After they safely crossed the Red Sea on dry ground, the children of Israel had no reason to fear the Egyptians, for “the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians” (Exodus 14:30).
Nevertheless, the nation’s journey to the Promised Land would not be without challenges.
Because they were not traveling through Philistine territory—the most direct route to Canaan (see Exodus 13:17-18), their journey would take longer. Additionally, they would be forced to secure their own supplies (both food and water).
For a large body of people traversing a barren wilderness region, this could prove quite difficult (see Numbers 1:1-3, 44- 47).
The Israelite’s Needs.
An early incident in their journey demonstrates the troubles Israel faced. On this occasion, Moses led the people from the Red Sea into the wilderness for three days “and found no water” (Exodus 15:22). Even after they found water, “they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter” (verse 23).
Rather than trusting God to provide for their needs, “the people complained against Moses, saying, ‘What shall we drink?’” (verse 24). Moses then interceded for the people, and God provided for their need.
Afterward, God spoke and challenged the Israelites:
“If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord, who heals you” (verse 26).
The Lord’s Provision.
God’s promise to heal rather than punish His people is significant. He provided Israel with deliverance from bondage, with victory over their enemies, and with a strong spiritual leader. He also supplied all their physical needs.
Perhaps Moses best summarized God’s faithfulness to Israel during the wilderness period when he spoke to the nation prior to their entrance into Canaan and declared:
“So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years” (Deuteronomy 8:3-4).
As long as Israel trusted God, their needs were met.
Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.
Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.
Such a good lesson brother. Unfortunately for me, most of , " my preachers, “ have left this temporary home for life in paradise, till we meet again.
Thank you for sharing this my brother.