Exploring the Scripture

Each of the Lenten scripture readings challenges hearers to inspect their lives to identify changes they can make. Today’s scripture passage is about grumbling and negativity, traits that plague every generation.

Two months after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and began their long journey, they camped in the wilderness of Sin between Elim and Mount Sinai. Their food supplies were gone. They were hungry, and they began to complain. In response, God sent quails and manna for them to eat. They moved on from the wilderness of Sin to Rephidim and suffered thirst. They began grumbling, and Moses was irritated. He asked them why they were testing the Lord by doubting God’s presence among them and God’s ability to care for them. They repeated their complaints. “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” (Exodus 17:3). It was their usual accusation when life was difficult in the desert.

Moses usually prayed patiently for the people. This time, Moses complained to God about the accusations of his people. Then he followed God’s instructions. He went before the people with his staff to Mount Horeb. When he struck a rock there, water came forth. The scripture passage says God stood on the rock (v. 6). It is a way of saying that God was present with them.

The writer of Exodus is careful to point out the event took place in the presence of the elders of Israel as witnesses. The area has springs of water below the limestone rocks. The passage ends with an explanation of the names for some of those springs. One is called Massah, which means “test.” The other is called Meribah, or “quarrel,” to commemorate the way in which the Israelites quarreled with Moses. It’s interesting that neither name gives honor nor praise to God for the miracle. Both point to the negative behavior of the people.

The story of manna and this story about the gift of water provide a pattern that is often repeated as the Israelites journey through the wilderness toward the land of Canaan. They grumble and complain. They turn their frustration on Moses. Moses goes to God for help, and God patiently provides what the people need. The difference between grumbling and lack of faith by the people and the faithfulness and compassion of God becomes clearer with each repetition. Divinity and humanity stand starkly silhouetted against the backdrop of the wilderness.

The writer of Exodus presents the generation of Israelites in the wilderness in the worst possible light. People who are starving or dying of thirst would naturally cry out to God. Those whose future is uncertain would naturally despair and second-guess decisions they have made. Where is the line between negativity and legitimate concerns?

In today’s world, grumbling and complaints are everywhere. People of faith, unfortunately, often have as many complaints as those who do not know God. And yet, God continues to bear patiently with humankind. Such is the grace of God.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. The Israelites endured great hardship in their wilderness journey toward Canaan. God answered their complaints by providing consistently for their needs.
2. Difficulties in life often prompt people to blame others—frequently their leaders—for problems and tragedies, regardless of who might have been responsible.
3. God’s grace continues to bless us despite the difficulties of life and the human tendency to complain and grumble.

Questions to Consider

1. What complaints do you hear most often? What do you complain about? What is an alternative to complaining?
2. Consider the history of your congregation. What events reflect a wilderness journey? What events reveal God’s unconditional blessings?
3. How does this Lenten story challenge people to change their negative attitudes and self-centered complaints? What does it say about desperate circumstances that prompt genuine lamentations and petitions to God?