Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?
So the people argued with Moses and said, 'Give us water so we can drink.' Moses replied to them, 'Why are you arguing with me? Why are you testing the LORD?'
The writer is showing how the Israelites complained to Moses about having no water, and Moses pointed out that their complaining was really testing God's faithfulness.
📚 Historical Context
This occurred during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after escaping Egypt, when they had been traveling for weeks without finding water. The people were desperate and thirsty, but instead of trusting God who had already miraculously provided for them, they blamed Moses for their situation. Moses recognized that their complaints against his leadership were actually complaints against God's provision and timing.
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