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Marah or Elim

There is a great example of the provisions of God in Exodus 15. Shortly after the Hebrews crossed the Red Sea on dry ground, they began to complain because their canteens were empty and the people were parched. Their mouths were as dry as the desert they were traversing. And then they saw it—a river of water that could quench their thirst.

 But there was a problem. They couldn’t stomach the water because it had a bitter taste. Verse 23 says, “When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah.”

 

Marah is the Hebrew word for bitter. This place was probably not named Marah at the time, but was so dubbed by the disappointed Hebrews. They started to turn on Moses, blaming him for all their problems. But the Lord directed Moses to a certain log and told him to cast it into the water. Once he did, Marah lost its bitterness, and the people were able to drink until they were satisfied. 

 

That was a temporary solution to their problem, but they would need water again. The chapter ends with these words in v.27: “Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there by the water.”

 

Elim is the Hebrew word that means tall trees. This verse doesn’t get as much attention because there is no complaining, no throwing logs in to make the water palatable; it’s just good water. 

 

We overlook the times in our lives when we live in Elim because there is not a great story, no “Let me tell you what God did for me” kind of moment. But I propose that whether we are led to Marah or Elim, it is the provision of our great God. Maybe He has led you to the bitter waters of Marah to demonstrate what He can do, or maybe He has led you to the tall trees of Elim where all is well. Either way, He deserves the credit. 

 

The log in the water wasn’t really a temporary solution, but a permanent one. Verse 25 says this became a statute and a rule. God had proven Himself to be their protector in Egypt, and now He proved to be their provider as well. 

 

If you are currently in Elim, enjoy it. If you are in Marah, get ready to watch God work. Either way, trust in Him to be your provider. 

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