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Exodus 15:23 - Bitter waters test faith.

Exodus 15:23 - שמות 15:23

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹאוּ מָרָתָה וְלֹא יָכְלוּ לִשְׁתֹּת מַיִם מִמָּרָה כִּי מָרִים הֵם עַל־כֵּן קָרָא־שְׁמָהּ מָרָה׃

English Translation

And when they came to Mara, they could not drink of the waters of Mara, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Mara.

Transliteration

Vayavo'u Maratah v'lo yachlu lishtot mayim miMarah ki marim hem al-ken kara-shmah Marah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ מָרָ֔תָה וְלֹ֣א יָֽכְל֗וּ לִשְׁתֹּ֥ת מַ֙יִם֙ מִמָּרָ֔ה כִּ֥י מָרִ֖ים הֵ֑ם עַל־כֵּ֥ן קָרָֽא־שְׁמָ֖הּ מָרָֽה׃
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ מָרָ֔תָה וְלֹ֣א יָֽכְל֗וּ לִשְׁתֹּ֥ת מַ֙יִם֙ מִמָּרָ֔ה כִּ֥י מָרִ֖ים הֵ֑ם עַל־כֵּ֥ן קָרָֽא־שְׁמָ֖הּ מָרָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse describes the Israelites' arrival at a place called Marah, where they found bitter waters that were undrinkable. The name "Marah" (מָרָה) is derived from the Hebrew word for "bitterness" (מַר), reflecting the nature of the waters they encountered.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Exodus 15:23) explains that the waters of Marah were naturally bitter, making them unfit for drinking. He notes that this was a test from Hashem to see how the people would respond to hardship after their miraculous redemption from Egypt. Rashi further connects this incident to the subsequent giving of the Torah, suggesting that the bitterness of the waters symbolizes the challenges one must endure in the pursuit of Torah wisdom.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Mechilta, Beshalach 1) elaborates on the episode, stating that the bitterness of the waters was a Divine response to the Israelites' complaints. It teaches that the people's lack of faith in Hashem's providence—despite witnessing the miracles of the Exodus—led to this trial. The Midrash also highlights that Moshe's intervention through prayer and the subsequent sweetening of the waters (Exodus 15:25) demonstrated the power of tefillah (prayer) and obedience to Hashem's commandments.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:24) discusses the deeper lesson of this event. He explains that the bitterness of the waters served as a moral lesson, teaching the Israelites to trust in Hashem even in difficult circumstances. The miracle of the sweetened waters reinforced the idea that Divine intervention is not arbitrary but is meant to guide the people toward spiritual growth and reliance on Hashem.

Symbolism in the Waters of Marah

  • Bitterness as a Test: The bitter waters symbolize life's trials, which test one's faith and resilience.
  • Transformation through Torah: The sweetening of the waters after Moshe cast a tree into them (Exodus 15:25) alludes to the idea that Torah study and mitzvot can transform hardship into sweetness.
  • Preparation for Sinai: The episode at Marah is seen as a preparatory stage for receiving the Torah, teaching the people to accept Divine decrees with trust and humility.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 7a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the bitterness of water and the miracles performed for the Israelites in the wilderness.
📖 Sanhedrin 56b
The verse is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' journey and the trials they faced, including the bitter waters of Mara.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were the waters at Mara bitter?
A: According to Rashi, the waters at Mara were naturally bitter. This was a test from Hashem to see how the Israelites would respond to hardship after experiencing the miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the bitter waters at Mara?
A: The Midrash teaches that this episode shows how Hashem tests us with challenges to strengthen our faith. Just as Moshe turned to Hashem for a solution (and was shown the bitter wood to sweeten the waters), we should turn to Torah and prayer when facing difficulties.
Q: Why is this story important in the Exodus narrative?
A: The Rambam explains that this was the first challenge the Israelites faced after leaving Egypt, teaching that freedom comes with responsibilities and tests of faith. It sets the pattern for the wilderness journey where physical needs lead to spiritual growth.
Q: What does the name 'Mara' mean and why was it given?
A: 'Mara' means 'bitter' in Hebrew. The Torah tells us the place was named Mara because of the bitter waters found there. Names in Torah often reflect essential characteristics or important events that occurred at a location.
Q: How does the story of Mara apply to our lives today?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that just as bitter waters were sweetened, our challenges can become opportunities for growth. When we face 'bitter' situations, we should remember that with faith and proper response, they can be transformed into something positive.