Snoopy Examines Exodus

[paradox3]

Bible Gateway passage: Exodus 15:22-27 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Bitter Water Made Sweet - Then Moses ordered Israel to set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter. That is why it was called...

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Moses orders Israel to set out from the Red Sea into the wilderness of Shur. For three days, they have no water.

When they arrive at Marah, they discover the water is bitter. God instructs Moses to throw a stick into the water and it is made sweet.

God makes a deal with Israel. If the people follow God's commandments, God will not place disease upon them.

The people come to Elim where they find 12 springs of water and 70 palm trees. Here they camp by the water.

 

[paradox3]

Snoopy's Snappy Review: Exodus 15: 22-27

Interesting passage, especially with the throwing of the stick. What's not to like if you happen to be a beagle?

Snoopy notes the use of the numbers 3, 12 and 70.

 

[Jaebius]

Snoopy's Snappy Review: Exodus 15: 22-27

Interesting passage, especially with the throwing of the stick. What's not to like if you happen to be a beagle?

Snoopy notes the use of the numbers 3, 12 and 70.

What a delightful review. The passage in Exodus 15:22-27 is indeed fascinating, especially with the symbolism of the stick turning the bitter waters sweet. It’s a reminder of God’s care for His people, even in hard times.

The numbers 3, 12, and 70 are quite significant in the Bible, representing divine order. It’s good to see how these numbers weave through the narrative, adding meaning.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts in such a charming way. It’s always a joy to see the Bible in fresh, creative ways

 

[paradox3]

Glad to hear you are enjoying Snoopy's Snappy Reviews @Jae

They are fun to write.

 

[Jaebius]

Glad to hear you are enjoying Snoopy's Snappy Reviews @Jae

They are fun to write.

It's good to know that you're reading the Bible. Enjoy

 

[paradox3]

It's good to know that you're reading the Bible. Enjoy

Thanks. Slow and steady seems to work best for me.

 

[Waterfall]

God makes a deal with Israel. If the people follow God's commandments, God will not place disease upon them.

This seems a cultish way to command loyalty, or is it just me?

 

[paradox3]

This seems a cultish way to command loyalty, or is it just me?

The passage reminds me of a parental figure more than a cult leader. It gives us a God who dishes out rewards and punishments.

 

[Waterfall]

The passage reminds me of a parental figure more than a cult leader. It gives us a God who dishes out rewards and punishments.

Never had a parent threaten something similar to disease ... I suppose some parents ( abusive) do.
But I understand most Christians feel God can do whatever God wants to do to keep us in line.

 

[paradox3]

Never had a parent threaten something similar to disease ... I suppose some parents ( abusive) do.
But I understand most Christians feel God can do whatever God wants to do to keep us in line.

True that.
Now I am wondering if Exodus contains a lot of hyperbole about God. It presents God as capable of both extremes of behaviour.

So we have a God who can turn brackish water sweet by telling Moses to throw a stick into it. This is a powerful and compassionate God who acts when the people have been thirsting for three days.

At the other end of the spectrum, God will send disease to the people if they disobey his commandments

 

[unsafe]

Exodus 15:22-27 is indeed fascinating, especially with the symbolism of the stick turning the bitter waters sweet.

It’s a reminder of God’s care for His people, even in hard times.

Again there is always a Spiritual message behind the Logos message -------the Holy Spirit will direct us in this as to what the Spiritual takeaway is from the stick that makes the bitter water sweet ---

While I agree with what Jae has here that God will always look after His people even in hard times -----I think there is a Spiritual take away from this ------

My view
This was a sign more than a means of the stick changing the water ------

A sign for them to trust and obey God and they would come to experience the Physical and Spiritual Blessings that would be purchased for them in the future ------

The throwing of the stick was the symbol of the Cross which was to come and the healing of the water from Bitter to Sweet was a symbol of deliverance from Physical and Spiritual evils that was to come for them in the future -----

If they trusted and obeyed God the diseases the Egyptians experienced in Egypt would not come upon them as God is the Great Physical who heals us Physically and Spiritually ----but if they didn't obey they were not guaranteed this Blessing of healing -----

 

[paradox3]

Bible Gateway passage: Exodus 16:1-14 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Bread from Heaven - The whole congregation of the Israelites set out from Elim and came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt. The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against...

www.biblegateway.com

The Israelites complain of hunger as they travel in the wilderness. They recall sitting by pots of meat and eating their fill of bread in Egypt. (Is this a distorted memory or an accurate one?)

The Lord tells Moses he will rain bread from heaven. There will be nothing on the Sabbath so the people are to gather a double portion on the sixth day. The Israelites will have meat at twilight and eat their fill of bread in the morning.

Quails cover the camp in the evening. In the morning when the dew lifts, a fine flaky substance is left on the ground of the wilderness.

 

[paradox3]

Snoopy's Snappy Review: Exodus 16: 1-14

Snoopy understands there are scientific explanations for these things.

Quail migrate in the evening, for example.

As for the manna on the ground in the morning, it seems that bugs are involved. Blech!!!!

 

[Jaebius]

Snoopy's Snappy Review: Exodus 16: 1-14

Snoopy understands there are scientific explanations for these things.

Quail migrate in the evening, for example.

As for the manna on the ground in the morning, it seems that bugs are involved. Blech!!!!

It’s always interesting to explore the natural explanations behind biblical events. I believe that grasping the science behind these wonders will deepen our appreciation for God’s provision.

In Exodus 16:1-14, we see God providing for the Israelites in the wilderness through quail and manna. The context highlights God’s miraculous intervention. The quail and manna were provided precisely when the Israelites needed them, showing God’s care for them.

Bugs being involved in manna's production shows how God can use the natural world to meet our needs in great ways. This passage reminds us that God's always at work, often in ways we might not right away recognise

 

[unsafe]

Here we see the ungratefulness and grumbling Israelites ------this place called the wilderness of sin is a fitting name for the Israelites ---as they continue to not have Faith and Trust in God who had brought them out of slavery ===protected them against the enemy coming after them ---showed them the way by providing a pillar by day and night ---and still they grumble ---complain and gripe -----never thankful for what God has done for them --

verse
3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”


Very important verse here -----

4Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not.

Lesson

God owes us nothing ---we owe God everything -----we are to rely on our Faith and trust God when trials come our way ----we are to be grateful and thankful for what God has given us ---and for what He has done for us ----

Children of God can have joy when trouble comes as they know God will be there for them --

The Israelites have a lot to learn ----and as you can see God is a God who has much patience to try and bring His Chosen Nation to have Faith and Trust in Him ----

His Agape --Grace and Mercy are abounding here with this ungrateful group -----you would have thought with what God has already done for them they would be on their knees thanking Him ----but all they do is grumble and complain ----

He gives then the Quail and bread but they have to do the work to eat what God sent -----they have to go and gather up the bread from the Ground ----

God didn't just drop the food in their mouths ----they had to do the work to be able to eat ---the bread was left on the Ground so they would have to gather it up themselves and He gave instruction for the Sabbath gathering of the bread ---God did His part by providing the food ----now it was up to them to feed themselves and obey His instruction for the Sabbath ----

 

[Jaebius]

Here we see the ungratefulness and grumbling Israelites ------this place called the wilderness of sin is a fitting name for the Israelites ---as they continue to not have Faith and Trust in God who had brought them out of slavery ===protected them against the enemy coming after them ---showed them the way by providing a pillar by day and night ---and still they grumble ---complain and gripe -----never thankful for what God has done for them --

verse
3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”


Very important verse here -----

4Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not.

Lesson

God owes us nothing ---we owe God everything -----we are to rely on our Faith and trust God when trials come our way ----we are to be grateful and thankful for what God has given us ---and for what He has done for us ----

Children of God can have joy when trouble comes as they know God will be there for them --

The Israelites have a lot to learn ----and as you can see God is a God who has much patience to try and bring His Chosen Nation to have Faith and Trust in Him ----

His Agape --Grace and Mercy are abounding here with this ungrateful group -----you would have thought with what God has already done for them they would be on their knees thanking Him ----but all they do is grumble and complain ----

He gives then the Quail and bread but they have to do the work to eat what God sent -----they have to go and gather up the bread from the Ground ----

God didn't just drop the food in their mouths ----they had to do the work to be able to eat ---the bread was left on the Ground so they would have to gather it up themselves and He gave instruction for the Sabbath gathering of the bread ---God did His part by providing the food ----now it was up to them to feed themselves and obey His instruction for the Sabbath ----

The story of the Israelites highlights the importance of trust in God, even in hard times. As Christians, we're called to reflect on these lessons and apply them to our own communities.

God’s response to the Israelites' complaints shows his boundless mercy. This testifies to his unwavering love, even when we falter.

On God's mission to share the Good News, let's remember that his provision requires our active participation. The Israelites had to gather the manna. We too must engage in the work God has for us. This involves obeying him.

Also, this passage encourages us to become more and more thankful. In serving God, we encounter many who are struggling. By embodying thankfulness, we'll be a beacon to those around us, showing the joy that comes from friendship with Christ.

Let's also remember that God’s patience with the Israelites is a model for us. As we engage with others, let's extend the same mercy that God shows us. Let's walk alongside others in their journey of faith, offering support.

Blessings to you as you share the Good News with others

 

[paradox3]

Bible Gateway passage: Exodus 16:15-21 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat. This is what the LORD has commanded: Gather as much of it as each of you needs, an omer per person according to the...

www.biblegateway.com

Initially the Israelites question the manna? What is it?

It is the bread God has given you to eat, Moses explains. They are to gather an omer (unit of weight) for each person and provide for those in their own tents.

When they gather and weigh the manna, those who gathered much have none left over. Those who have gathered little have no shortage.

Moses instructs that the manna cannot be saved overnight. But the people do it anyways. By morning, the manna has rotted and attracted worms. Moses is angry.

The Israelites continue to gather the manna day by day. The substance on the ground melts in the hot sun.

 

[paradox3]

Snoopy's Snappy Review: Exodus 16: 15-21

God provides abundantly and greediness is futile.

 

[Jaebius]

Snoopy's Snappy Review: Exodus 16: 15-21

God provides abundantly and greediness is futile.

That’s a wonderful reflection. It’s inspiring to see how God provided manna for the Israelites, teaching us that his provision's always sufficient for our needs. This passage reminds us to trust in God’s provision and not to hoard out of greed.

In our mission to share God’s love, let’s encourage others to live generously, knowing that he'll always supply our needs

 

[Mendalla]

One wonders if the manna story is literal, or if it is more of a way of telling people how to manage the resources that God provides. More a myth or fable than history (okay, I think that about the whole event, but this particular episode even moreso). But, yeah, I agree with the readings of @paradox3 (I almost typed @Snoopy ) and @Jae.