READ: Ex. 15:22–16:4: … For I am the Lord who heals you …
After their miraculous deliverance from the Egyptians, the Israelites must continue their journey through the wilderness toward Mount Horeb/Sinai. They must walk for days through scorching sand with their children. Their supply of water runs out, and there is no source in sight. Yet this is the path God leads them on, and He accompanies them in the pillar of cloud. So they should be confident that they will receive the necessary provisions — even if they are delayed.
This is again a test: will they continue to trust the LORD in their need? After three days, they finally find a water source. But the disappointment is great: the water is bitter and undrinkable due to salt. Then a spirit of rebellion arises. The people complain and speak bitterly toward Moses.
It is the same behavior they showed at the Red Sea. But Moses knows what to do: he cries out to the LORD. And the LORD hears him and shows him a piece of wood. Moses throws it into the water in faith, and the water becomes sweet and drinkable. In this way, the LORD provides in times of need for those who call on Him in faith. The piece of wood is only a means; what matters is faith and God’s blessing on it.
What happens at Marah is meant as a lasting lesson: it must be taught to all generations for their preservation. The people must also always listen to the LORD and obey His commands. Only then will things go well for them. They will not suffer diseases for the LORD will be their Healer.
After Marah, they arrive at Elim, a large oasis with many springs and palm trees — the LORD provides abundance! But things go wrong again. By now, they have been traveling for over two weeks when they head toward Horeb/Sinai and their food supply begins to run out.
Again, they complain against Moses and accuse him of wanting them to starve. But Moses points them once more to the LORD: He will give them manna!
How is the LORD our Healer today?
Sing: Ps. 106:6,7