SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 – MASSAH AND MERIBAH

READ: Ex. 17:1–16: … and because they tempted the Lord, saying, ‘Is the Lord among us or not?’

The people continue through the wilderness toward Horeb/Sinai. Again, there is a severe shortage of water. Once more, the people rebel against Moses: “Did we come here with our children and livestock only to die? Why did you bring us out of Egypt?”

Moses sees this as testing the LORD — challenging Him and questioning His power and faithfulness. In truth, the people show they have no trust in God. “What use is Moses, what use is God?” They accuse Him, while from His side, the LORD is once again testing whether they will continue to accept and trust Him, even in adversity.

They even come at Moses with clenched fists. In desperation, Moses cries out to the LORD: “They are ready to stone me!”

The LORD instructs Moses to strike the rock at Horeb with his staff. Instead of punishing His people severely, God again graciously provides them with precious water. Why? The people surely deserve only judgment. The reason lies in God’s good pleasure, His faithfulness, and boundless mercy.

The rock that gives water is a foreshadowing of Christ (1 Cor. 10:4; see also John 7:37–39). Because God remembers Christ and His atoning suffering, and remains faithful to His covenant, He gives His people what they need — as undeserved grace. The same is true for the manna (1 Cor. 10:3).

Immediately after, there is a battle with Amalek. Joshua leads the fight. Moses, Aaron, and Hur intercede on a hill, seeking God’s help. This makes it a battle of the LORD, who gives victory to Israel. But the LORD gives a future command: Amalek, as a people serving Satan, must be destroyed (cf. 1 Sam. 15:3).

Out of gratitude and as a sign of trust, Moses builds an altar and calls it: “The LORD is my Banner” — the LORD is my help in battle; He is mighty (v.16). 

Can we also say: The LORD is our Banner?

Sing: Ps. 18:11,12