God’s Wilderness Training

So Moses cried out to the Lord for help . . . .  It was there at Marah that the Lord set before them (the Israelites) the following decree as a standard to test their faithfulness (commitment) to Him. He said, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, obeying His commands and keeping all His decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.” Exodus 15:25-26 (NLT)

Exodus 15:22 through Exodus 18:27 describe the Israelites training journey in the wilderness while traveling from the Red Sea to Mount Sinai. During their training journey, the Israelites (also called “Hebrews”) grumbled and complained whenever they faced a crisis or trouble (see Exodus 15:24; Exodus 16:2, 8; Exodus 17:3; Numbers 11:1; see also 1 Corinthians 10:10). First, the Israelites complained and grumbled that they did not have water (Exodus 15:22-24). The Israelites had just witnessed the greatest redemption and salvation of the Old Testament one month earlier (Exodus 16:1). The Israelite people had been delivered from Egyptian slavery by the mighty hand of God (Exodus 12). Even more, the Israelites visibly witnessed God’s parting of the Red Sea and God’s miraculous deliverance from their Egyptian enemies (Exodus 14). Despite their miraculous redemption and deliverance, the Israelites grumbled and did not trust God’s continued provision of their needs. Instead of trusting God, the Israelites complained and rebelled against God. Shockingly, the Israelites went from rejoicing just a month earlier (Exodus 15:1-21) to complaining against God (Exodus 15:22-24). It is easy to worship and rejoice before God when circumstances are good, but it takes faith and courage to worship and rejoice when suffering comes (Philippians 4:10–13). Besides, the Israelites’ real problem was unfaithfulness and lack of trust in God. God was teaching the Israelites in the wilderness that He was faithful and stand ready to provide for their needs (Deuteronomy 7:9; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13).

Nevertheless, Moses continued to trust God when there was no water. When faced with a crisis, Moses cried out to the Lord God in prayer (Exodus 15:25), and the Lord immediately provided a bountiful oasis of sweet water at Marah and again an oasis of water at Erim (Exodus 15:25, 27; see also 2 Kings 2:19-22). But before providing the Israelites water, the Lord God gave the people a training lesson. God set before the Israelites the following decree as a standard to test their wholehearted faithfulness to Him, shape their character, and build trust in Him (Exodus 15:25; see also Genesis 22:1; Exodus 20:20; Deuteronomy 8:2-3). The Lord God said, “If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you” (Exodus 15:26, NIV). God promised that if the people wholeheartedly obeyed His moral laws and not rebel against His instructions, they would receive God’s healing, protection, and provision (see 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Psalms 40:6-8; Psalm 51:16-17; Proverbs 21:3; Isaiah 1:11-17; Jeremiah 7:21-23; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8). If we want God to bless us, we must wholeheartedly OBEY AND TRUST GOD and submit to His guidelines for living. Yes, God’s blesses are conditional on our obedience and trust in Him! Moreover, there is a lesson to be learned here: we are to pray first rather than complain. Also note that God tested the Israelites but not tempted. God never tempts His people (James 1:13). Evil tempts people (1 Corinthians 7:5) in order to make people fall and turn from God. Yet, God tests His people in order to confirm their faith (Exodus 20:20) and commitment to Him (Deuteronomy 8:2).

Despite God’s first training session and the providing of water (Exodus 15:25-27), the people once again complained against God (Exodus 16:2, 8). Even worse, the Israelites wanted to return to Egyptian slavery rather than trust and follow God (Exodus 16:2-3). The Lord God heard the Israelites’ numerous complaints and ungratefulness (Exodus 16:8-9, 11-12). In spite of the Israelites complaining, God mercifully and graciously provided from heaven meat to eat and daily bread (Exodus 16:4-5, 8; see also Numbers 11:31-33; Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4). God provided all the needed meat and bread for the people by raining down food from heaven (Exodus 16:4) so the people would know Him as Lord God (Exodus 16:12). Each day God provided the Israelites necessary food to eat to teach the Israelites to look Godward and God-dependent for their daily food. Moreover, the awesome glory of God appeared in the cloud to the Israelites by providing meat and bread from heaven (Exodus 16:7, 10; see also Exodus 24:15-17; Matthew 17:5).

Yet, God wanted the Israelites to follow and obey His guidelines and instructions for collecting the miraculous food from heaven (Exodus 16:4-5, 16, 27-28). God reminded the people He would provide daily food for living (see Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3) but God also wanted the people to obey His holy Sabbath day (Exodus 16:22, 26). The Sabbath day is a day of rest set apart and dedicated for worship to God (Exodus 16:23, 25). On the sixth day, God instructed the people to gather twice as much food so they could rest on the seventh day, the Sabbath (Exodus 16:5, 26, 29). Amazingly, God wanted the people to realize a holy Sabbath day of rest as the Sabbath day is God’s gift of rest (Exodus 16:29-30; see also Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-10). Worship, meditation, and physical rest from a busy work week would characterize the Sabbath day. Today, Christians rest on the first day of the week (Sunday) and then they go forth to serve the living God with the energy He supplies on that first day. If the people did not follow God’s instructions, the miraculous food would become inedible (Exodus 16:20).

The Israelites called the miraculous and unique food “manna,” which means “What is it?” (Exodus 16:15, 31). The Holy Scriptures described the manna as a white like coriander seed that tasted like honey wafers (Exodus 16:31). God wanted the people to preserve a portion of the manna in a special jar so future generation would know of God’s miraculous provision of food in the wilderness (Exodus 16:32-33; see also Psalm 78:24; Hebrews 9:4; Revelation 2:17). This manna was eventually placed in the Ark of the Covenant — in front of the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant (Exodus 16:34). The Israelites ate an abundance of manna for forty years, until they reached the Promised Land of Canaan (Exodus 16:35). The manna stopped at the time the Israelites celebrated their first Passover in Canaan (see Joshua 5:10-12). The manna was available to the Israelites no matter their location in their wilderness journey. God’s daily provision of food in the desert was one of the greatest signs that Israel’s God was the true God of heaven and earth.

In John 6:25-59, Jesus Christ compares Himself to manna. After miraculous feeding the five thousand, Jesus Christ called Himself “the true bread from heaven” (John 6:32), “the bread of God” (John 6:33), the “bread of life” (John 6:35, 48) and “the living bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:51). Jesus Christ, as the bread of life (John 6:51), provides our daily spiritual nourishment that satisfies our deepest hunger. During the exodus, the life sustaining manna did not come from Moses but from Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is our true daily bread that satisfies fully our entire physical, spiritual and eternal needs (John 6:35). Everyone who partakes and believes in Jesus Christ will find sustaining life (John 6:47-48, 51, 54-59). Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life” and no one comes to the living God except through Him (John 14:6). In the book of Revelation, Jesus Christ promises to provide the faithful believer the hidden manna from heaven (Revelation 2:17).

Next, the Israelites camped at Rephidim and there was once again no water to drink. As before, the Israelites continued to sin against God by complaining and rebelling against God instead of turning to the living God in prayer and trust (Exodus 17:1-3; see Exodus 15:24). As before, Moses cried out to God in prayer and God answered Moses (Exodus 17:4). For years, Moses patiently put up with the Israelites’ grumbling and complaining. Instead of lashing out at the people, Moses patiently interceded with God time and again for Israel, pleading for God to have mercy on His people. Graciously and despite the Israelites’ grumbling, God miraculous provided water from the rock for the people (Exodus 17:5-7). God commanded Moses to strike the rock; and the rock gave forth water (Exodus 17:5-6). Moses called that place “Massah” and “Meribah” because the Israelites quarreled and tested God by saying “Is the Lord among us or not?” (Exodus 17:7, NIV). This miraculous providing of water from a rock was celebrated by the psalmist and prophets (see Psalm 78:15-16, 20; Psalm 105:40-41; Psalm 114:8; Isaiah 48:21). In 1 Corinthians 10:4, the Apostle Paul points out that the smitten rock represented Jesus Christ. The rock pictures Jesus Christ who was smitten for us (1 Corinthians 10:4) that we might have life-giving water of the Holy Spirit within us (John 7:37–39). The manna (spiritual food) and the water (spiritual drink) were used by Apostle Paul as figures representing the spiritual nourishment that God continually provides for His people through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:3-4). Jesus Christ is bread of life and the water of life (John 4:14; John 6:30-35).

While the Israelites were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them (Exodus 17:8). The Amalekites were descendants of Esau – the Edomites (Genesis 36:1, 12, 16) and were long-standing enemies of Israel (Genesis 14:7; Numbers 14:43, 45; Deuteronomy 25:17-19; 1 Samuel 15:2–3). Then, God showed the Israelites once again He would fight against their enemies (Exodus 17:8-15). The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8). But, the Amalekites were fighting the wrong group — people led by God. In this battle with the Amalekites, we are first introduced to Joshua. “Joshua” means “The Lord saves.” The Greek form of the name Joshua is the same as that of the name Jesus. Later, Joshua would become the great leader that brought the Israelites into God’s Promised Land. Moses instructed Joshua to choose some mighty men to fight against the Amalekites while he stood on top of the hill with the staff of God in his hands (Exodus 17:9). Joshua followed Moses’ instruction (Exodus 17:10). Joshua and the Israelites fought the Amalekites while Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill seeking God’s help for victory (Exodus 17:10). Joshua led Israel to victory as Moses interceded in their behalf in prayer. As long as Moses lifted up his hands to the throne of God, the Israelites were winning, but whenever Moses lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning (Exodus 17:11, 16). Aaron and Hur stood by Moses’ side and held up Moses’ hands toward God (Exodus 17:10-13). Hands held upward toward heaven is a symbol of appeal to God for help and empowerment (Exodus 9:22, 29; Exodus 10:12; Exodus 14:16; Exodus 17:11; see also 1 Kings 8:22, 38, 54; Ezra 9:5; Psalm 88:9; Psalm 143:6). The Israelites defeated the Amalekite army with the sword (Exodus 17:13) at Rephidim. Moses built an altar and called the altar “The Lord is my Banner” or “Jehovah-Nissi” (Exodus 17:15). This Banner recalled Moses prayer with upraised hands to God (Exodus 17:11-12, 16) and testified to God’s power displayed in the defense of His people in battle. As Christians when we face the battles of life, we are also to remember that God is our Banner and He gives us our victory (John 16:33; 1 John 5:4–5). The battle against the Amalekites was not won by Israel’s smarts or might but by God’s strength.

God’s mighty and miraculous deliverance of the Israelites against the Egyptians had spread to neighboring nations. Jethro, a priest of Midian and father-in-law to Moses, heard of everything God had done for Moses and the Israelites, and how God redeemed Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 18:1). Moreover, Moses told Jethro about all the hardships and struggles the Israelites had experienced along the way and how God faithfully rescued His people from all their troubles (Exodus 18:8). Jethro was also called “Reuel”, which means “friend of God” (Exodus 2:18) and he was a non-Israelite (Exodus 2:16). Jethro was delighted when he heard about all the good and miraculous things God had done for Israel as He saved and rescued the Israelites from the Egyptian slavery (Exodus 18:9). Even more, Jethro worshipped and praised Almighty God (El Shaddai) for Israel’s deliverance from the powerful hand of Egypt (Exodus 6:2-3; Exodus 18:10, 12) and acknowledged that the Lord God (Yahweh) is “greater than all other gods” (Exodus 18:11). Like Melchizedek (Genesis 14:17-24), Jethro was a Gentile priest (Exodus 2:16) whose worship indicated that he knew the true and living God. Exodus 18:7-12 with Jethro provides a striking example of how the God of Israel revealed Himself as the true and living God not only to Israel but also to non-Israelites (see also Joshua 2:9-11 as to Rahab; Joshua 9:9-10 as to the Gibeonites). God not only loves Israel but He also loves the world (John 3:16). Even though God chose Israel, He has love and concern for all people of the world.

The next day, Moses took his seat to hear the people’s disputes against each other from morning till evening (Exodus 18:13). Jethro saw that Moses was wearing himself out serving the people as leader and resolving the people’s disputes (Exodus 18:14, 17-18). Moses was trying to do all the work himself, and he was not making a distinction between major matters and minor problems. This work load was not good for Moses as his job was too heavy a burden alone (Exodus 18:17, 19). The method used by Moses was inefficient and physically impossible. Moses was a great man, but he could not do the work alone. Jethro suggested a simple, but wise solution to Moses. Jethro advised Moses to share and delegate some of his responsibilities in leading the Israelites and resolving the Israelites’ disputes (Exodus 18:19-20). Jethro advised Moses to teach the people God’s decrees and laws on how to conduct themselves before God and according to God’s will (Exodus 18:15-16, 20). Moreover, Jethro advised Moses to select some capable, honest and trustworthy men who reverentially trusted God and hated dishonest gain (not covetousness) and appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten (Exodus 18:21-22, 26; see also Acts 6:3). These leaders would help carry Moses’s work load and Israelites leaders would always be available to solve the people’s common and minor disputes, while reserving the major and difficult cases for Moses (Exodus 18:22, 26). Note that Jethro expected Moses to seek God’s will first in the matter (Exodus 18:23). What seems like good counsel from people might be bad counsel in God’s sight, so we must always seek God’s directions first. Jethro’s intervention and assistance to Moses literally made the difference between Israel’s life and death. This Midian priest not only helped Moses care for his family but also wisely advised Israel’s greatest prophet in properly leading God’s people (see also Exodus 18:2-6, 18). Note that Jethro’s advice did not suggest that Moses abandon his responsibility as intermediary between Israel and God nor shun his role as the only source of legislative power and the origin of judicial authority (Exodus 18:20). Instead, Jethro advised Moses to teach the people the laws and to delegate the lighter cases to morally qualified men (Exodus 18:21-22 see also 1 Timothy 3:1–3). In difficult and major cases, Moses laid the matter before God Himself (see Numbers 27:5–11). These are important principles of leadership.

Fools reject their parents’ correction, but anyone who accepts correction is wise. Proverbs 15:5 (NCV)

Amazingly, although Moses was a leader and great prophet (Deuteronomy 34:10), Moses humbly respected and followed Jethro’s wise advice (Exodus 18:7, 24; Proverbs 15:5). Exodus 18:13-27 reveals a lot about Moses’ character and personality. It would have been easy for Moses to become defensive when Jethro offered advice. But instead, Moses showed Jethro respect. Moses humbly listened and responded willingly to Jethro’s advice (see Numbers 12:3). God also wants His people to be humble and obedient people with a teachable spirit and demeanor and not rebellious and prideful people (see Genesis 26:5; 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Psalms 40:6-8; Psalm 51:16-17; Psalm 119; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 13:10; Proverbs 21:3; Isaiah 1:11-17; Jeremiah 7:21-23; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8). The Holy Scriptures repeatedly teaches that God dislikes pride, disobedience, and rebellion spirits but give His grace to the humble (see also Proverbs 8:13; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).

References

Believer’s Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995.

KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1994.

Life Application Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.

Word in Life Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996.

Zondervan NIV Study Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008.

Wiersbe, Warren. With the Word Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1991.