Exodus 17:2 - Testing faith through thirst

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Hebrew Text

וַיָּרֶב הָעָם עִם־מֹשֶׁה וַיֹּאמְרוּ תְּנוּ־לָנוּ מַיִם וְנִשְׁתֶּה וַיֹּאמֶר לָהֶם מֹשֶׁה מַה־תְּרִיבוּן עִמָּדִי מַה־תְּנַסּוּן אֶת־יְהוָה׃

English Translation

Wherefore the people did strive with Moshe, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moshe said to them, Why do you strive with me? why do you tempt the Lord?

Transliteration

Va'yarev ha'am im-Moshe va'yomru tenu-lanu mayim ve'nish'teh va'yomer lahem Moshe mah-terivun imadi mah-tenasun et-Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֤רֶב הָעָם֙ עִם־מֹשֶׁ֔ה וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ תְּנוּ־לָ֥נוּ מַ֖יִם וְנִשְׁתֶּ֑ה וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה מַה־תְּרִיבוּן֙ עִמָּדִ֔י מַה־תְּנַסּ֖וּן אֶת־יְהֹוָֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 17:2) describes an incident in which Bnei Yisrael quarreled with Moshe in the wilderness, demanding water. This event took place in Refidim, following their departure from Mitzrayim (Egypt) and the splitting of the Yam Suf (Red Sea). The people's complaint reflects their lack of trust in Hashem, despite the miracles they had already witnessed.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיָּרֶב הָעָם עִם־מֹשֶׁה" ("the people strove with Moshe") indicates a contentious dispute, not merely a request. He notes that the people's demand for water was accompanied by harsh words and accusations, demonstrating ingratitude and a lack of faith. Rashi further comments on Moshe's response, "מַה־תְּרִיבוּן עִמָּדִי" ("Why do you strive with me?"), emphasizing that their quarrel was ultimately with Hashem, not Moshe.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 3:10) discusses the importance of trust in Hashem (bitachon). He teaches that Bnei Yisrael's demand for water, rather than patiently seeking Hashem's help, reflected a deficiency in their faith. Their behavior serves as a cautionary lesson about the dangers of complaining and testing Hashem unnecessarily.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 26:2) connects this incident to the name "Refidim," suggesting it means "רפו ידיהם מן התורה" ("they slackened their hands from Torah"). The people's spiritual weakness led to their physical complaints.
Another Midrash (Tanchuma, Beshalach 25) states that the people's demand was unjustified because they still had water from the well of Miriam, which had accompanied them since leaving Egypt. Their impatience revealed a deeper lack of appreciation for Hashem's constant providence.

Moshe's Response: Testing Hashem

Moshe's rebuke, "מַה־תְּנַסּוּן אֶת־יְהוָה" ("Why do you tempt the Lord?"), underscores the severity of their actions. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 106a) teaches that testing Hashem is a serious transgression, as it demonstrates doubt in His ability or willingness to provide. Moshe recognized that their demand was not merely for water but a challenge to Hashem's leadership.

Lessons for Today

This episode teaches the importance of emunah (faith) and bitachon (trust) in Hashem, even in times of difficulty. The Jewish people's journey in the wilderness was meant to strengthen their reliance on Hashem, yet their complaints delayed their spiritual growth. The verse serves as a reminder to approach challenges with patience and trust in Divine providence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of faith and trust in God, particularly in the context of the Israelites' complaints in the wilderness.

📖 Sanhedrin 110a

The verse is cited in a discussion about the rebellion of Korach and his followers, illustrating the broader theme of strife and testing God's patience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that the people 'strived' with Moshe in Exodus 17:2?
A: The word 'strived' (וַיָּרֶב) implies that the Israelites argued or quarreled with Moshe harshly, demanding water. Rashi explains that their complaint was unjustified because they should have trusted in Hashem, who had already performed miracles for them. Their lack of faith led to this confrontation.

Q: Why did Moshe respond by saying, 'Why do you tempt the Lord?'
A: Moshe recognized that their demand for water was not just a physical need but a test of faith. The Rambam teaches that testing Hashem means doubting His providence after already witnessing His miracles. Since the Israelites had seen the splitting of the sea and received manna, their complaint showed a lack of trust in Hashem's continued care.

Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse about how to approach difficulties?
A: The Midrash teaches that instead of complaining or doubting, we should turn to Hashem with prayer and trust. The Israelites' mistake was reacting with anger rather than faith. Today, we learn to bring our needs before Hashem with humility, as King David says (Tehillim 55:23), 'Cast your burden upon Hashem, and He will sustain you.'

Q: Why was water such a major issue for the Israelites in the desert?
A: Water is essential for survival, and in the desert, it was a constant concern. The Talmud (Ta'anit 9a) explains that the 'Well of Miriam' miraculously provided water throughout their journey. When they thought it was gone, they panicked instead of remembering Hashem's past kindness. This teaches us to recognize Divine providence even in difficult moments.

Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of gratitude in Judaism?
A: The Sages teach that the root of the Israelites' complaint was ingratitude. Despite experiencing miracles, they focused on what they lacked rather than appreciating what they had. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 4:1) emphasizes that cultivating gratitude is essential to serving Hashem properly. This verse reminds us to acknowledge blessings even during challenges.