Exodus 17

After receiving the quail and the daily manna, the cloud led them little by little to Rephidim. ¹ All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the LORD, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.

They moved at the commandment of the LORD. The LORD said to follow His Presence in the cloud. When they cloud moved, they were to move. The cloud was a Theophany, a manifestation of God. In a sense, it was Immanuel, God with them. To follow the cloud was to obey the commandment of the LORD. It carries the idea of walking with the LORD, of following Him through life. We might think they were blessed to have something physical to follow, and they were, but remember the cloud has now led them to three places of frightening uncertainty. (Acts 14:22[notes1] )

It’s not so different today. In Christ, we try to follow His word and His will for our life, and yet we face the same type of situations that we feel are disastrous. We can’t see the answer or the reason. We begin to doubt whether or not we are following God as we should. We ask ourselves, “Is God mad at us for some reason we aren’t aware? Is this illness or that conflict the result of my sin?” (Psalm 119:75[notes2] )

That is something we should consider. But often it is a test. It reveals how much we really trust the LORD. It shows us where our trust is placed. Yes, there are those times that we will not understand what it is all about, and yet we trust God and wait on His Word. (Psalm 139:23-24[notes3] )

Now they have come to Rephidim. It means resting places. Some believe this is Wady Fairan. If so, then it is long row palms and tamarisk trees at the base of tall cliffs. It often runs with water. This time it was dry! Didn’t God know that? Did He intentionally lead them to another point of desperate need? Yes! He is testing them again.

When we don’t learn the material the first time through, we need to be taught again and tested again. Will they now look to the LORD? Will they wait on His word? Will we? – continued

22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

[notes2] Psalm 119:75 (ESV)

75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

[notes3] Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

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