Mary Osire
Exodus/Deuteronomy, section 22
November 18, 2014

God of Providence

The Israelites have left the Desert of Sin. There is no water, so they begin to complain to Moses. In response, Moses asks God what to do, and God gives Moses instructions so that the Israelites may have water (Ex. 17-1-7). This happens in order that the Israelites would learn to trust to God. God is trying to show them so much more than they may realize. In Exodus 17:1-7, the Israelites are put into a situation with a lack of water so that they may know that God is their sole provider, and He will not abandon them in their journey through the desert. Throughout the book of Exodus, there are many repeating elements relating to Exodus 17:1-7 that play a great …show more content…
The Lord has just kept them as they were traveling through the desert, but because there is no water, they are quick to forget about what God has done for them (Ex. 17:1, 2). Moses says to the Israelites, “‘why do you put the Lord to the test’” (Ex. 17:2, NIV). They fail to remember that God is capable of so much. He was able to part the Red Sea to save them (Ex. 14:21). When they face this small problem of a need for water in their journey, their faith is shaken. Even though God has taken care of the Hebrews in times of need, they do not have complete confidence in God. An example of God’s providence is when He sustains his people with manna and quail when they do not have food (Exodus 16:4, 12-13,31). The Lord never forgets about his people even when they are going to turn against Him. What Exodus 17:2 communicates to those of the ancient world is that the Israelites become rebellious. They should stray from what the Israelites do because along with obedience comes blessing. God says, “now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.” (Exodus 19:5,