 3:8](../../../kjv/hebrews/3/8)).
[Hebrews 3:8](../../../kjv/hebrews/3/8). ATTACK OF
AMALEK.

**8. Then came Amalek**—Some time
probably elapsed before they were exposed to this new evil; and the
presumption of there being such an interval affords the only ground
on which we can satisfactorily account for the altered, the better,
and former spirit that animated the people in this sudden contest.
The miracles of the manna and the water from the rock had produced a
deep impression and permanent conviction that God was indeed among
them; and with feelings elevated by the conscious experience of the
Divine Presence and aid, they remained calm, resolute, and courageous
under the attack of their unexpected foe.
**fought with Israel**—The
language implies that no occasion had been furnished for this attack;
but, as descendants of Esau, the Amalekites entertained a deep-seated
grudge against them, especially as the rapid prosperity and
marvellous experience of Israel showed that the blessing contained in
the birthright was taking effect. It seems to have been a mean,
dastardly, insidious surprise on the rear ([Numbers 24:20](../../../kjv/numbers/24/20);
[Deuteronomy 25:17](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/25/17)), and an impious
defiance of God.

**9. Moses said unto Joshua**—or,
"Jesus" ([Acts 7:45](../../../kjv/acts/7/45);
[Hebrews 4:8](../../../kjv/hebrews/4/8)). This is the earliest
notice of a young warrior destined to act a prominent part in the
history of Israel. He went with a number of picked men. There is not
here a wide open plain on which the battle took place, as according
to the rules of modern warfare. The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe,
making an irregular attack on a multitude probably not better trained
than themselves, and for such a conflict the low hills and open
country around this wady would afford ample space [ROBINSON].

**10-12. Moses . . . went up . . . the
hill . . . held up his hand**—with the wonder-working rod; Moses
acted as the standard bearer of Israel, and also their intercessor,
praying for success and victory to crown their arms—the earnestness
of his feelings being conspicuously evinced amid the feebleness of
nature.

**13. Joshua discomfited
Amalek**—Victory at length decided in favor of Israel, and the
glory of the victory, by an act of national piety, was ascribed to
God (compare [1 John 5:4](../../../kjv/1-john/5/4)).

**14-16. Write this for a memorial**—If
the bloody character of this statute seems to be at variance with the
mild and merciful character of God, the reasons are to be sought in
the deep and implacable vengeance they meditated against Israel ().

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