Exodus 15:23-27 New International Version (NIV)
23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”
25 Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink.
There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test.26 He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”
27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.
The name Marah stands for unbelieving or grumbling attitude. Elim stands for God’s bountiful provision. Sometimes we grumble and complain when things are not going our way, or we are having a difficult time. There may be times you may grumble too quickly. Learn to be patient and watch for God’s kindness and help. Work to keep a negative attitude from eroding your trust in God.
