Êxodo 17

Êxodo 17

Henry wrote that "Ungoverned passions, provoked by the crossing of unbridled appetites, sometimes make men guilty of the greatest absurdities, and act like madmen, that cast firebrands, arrows, and death, among their best friends." Grumbled (murmured)(03885)(lun) is a word that has two meaning that are very different. Here in Exodus 17:3 the meaning is clearly grumble or murmur (see below for the 15 uses of lun translated with the sense of grumble in NAS). See Gilbrant's discussion below of lun with the meaning of grumble. The other sense of this word is to lodge, spend the night, abide (see those uses here). Gilbrant's note on lun with the meaning of grumble/murmur - The Hebrew verb lûn means "to murmur." In the Niphal, the verb carries the thought of being "obstinate" or "stubborn," from the idea of "remaining" or "persisting" in a negative sense. Hence, there is a resultant definition of "grumbling" or "complaining."The contexts of the occurrences of lûn in Exodus cover the period between the parting of the Red Sea and the receiving of the Ten Commandments. Even after witnessing the plagues and the destruction of Pharaoh's army, the former slaves "murmured" against Moses because they were without water for three days and because the water found at Marah was bitter (Ex 15:24). Two and one-half months after their exodus from bondage, the people again grumbled against Moses and Aaron, because food was scarce. They wished that they had never left Egypt, saying, "We sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted" (Ex 16:3NIV). God heard their murmuring and sent manna, but Moses rebuked the people, saying, "Your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord" (Ex 16:8). The pattern of unbelief and murmuring thus continued. Having arrived at the southern border of Canaan, Moses sent twelve men to spy out the Promised Land. In spite of the miraculous guidance, provision, protection and presence of the Lord, unbelief prevailed. After ten of the spies gave a negative report, the Israelites shouted and wept all night, again grumbling against Moses and Aaron, even threatening to stone both of them (Nu 14:1ff, 10). God's response was more severe. Because Moses and Aaron interceded for the Lord to be merciful with the rebellious people, God forgave them; however, no one who participated in this rebellion entered the Promised Land. God referred to those who murmured as "an evil congregation" (Nu 14:27).(Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary) Zodhiates' note on lun with the meaning of lodge - A verb meaning to lodge, to tarry. It means to rest, to tarry, to stay, often overnight. Persons may spend the night or lodge somewhere (Gen. 19:2; 24:23, 25, 54; 28:11). It is used figuratively of righteousness lodging permanently in Zion (Isa. 1:21); and of evil thoughts taking residence in the city of Jerusalem (Jer. 4:14). It is used of weeping coming to "lodge" in the evening (Ps. 30:5[6]). It describes the secure, peaceful rest of one living close to the Lord (Ps. 91:1). Used with ʿayin (<H5869>, eye) as subject, it has the sense of to set on, to look upon (Job 17:2). Job notes that his error originates and remains in him (Job 19:4). It indicates a wise person's proper existence, abiding among the wise (Prov. 15:31). It takes on the sense of resting or sleeping when one fears the Lord (Prov. 19:23). Something may remain through the night (Ex. 23:18; Lev. 19:13; Jer. 4:14); or stay the night (Job 39:28). It is used of a dead body remaining in a tree overnight (Deut. 21:23). (The Complete Word Study Dictionary – Old Testament) The Septuagint translates lun with the verb gogguzo which means to murmur, mutter, make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath. Gogguzo is an onomatopoeic word derived from the sound made when murmuring or muttering in a low and indistinct voice with the idea of complaint. Lun (uses in NAS with meaning to grumble) 15x in 14v - growl(1), grumble(4), grumbled(7), grumbling(2), making(1).Ex 15:24; Ex 16:2; Ex 16:7; Ex 16:8; Ex 17:3; Nu 14:2; Nu 14:27; Nu 14:29; Nu 14:36; Nu 16:11; Nu 16:41; Nu 17:5; Jos. 9:18; Ps. 59:15 Lun (87 uses in 79v in KJV with predominant meaning = to lodge and less frequent meaning = to grumble) - KJV translates it - lodge 33, murmur 14, ... the night 14, abide 7, remain 6, tarry 2, lodge in 2, continue 1, dwell 1, endure 1, grudge 1, left 1, lie 1, variant 3; 87 Gen. 19:2; Gen. 24:23; Gen. 24:25; Gen. 24:54; Gen. 28:11; Gen. 31:54; Gen. 32:13; Gen. 32:21; Exod. 15:24; Exod. 16:2; Exod. 16:7; Exod. 16:8; Exod. 17:3; Exod. 23:18; Exod. 34:25; Lev. 19:13; Num. 14:2; Num. 14:27; Num. 14:29; Num. 14:36; Num. 16:11; Num. 16:41; Num. 17:5; Num. 22:8; Deut. 16:4; Deut. 21:23; Jos. 3:1; Jos. 4:3; Jos. 6:11; Jos. 8:9; Jos. 9:18; Jdg. 18:2; Jdg. 19:4; Jdg. 19:6; Jdg. 19:7; Jdg. 19:9; Jdg. 19:10; Jdg. 19:11; Jdg. 19:13; Jdg. 19:15; Jdg. 19:20; Jdg. 20:4; Ruth 1:16; Ruth 3:13; 2 Sam. 12:16; 2 Sam. 17:8; 2 Sam. 17:16; 2 Sam. 19:7; 1 Ki. 19:9; 1 Chr. 9:27; Neh. 4:22; Neh. 13:20; Neh. 13:21; Job 17:2; Job 19:4; Job 24:7; Job 29:19; Job 31:32; Job 39:9; Job 39:28; Job 41:22; Ps. 25:13; Ps. 30:5; Ps. 49:12; Ps. 55:7; Ps. 59:15; Ps. 91:1; Prov. 15:31; Prov. 19:23; Cant. 1:13; Cant. 7:11; Isa. 1:21; Isa. 21:13; Isa. 65:4; Jer. 4:14; Jer. 14:8; Joel 1:13; Zeph. 2:14; Zech. 5:4 And said, “Why, now, have you brought us up from Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” - This is a ridiculous, illogical exaggeration. Saved by the blood of the Passover Lamb and by the closing of the Red Sea on the Egyptians just so they could die in the desert! They clearly do not have a clue about God's purpose in saving them. They go from quarreling and grumbling to becoming completely unreasonable in their accusations. They have been provided water and food just a few weeks earlier (and the manna is still present every morning to remind them of the faithfulness of God!) and yet they make the ludicrous claim that Moses sought to kill them! I like Rod Mattoon's description of the people "The heads of the Hebrews were inflamed with irrationality. Their hearts were flaming with fury against Moses. Their hands were clutching stones, ready to be hurled like fast balls at any moment. Their circumstances were in control of them and emotionally they were out of control. They were suffering a panic attack and a temper tantrum at the same time and they chided Moses....When you are waterless in wilderness, do you blame others for your problems or do you cry out to God? Men have a spiritual thirst for pardon, holiness, and salvation. Learning won't satisfy this thirst. Riches or pleasure won't satisfy it either. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can quench the longing in your heart. (see John 4:14+). (Mattoon's from Exodus, Volume 2) Exodus 17:1-3 Give 'Em A Brake by Dr. Woodrow Kroll Where highway construction is taking place, a sign frequently will be posted that reads, "Give 'Em a Brake." This has a double message: one is to slow down, and the other is to spare the workers from injuries caused by carelessness. Highway workers do their job under hazardous conditions and we need to give them a "brake." The same sign could have been posted outside the tents of Aaron and Moses. Time after time the people of Israel rushed into judgment against their leaders until finally, here at Rephidim, they were ready to stone Moses to death (v. 4). Only God's intervention prevented a tragedy. Without question, these people needed to give Moses a break. This sign would fit equally well in front of the homes of many pastors and other church leaders. A study by Leadership Journal and Christianity Today, Inc., found that 22.8 percent of pastors have been fired or forced to leave their churches at least once in their career, and one in four of these has experienced this more than once. Sixty-two percent of the discharged pastors said the church that let them go was a "repeat offender" and had fired at least one previous pastor. Isn't it time we gave a break to those called of God to lead His church? Be very careful when tempted to be critical of your pastor or other church leaders. You may find yourself not only opposing them but God as well. Slow down before passing judgment, sincerely check your motives, and make sure there is a sound, biblical reason for your complaint and not simply a personality issue. More often than not, what you need to do is "give 'em a brake." Pastors need your grace, not your gripes. Exodus 17:1-7 A Bad Habit They tempted the Lord, saying, "Is the Lord among us or not?" —Exodus 17:7 Most people have a bad habit or two. Some habits are just irritating, such as talking too much or too fast. Others are much more serious. Consider, for example, the bad habit developed by the people of ancient Israel. They had just been delivered from slavery (Exodus 14:30), and they ought to have been thankful. Instead, they started to complain to Moses and Aaron, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt!” (Ex 16:3). We read in Exodus 17 that their complaining escalated into a quarrel. In reality, their complaint was with God, but they picked a fight with Moses because he was the leader. They said, “Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” (v.3). The people even began questioning if God was really with them (v.7). Yet He always met their needs. Those Christians who with thankful hearts Praise God throughout the day Won't tend to grumble and complain When things don't go their way. —Branon To conquer the habit of complaining, count your blessings. Getting a Grip on Gratitude Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?Numbers 11:22 Today's Scripture & Insight:Numbers 11:1–11 The years of weariness caused by chronic pain and frustrations with my limited mobility had finally caught up with me. In my discontent, I became demanding and ungrateful. I began complaining about my husband’s caregiving skills. I griped about the way he cleaned the house. Even though he’s the best cook I know, I fussed about the lack of variety in our meals. When he finally shared that my grumbling hurt his feelings, I was resentful. He had no idea what I was going through. Eventually, God helped me see my wrongs, and I asked my husband and the Lord for forgiveness. Longing for different circumstances can lead to complaining, and even a form of relationship damaging self-centeredness. The Israelites were familiar with this dilemma. It seems they were never satisfied and always griping about God’s provision (Exodus 17:1–3). Even though the Lord cared for His people in the wilderness by sending them “bread from heaven” (16:4), they began craving other food (Numbers 11:4). Instead of rejoicing over the daily miracles of God’s faithful and loving care, the Israelites wanted something more, something better, something different, or even something they used to have (vv. 4–6). They took out their frustrations on Moses (vv. 10–14). Trusting God’s goodness and faithfulness can help us get a good grip on gratitude. Today we can thank Him for the countless ways He cares for us.By: Xochitl Dixon For more, read Cultivating a Heart of Contentment Grateful praise satisfies us and pleases God. Exodus 17:4 So Moses cried out to the LORD, saying, “What shall I do to this people? A little more and they will stone me.” NET Exodus 17:4 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, "What will I do with this people?– a little more and they will stone me!" NLT Exodus 17:4 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, "What should I do with these people? They are ready to stone me!" ESV Exodus 17:4 So Moses cried to the LORD, "What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me." LXE Exodus 17:4 And Moses cried to the Lord, saying, What shall I do to this people? yet a little while and they will stone me. KJV Exodus 17:4 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. NIV Exodus 17:4 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, "What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me." So Moses cried out to the LORD: Ex 14:15 15:25 Nu 11:11 A little more and they will stone me: Nu 14:10 16:19 1Sa 30:6 Joh 8:59 10:31 Ac 7:50 14:19 Exodus 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries MOSES' REFLEX REACTION WAS GENUFLEXION To genuflect means to touch one knee to the ground as in an act of worship Moses choose to cry out to Jehovah, not to contend with the Jews, which would have been the temptation of his (and my) flesh! I probably would have (unrighteously) yelled "Shut your mouths, you ingrates! Get a grip!" This passage might be subtitled "How do your respond when in danger of being stoned?" Moses gives us a good pattern - CRY OUT! It is interesting that when Stephen was being stoned, he cried out to the Lord (Acts 7:59, 60+) THOUGHT - Are you being railed against, verbally abused, being treated with contempt, etc, etc? THEN may I suggest you practice the "Moses Method," and CRY OUT to your Heavenly Father. If you need some encouragement, listen to this great old Maranatha chorus "CRY OUT"...and then...CRY OUT! Notice also what Moses DID NOT DO - He did not return evil for evil. He put into practice what Paul calls all of God's children to practice... Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. 20“BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Ro 12:17-21+) So - This word introduces a "conclusion." Moses could have said "Lord get 'em." But that was not the response of this humble man. A F B Meyer once said "when we have reached the end of self, we have got to the beginning of God.” And Moses went to "the beginning of God," in prayer to God. Walter Kaiser remarked that "One of Moses' most characteristic and praiseworthy traits was that he took his difficulties to the Lord (Ex 17:4; Ex 15:25; Ex 32:30; Ex 33:8; Nu11:2, 11; Nu 12:13; Nu 14:13, 19 et al.)." Moses faith in Jehovah was based on his past bitter water trial when he cried out (same verb as here - tsaaq) and to have the LORD prescribe him a tree to sweeten the bitter water. (Exodus 15:25+) J Ligon Duncan - because of the seriousness of his circumstances, Moses has just as much cause to be tempted to distrust God as the Israelites do. His life is on the line, but his response is prayer. His response is trust. His response is to resort to God. Moses cried out to the LORD - This is the pattern we should imitate when unexpected trouble comes. Go to the Lord first. We discover in Ex 17:5 that Moses also had some trusted men he could have gone to for counsel (the elders of Israel), but he went first to the Lord and so should we beloved. THOUGHT - To whom do you go when trouble knocks at your door? It is so easy to forget that we have a friend that sticks closer than a brother and who can give us guidance when trouble comes. We need to remember (and internalize) the promise of our Lord Jesus "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Mt 28:20) When trouble comes, go to Jesus first! It was undoubtedly this assurance that gave Moses the strength and confidence to lead a rebellious people during the wilderness wandering. Moses as noted virtually always had the same response when confronted with difficult, obstacles, challenges etc. He turned to the Lord and asked for guidance illustrates. All trusting Christian in the hour of trial and uncertainty of how to respond would do well to follow Moses' example. Centuries later James summarized Moses' response this way "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5+). Cried out (06817)(tsaaq) means to cry out and occurs nearly fifty times in the Qal with the sense of crying out for help and consolation from suffering or injustice (e.g., 2 Ki. 8:3, 5; Job 19:7; Isa. 42:2). God heard the blood of Abel, which cried out from the ground for justice (Ge 4:10). Tsaaq is frequently used to express the kinds of prayers directed to God in the midst of a desperate crisis. Moses faced numerous difficult situations and would often cry out in desperation to the Lord for direction and strength. The Septuagint = LXX translates tsaaq here in Ex 17:4 with the great verb boao (from boé 995) which means raise a cry, call or shout of joy, pain, etc, with unusually high volume. In several of the NT uses (many more in Septuagint = LXX uses - Moses in Ex 8:12, Ex 14:15, Nu 12:13) crying out was in the context of one seeking help or assistance. THOUGHT - Would it be said of us when we pass on - when confronted with an obstacle, difficulty or problem, our reflex reaction was to "take it to the Lord in prayer!" Prayer ultimately expresses dependence on God and confidence (trust) in God. And Moses' dependence undoubtedly had a great deal to do with the fact that "the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth." (Nu 12:3) Mattoon explains that "Moses in this situation responded properly to the problem. He called out to God for directions. Moses has been learning to trust God and will continue to need to learn. May we learn the same lessons as he learned. Beloved, remember the Lord will not allow anything in your life that you cannot handle. "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. " (1 Cor 10:13) Warren