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Exodus 15:26
Verse
Context
The Waters of Marah
25And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them,26saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”
Sermons
Derek Prince
Carter ConlonCarter Conlon
Zac PoonenZac Poonen
Chuck Smith
Brian BrodersenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If thou wilt diligently hearken - What is contained in this verse appears to be what is intended by the statute and ordinance mentioned in the preceding: If thou wilt diligently hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, etc. This statute and ordinance implied the three following particulars: 1. That they should acknowledge Jehovah for their God, and thus avoid all idolatry. 2. That they should receive his word and testimony as a Divine revelation, binding on their hearts and lives, and thus be saved from profligacy of every kind, and from acknowledging the maxims or adopting the customs of the neighboring nations. 3. That they should continue to do so, and adorn their profession with a holy life. T hese things being attended to, then the promise of God was, that they should have none of the diseases of the Egyptians put on them; that they should be kept in a state of health of body and peace of mind; and if at any time they should be afflicted, on application to God the evil should be removed, because he was their healer or physician - I am the Lord that healeth thee. That the Israelites had in general a very good state of health, their history warrants us to believe; and when they were afflicted, as in the case of the fiery serpents, on application to God they were all healed. The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel states that the statutes which Moses received at this time were commandments concerning the observance of the Sabbath, duty to parents, the ordinances concerning wounds and bruises, and the penalties which sinners should incur by transgressing them. But it appears that the general ordinances already mentioned are those which are intended here, and this seems to be proved beyond dispute by Jer 7:22, Jer 7:23 : "For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt-offerings or sacrifices: but this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people; walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they came to Elim,.... On the twenty fifth of Nisan; for, according to Aben Ezra, they stayed but one day at Marah. Elim, as a late traveller (r) says, was upon the northern skirts of the desert of Sin, two leagues from Tor, and near thirty from Corondel; according to Bunting (s) it was eight miles from Marah: where were twelve wells of water, and seventy palm trees; and so a very convenient, commodious, and comfortable place to abide at for a time, since here was plenty of water for themselves and cattle, and shady trees to sit under by turns; for as for the fruit of them, that was not ripe at this time of the year, as Aben Ezra observes. Thevenot (t) seems to confound the waters here with the waters of Marah; for he says, the garden of the monks of Tor is the place which in holy Scripture is called Elim, where were sventy palm trees and twelve wells of bitter water; these wells, adds he, are still in being, being near one another, and most of them within the precinct of the garden, the rest are pretty near; they are all hot, and are returned again to their first bitterness; for I tasted says he, of one of them, where people bathe themselves, which by the Arabs is called Hammam Mouse, i.e. the "bath of Moses"; it is in a little dark cave: there is nothing in that garden but abundance of palm trees, which yield some rent to the monks, but the seventy old palm trees are not there now. This does not agree with an observation of the afore mentioned Jewish writer, that palm trees will not flourish in the ground where the waters are bitter; though they delight in watery places, as Pliny (u) says; and yet Leo Africanus (w) asserts, that in Numidia the dates (the fruit of palm trees) are best in a time of drought. A later traveller (x) tells us, he saw no more than nine of the twelve wells that are mentioned by Moses, the other three being filled up by those drifts of sand which are common in Arabia; yet this loss is amply made up by the great increase in the palm trees, the seventy having propagated themselves into more than 2000; under the shade of these trees is the Hammam Mouse, or "bath of Moses", particularly so called, which the inhabitants of Tor have in great veneration, acquainting us that it was here where the household of Moses was encamped. Dr. Pocock takes Elim to be the same with Corondel; about four hours or ten miles south of Marah, he says, is the winter torrent of Corondel in a very narrow valley, full of tamarisk trees, where there is tolerable water about half a mile west of the road; beyond this, he says, about half an hour, or little more than a mile, is a winter torrent called Dieh-Salmeh; and about an hour or two further, i.e. about three or four miles, is the valley or torrent of Wousset, where there are several springs of water that are a little salt; and he thinks that one of them, but rather Corondel, is Elim, because it is said afterwards: they removed from Elim, and encamped at the Red sea; and the way to Corondel, to go to the valley of Baharum, is part of it near the sea, where he was informed there was good water, and so probably the Israelites encamped there; and Dr. Clayton (y) is of the same mind, induced by the argument he uses: a certain traveller (z), in the beginning of the sixteenth century, tells us, that indeed the wells remain unto this day, but that there is not one palm tree, only some few low shrubs; but he could never have been at the right place, or must say a falsehood, since later travellers, who are to be depended upon, say the reverse, as the above quotations show. As to the mystical application of this passage, the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem make the twelve fountains answerable to the twelve tribes of Israel, and seventy palm trees to the seventy elders of the sanhedrim; and so Jarchi: and more evangelically the twelve fountains of water may denote the abundance of grace in Christ, in whom are the wells of salvation, and the sufficiency of it for all his people; and which the doctrine of the Gospel, delivered by his twelve apostles, discovers and reveals, and leads and directs souls unto; and the seventy palm trees may lead us to think of the seventy disciples sent out by Christ, and all other ministers of the word, who for their uprightness, fruitfulness, and usefulness, may be compared to palm trees, as good men in Scripture are, see Psa 92:12, and they encamped there by the waters; where they stayed, as Aben Ezra thinks, twenty days, since, in the first verse of the following chapter, they are said to come to the wilderness of Sin on the fifteenth day of the second month; here being everything agreeable to them for the refreshment of themselves and cattle, they pitched their tents and abode a while; as it is right in a spiritual sense for the people of God to abide by his word and ordinances. (r) Shaw, ut supra. (Travels, p. 314.) (s) Travels, p. 82. (t) Travels into the Levant, B. 2. ch. 26. p. 166. (u) Nat. Hist. l. 13. c. 4. (w) Descriptio Africae, l. 1. p. 82. (x) Dr. Shaw, ut supra. (r)) (y) Chronolgy of the Hebrew Bible, p. 296, 297. (z) Baumgarten. Peregrinatio, l. 1. c. 21. p. 44. Next: Exodus Chapter 16
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:26 The connection between obedience to God’s commands and health is not arbitrary. God made the body, and our bodies will last longer if we follow the Creator’s guidelines. Since this statement was made in the context of a need for water, it might indicate that the Egyptians had been drinking polluted water.
Exodus 15:26
The Waters of Marah
25And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them,26saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Healing - Part 2
By Derek Prince21K23:45HealingGEN 12:2EXO 15:26DEU 28:1PSA 1:1PRO 4:20MAT 6:33JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of using the gift that God has given us. He shares his personal experience of receiving more of God's gifts by choosing to use the initial gift he was given. The speaker encourages the audience to have an inclined ear, to be teachable and open to what God wants to say to them. He also emphasizes the significance of keeping God's words in their hearts, as what is in their hearts will determine their experiences in life. The sermon concludes with the speaker ministering to the sick and sharing a testimony of a woman whose legs were lengthened through prayer.
I Am the Lord That Healeth Thee
By Carter Conlon3.5K49:02HealingEXO 7:17EXO 15:26PSA 119:105ISA 60:1EZK 36:26MAT 6:331CO 6:9In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land and draws parallels to the Christian journey. He emphasizes that the call of God is to be an extension of His goodness in the world. The speaker highlights the importance of the cross as the central focus of the Christian life, which transforms bitter places into sweet ones. He also discusses the challenges and disappointments that new Christians may face when sharing their faith with others.
How to Embrace the Power of the Cross
By Carter Conlon2.8K41:30Cross of ChristEXO 15:26PSA 112:7MAT 6:331CO 1:17In this sermon, the preacher addresses those who have lost peace, hope, and purpose in their lives. He emphasizes that God wants to restore what has been lost and give a new heart, spirit, and mind to those who have strayed. The preacher uses the story of the borrowed ax head that fell into the water to illustrate how God can make the impossible possible. He highlights the power of the cross and encourages listeners to embrace their identity in Christ and walk in authority over their enemies. The sermon concludes with the message that through the preaching of the cross, bondage and captivity can be overcome.
Numbers
By Zac Poonen2.7K57:23NumbersEXO 15:26MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of leaders and the higher expectations placed upon them by God. He uses the example of Moses, who longed to enter the promised land but was unable to due to his disobedience. The speaker highlights the obedience and humility required of true servants of God, even in inconvenient situations. He also emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit's guidance in understanding and interpreting the Bible, cautioning against relying solely on human reasoning and intelligence.
Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 1
By Zac Poonen2.6K57:11MosesEXO 15:26EXO 20:12EXO 23:9EXO 31:16PHP 4:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being detached from worldly attractions and desires in order to serve God effectively. He uses the example of Moses, who had to undergo a process of brokenness and humility before he could fulfill God's purpose. The preacher also highlights the power that is released through brokenness, comparing it to the splitting of an atom. He concludes by reminding the audience that God can use whatever they already have in their hands to accomplish His purposes.
(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 16-20
By Chuck Smith1.5K1:23:14EXO 15:26ISA 52:9ISA 66:8EZK 16:6EZK 20:24MAT 6:33EPH 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline of the United States as a nation that once acknowledged and depended on God. He highlights how the nation has turned its back on God, with people prioritizing idol worship and pleasure-seeking on the Lord's Day. The speaker draws parallels between the nation of Israel and the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church, emphasizing how God's work can transform and redeem a polluted and aimless life. The sermon also addresses the story of Lot and the sinful behavior in Sodom and Gomorrah, using it as an example of the consequences of a corrupt and immoral society.
The Name of the Lord
By Brian Brodersen94133:32GEN 22:14EXO 3:14EXO 15:26EXO 17:15LEV 20:8JDG 6:24PSA 23:1JER 23:6EZK 48:35
This sermon delves into the progressive revelation of God's name throughout the Old Testament, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ. Each revelation of God's name signifies a different aspect of His character and provision for His people, from being the provider, healer, banner, sanctifier, peace-giver, shepherd, present help, to our righteousness. The sermon emphasizes the importance of resting on the foundation of who God is, knowing that He will become everything we need in the future.
By His Stripes We Are Healed
By Philip Powell86614:34EXO 15:26LEV 19:29ISA 53:5MAT 26:392CO 5:211PE 2:24In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Hebrew words "Peshah" and "Abon," which are translated as transgression and iniquity. These words convey the ideas of rebellion, perversity, and depravity. The preacher explains that Christ was profaned, polluted, and defiled because of our depravity, and he suffered greatly to cleanse us from our rebellion and perversity. The sermon also touches on the concept of healing in the atonement, emphasizing that the phrase "with his stripes we are healed" does not solely refer to physical healing but also to spiritual healing. The preacher references Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24 to support these teachings.
Names of God
By Robert F. Adcock76431:43EXO 15:26JDG 6:24PSA 23:1MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on divine resources in times of distress. He shares a story about a missionary couple who found themselves surrounded by hostile forces and without any interest in the gospel. However, they found comfort in knowing that God was with them and that they were delivered from the evil one through the power of Jesus' shed blood. The preacher encourages the audience to turn to the Word of God and allow the Spirit of God to minister to their souls, finding peace and stability even in difficult circumstances. He concludes by reminding them of the title "Jehovah Shalom," the Lord who gives peace, and the need to be in the center of God's will.
I Am the Lord That Heals You
By Carter Conlon70249:02EXO 15:26PRO 22:3MAT 26:28JHN 6:35ROM 1:161CO 6:9COL 1:111JN 1:9
This sermon emphasizes the importance of getting right with God, addressing areas of sin and disobedience in our lives. It highlights the need to surrender to God, seek forgiveness, and live a righteous life in the power of the Holy Spirit. The message encourages immediate action to align with God's will and promises a transformation by the cleansing power of Jesus' blood.
(The Life of Jesus) His Resurrection
By Earle Maxwell70039:46EXO 15:26PSA 16:11MAT 18:20JHN 20:19JHN 20:27JHN 20:29In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the contributions of the fellowship and introduces the topic of the study of the life of Christ. He highlights the contrasting reactions of the disciples to the good news, with some experiencing hope and confidence while Thomas struggled with doubt. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being present to receive the truth and references a hymn to encourage active participation in worship. He also mentions the disciples' journey of understanding and the role of the Holy Spirit as a tutor. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's providential care and the speaker shares three simple thoughts for the listeners to reflect on.
The Devil's Afterclap
By Ray Greenly58229:00DevilEXO 15:26ISA 54:10MAT 21:21MRK 11:22MRK 11:24JHN 14:12In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his wife, Jan, being in agony and near death. He describes how he prayed to God for guidance and revelation of any sin that may be hindering their deliverance. The speaker reflects on the unbelief that he and his church had experienced in the past, which prevented them from fully trusting in God's power. However, through persistent prayer and pleading the promises of God, they received a word from the Lord that they would see His glory. The sermon concludes with the speaker recounting the moment when he anointed Jan with oil, leading to her miraculous healing and their urgent desire to go to church.
Not One Feeble Person
By Paris Reidhead19835:02PromiseEXO 12:13EXO 15:26MAT 26:26MAT 28:18JHN 3:14HEB 11:28HEB 13:8In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Joshua, a man who was unable to walk and felt hopeless. The people of Israel were preparing to leave Egypt, and Moses instructed them to sacrifice a lamb and sprinkle its blood on their doorposts to be saved from the angel of death. Despite Joshua's resistance and disbelief, his family followed Moses' instructions and prepared him for the journey. However, during the process, Joshua's leg was injured, leaving him crippled and dependent on his family. The speaker draws a parallel between Joshua's situation and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faith in God's plan for salvation.
The Value of a Covenant With God
By Paris Reidhead17234:50CovenantEXO 15:26In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites after their miraculous escape from Egypt. They face a new challenge when they reach a water source that turns out to be poisonous. Moses realizes the danger and cries out to God for help. God shows Moses a tree, which is reminiscent of the Passover lamb in Egypt. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the conditions that come with God's promises and the value of a covenant.
The Triumph of the Cross - Part 2
By Paris Reidhead15253:21CrossGEN 3:14EXO 12:36EXO 15:26DEU 28:2ISA 53:5JHN 19:30GAL 3:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the grace of God and how it is depicted in the tabernacle and the wilderness offerings. He refers to Exodus chapter 12 and Deuteronomy 28 to highlight the blessings that come from obeying the voice of the Lord. The preacher shares a personal story about a man who was injured while working with slabs and how his mother nursed him back to health. The sermon also touches on the penalty of sin, which is death, and raises the question of whether that is all that happens when one sins.
Divine Healing in the Word of God
By Aimee Semple McPherson11335:43Divine HealingFaith in GodEXO 15:26PSA 103:3LUK 4:18HEB 13:8JAS 5:14Aimee Semple McPherson delivers a powerful sermon on 'Divine Healing in the Word of God,' emphasizing that Jesus Christ is unchanging and continues to heal today as He did in the past. She illustrates how healing is woven throughout the Bible, from Genesis to the New Testament, and asserts that faith in Christ is essential for divine healing. McPherson recounts numerous biblical examples and personal testimonies of miraculous healings, encouraging believers to trust in God's promises and the power of prayer. She concludes with a call for those in need of healing and salvation to come forward and receive prayer, affirming that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Healing Anointing: Jehovah Rapha, Dominus, and Other Visions
By Mike Bickle251:16:58Healing AnointingFaithfulness in MinistryEXO 15:26PSA 28:1ISA 53:5MAT 10:8MRK 16:17JHN 14:12ACT 3:61CO 15:10JAS 5:141PE 2:24Mike Bickle emphasizes the healing anointing of Jehovah Rapha, urging believers to be faithful in the present while contending for a greater measure of God's power. He shares personal testimonies of divine encounters and prophetic revelations that affirm the promise of healing for the body of Christ. Bickle stresses the importance of humility and obedience, warning that the healing anointing must not be used for personal gain. He encourages the church to press into God's presence, anticipating a significant increase in healing and miracles that surpass historical revivals. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the intimacy of worship and the power of God in their midst.
Azusa Street's Confession of Faith
By William Seymour1EXO 15:26PRO 28:13ISA 55:7EZK 33:15MAT 9:13MRK 1:14MRK 16:16LUK 15:21LUK 19:8JHN 3:8JHN 17:15ACT 3:19ACT 10:42ROM 3:252CO 7:91TH 4:3HEB 12:14JAS 5:14William Seymour preaches on The Confession of Faith Statement of the Apostolic Faith Mission at 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles, California, emphasizing the Apostolic Faith Movement's stand for the restoration of the old-time religion and Christian unity. The sermon covers teachings on repentance, godly sorrow for sin, confession of sins, forsaking sinful ways, restitution, faith in Jesus Christ, justification, sanctification as the second work of grace, and the baptism with the Holy Ghost as a gift of power upon the sanctified life.
I Wish Above All Things That Thou Mayest Prosper
By A.B. Simpson0RighteousnessHealingEXO 15:26PRO 12:281TI 1:191PE 3:13A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of being right with God as the foundation for healing and prosperity. He asserts that living righteously protects us from harm and strengthens our faith against the devil's attacks. Simpson references biblical truths that affirm the connection between righteousness and divine healing, urging believers to maintain a good conscience and heed God's voice. He challenges the congregation to introspect and ensure their relationship with God is aligned, as this is crucial for experiencing His blessings. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to righteousness as the pathway to life and health.
God Wants Faith to Permeate All of Our Lives
By K.P. Yohannan0Trusting God's PromisesLiving By FaithEXO 15:26PSA 3:3PSA 23:3ROM 8:282CO 4:17PHP 4:19HEB 12:2K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that faith should be an integral part of our daily lives, not just a fallback during crises. He encourages believers to actively engage their faith in every moment, trusting in God's promises and stepping out boldly. Real faith involves taking risks and believing that God will supply all our needs, as stated in Philippians 4:19. Even in times of weakness, we can rely on God's strength and guidance, as He is the author and finisher of our faith. Yohannan urges us to grasp God's promises and live with a perspective focused on the eternal, trusting that God is always working for our good.
The Healer
By Henry Law0EXO 15:26PSA 103:3PSA 147:3ISA 53:5ISA 57:17JER 17:14MAT 4:24MRK 5:34JAS 5:16Henry Law preaches about the healing power of the Lord, emphasizing how sin is a universal malady that affects every aspect of humanity, leading to a deep spiritual disease that only Jesus can cure. Sin is depicted as a taint that corrupts every individual, with roots deeply embedded in the soul, affecting the heart, mind, and body. Despite the severity of sin, Jesus, the spiritual Healer, offers complete healing, forgiveness, and restoration to those who come to Him in faith.
All Hail
By A.B. Simpson0Spiritual ProsperityHealthEXO 15:26PSA 30:2PRO 4:20ISA 53:5JER 29:11MAT 28:91TH 5:23JAS 5:151PE 2:243JN 1:2A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound meaning behind the greeting 'All Hail' spoken by Jesus to His disciples on the resurrection morning. This greeting is not just a simple salutation but a prayer for health and well-being, reflecting Christ's desire for His followers to prosper in both body and spirit. Simpson connects this message to the idea that true health encompasses more than physical wellness, resonating with the apostle John's wish for Gaius. The sermon encourages believers to embrace this promise of health and wholeness as part of their faith journey. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder of Christ's compassionate care for His children.
I Am the Lord That Healeth Thee
By A.B. Simpson0Trusting God for NeedsFaith in HealingEXO 15:26PSA 103:2A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of trusting God not only for spiritual salvation but also for physical healing and daily needs. He argues that true faith must be practical and applicable to our present circumstances, allowing us to experience God's divine power in our lives. Simpson challenges believers to recognize God as the ultimate source of healing and provision, urging them to transform their trials into blessings through faith. He highlights the significance of understanding Jehovah-rophi, the Lord who heals, and encourages a deeper reliance on God in all aspects of life.
Day 202, John 5
By David Servant0EXO 15:26DEU 7:15JHN 4:48JHN 5:14JHN 5:29JHN 5:451CO 12:1REV 20:5David Servant preaches on the significance of God's healing power demonstrated at the Pool of Bethesda, highlighting how God mercifully performs signs to provoke belief and sometimes heals people without faith. He emphasizes that healings are gifts of the Spirit and encourages those who witness others being healed. The sermon also delves into the spiritual lesson that sin can lead to God's judgment in the form of sickness, as seen in Jesus' warning to the healed man. Ultimately, the lesson is that Jesus will one day resurrect everyone, with believers characterized by good deeds and unbelievers facing judgment based on their actions.
Patience and Her Perfect Work
By J.C. Philpot0EXO 15:26JOB 23:10PSA 103:3JHN 4:14ROM 4:18EPH 1:11HEB 12:11JAS 1:2J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of enduring diverse temptations with joy, as they work to strengthen faith and produce patience in believers. He compares the futile search of alchemists for a universal medicine, elixir of life, and philosopher's stone to the true miraculous solutions found in the gospel through the precious blood of Christ, the living water He offers, and His grace that transforms afflictions into blessings. Philpot delves into the various trials and temptations believers face from different sources, emphasizing the need for submission to God's will and the perfect work of patience to mature and lack nothing in the Christian walk.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If thou wilt diligently hearken - What is contained in this verse appears to be what is intended by the statute and ordinance mentioned in the preceding: If thou wilt diligently hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, etc. This statute and ordinance implied the three following particulars: 1. That they should acknowledge Jehovah for their God, and thus avoid all idolatry. 2. That they should receive his word and testimony as a Divine revelation, binding on their hearts and lives, and thus be saved from profligacy of every kind, and from acknowledging the maxims or adopting the customs of the neighboring nations. 3. That they should continue to do so, and adorn their profession with a holy life. T hese things being attended to, then the promise of God was, that they should have none of the diseases of the Egyptians put on them; that they should be kept in a state of health of body and peace of mind; and if at any time they should be afflicted, on application to God the evil should be removed, because he was their healer or physician - I am the Lord that healeth thee. That the Israelites had in general a very good state of health, their history warrants us to believe; and when they were afflicted, as in the case of the fiery serpents, on application to God they were all healed. The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel states that the statutes which Moses received at this time were commandments concerning the observance of the Sabbath, duty to parents, the ordinances concerning wounds and bruises, and the penalties which sinners should incur by transgressing them. But it appears that the general ordinances already mentioned are those which are intended here, and this seems to be proved beyond dispute by Jer 7:22, Jer 7:23 : "For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt-offerings or sacrifices: but this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people; walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they came to Elim,.... On the twenty fifth of Nisan; for, according to Aben Ezra, they stayed but one day at Marah. Elim, as a late traveller (r) says, was upon the northern skirts of the desert of Sin, two leagues from Tor, and near thirty from Corondel; according to Bunting (s) it was eight miles from Marah: where were twelve wells of water, and seventy palm trees; and so a very convenient, commodious, and comfortable place to abide at for a time, since here was plenty of water for themselves and cattle, and shady trees to sit under by turns; for as for the fruit of them, that was not ripe at this time of the year, as Aben Ezra observes. Thevenot (t) seems to confound the waters here with the waters of Marah; for he says, the garden of the monks of Tor is the place which in holy Scripture is called Elim, where were sventy palm trees and twelve wells of bitter water; these wells, adds he, are still in being, being near one another, and most of them within the precinct of the garden, the rest are pretty near; they are all hot, and are returned again to their first bitterness; for I tasted says he, of one of them, where people bathe themselves, which by the Arabs is called Hammam Mouse, i.e. the "bath of Moses"; it is in a little dark cave: there is nothing in that garden but abundance of palm trees, which yield some rent to the monks, but the seventy old palm trees are not there now. This does not agree with an observation of the afore mentioned Jewish writer, that palm trees will not flourish in the ground where the waters are bitter; though they delight in watery places, as Pliny (u) says; and yet Leo Africanus (w) asserts, that in Numidia the dates (the fruit of palm trees) are best in a time of drought. A later traveller (x) tells us, he saw no more than nine of the twelve wells that are mentioned by Moses, the other three being filled up by those drifts of sand which are common in Arabia; yet this loss is amply made up by the great increase in the palm trees, the seventy having propagated themselves into more than 2000; under the shade of these trees is the Hammam Mouse, or "bath of Moses", particularly so called, which the inhabitants of Tor have in great veneration, acquainting us that it was here where the household of Moses was encamped. Dr. Pocock takes Elim to be the same with Corondel; about four hours or ten miles south of Marah, he says, is the winter torrent of Corondel in a very narrow valley, full of tamarisk trees, where there is tolerable water about half a mile west of the road; beyond this, he says, about half an hour, or little more than a mile, is a winter torrent called Dieh-Salmeh; and about an hour or two further, i.e. about three or four miles, is the valley or torrent of Wousset, where there are several springs of water that are a little salt; and he thinks that one of them, but rather Corondel, is Elim, because it is said afterwards: they removed from Elim, and encamped at the Red sea; and the way to Corondel, to go to the valley of Baharum, is part of it near the sea, where he was informed there was good water, and so probably the Israelites encamped there; and Dr. Clayton (y) is of the same mind, induced by the argument he uses: a certain traveller (z), in the beginning of the sixteenth century, tells us, that indeed the wells remain unto this day, but that there is not one palm tree, only some few low shrubs; but he could never have been at the right place, or must say a falsehood, since later travellers, who are to be depended upon, say the reverse, as the above quotations show. As to the mystical application of this passage, the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem make the twelve fountains answerable to the twelve tribes of Israel, and seventy palm trees to the seventy elders of the sanhedrim; and so Jarchi: and more evangelically the twelve fountains of water may denote the abundance of grace in Christ, in whom are the wells of salvation, and the sufficiency of it for all his people; and which the doctrine of the Gospel, delivered by his twelve apostles, discovers and reveals, and leads and directs souls unto; and the seventy palm trees may lead us to think of the seventy disciples sent out by Christ, and all other ministers of the word, who for their uprightness, fruitfulness, and usefulness, may be compared to palm trees, as good men in Scripture are, see Psa 92:12, and they encamped there by the waters; where they stayed, as Aben Ezra thinks, twenty days, since, in the first verse of the following chapter, they are said to come to the wilderness of Sin on the fifteenth day of the second month; here being everything agreeable to them for the refreshment of themselves and cattle, they pitched their tents and abode a while; as it is right in a spiritual sense for the people of God to abide by his word and ordinances. (r) Shaw, ut supra. (Travels, p. 314.) (s) Travels, p. 82. (t) Travels into the Levant, B. 2. ch. 26. p. 166. (u) Nat. Hist. l. 13. c. 4. (w) Descriptio Africae, l. 1. p. 82. (x) Dr. Shaw, ut supra. (r)) (y) Chronolgy of the Hebrew Bible, p. 296, 297. (z) Baumgarten. Peregrinatio, l. 1. c. 21. p. 44. Next: Exodus Chapter 16
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:26 The connection between obedience to God’s commands and health is not arbitrary. God made the body, and our bodies will last longer if we follow the Creator’s guidelines. Since this statement was made in the context of a need for water, it might indicate that the Egyptians had been drinking polluted water.