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Exodus 17:1 - Testing faith through thirst?

Exodus 17:1 - שמות 17:1

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ כָּל־עֲדַת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל מִמִּדְבַּר־סִין לְמַסְעֵיהֶם עַל־פִּי יְהוָה וַיַּחֲנוּ בִּרְפִידִים וְאֵין מַיִם לִשְׁתֹּת הָעָם׃

English Translation

And all the congregation of the children of Yisra᾽el journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, by their stages, according to the commandment of the Lord, and pitched in Refidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.

Transliteration

Vayis'u kol-adat bnei-Yisrael midbar-Sin l'masa'ehem al-pi Adonai vayachanu b'Refidim v'ein mayim lishtot ha'am.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַ֠יִּסְע֠וּ כׇּל־עֲדַ֨ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל מִמִּדְבַּר־סִ֛ין לְמַסְעֵיהֶ֖ם עַל־פִּ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙ בִּרְפִידִ֔ים וְאֵ֥ין מַ֖יִם לִשְׁתֹּ֥ת הָעָֽם׃
וַ֠יִּסְע֠וּ כׇּל־עֲדַ֨ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל מִמִּדְבַּר־סִ֛ין לְמַסְעֵיהֶ֖ם עַל־פִּ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙ בִּרְפִידִ֔ים וְאֵ֥ין מַ֖יִם לִשְׁתֹּ֥ת הָעָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Journey from Midbar Sin to Refidim

The verse describes Bnei Yisrael's journey from Midbar Sin to Refidim "al pi Hashem" (according to the commandment of the Lord). Rashi (Shemot 17:1) explains that their travels were directed by the Anan HaKavod (Cloud of Glory), which guided them when to journey and when to encamp. This emphasizes that their path was divinely ordained, not random.

The Significance of Refidim

The name Refidim is interpreted by the Midrash (Mechilta Beshalach 1) as hinting at a spiritual weakening ("rafu yedeihem"—they slackened their hands) in their commitment to Torah. This foreshadows the subsequent complaints about water and the attack by Amalek, both rooted in a lapse in faith.

The Crisis of No Water

The lack of water at Refidim led to the people's distress. Ramban (Shemot 17:2) notes that this was a test from Hashem to strengthen their emunah (faith). The Talmud (Ta'anit 9a) connects this episode to the Be'er Miriam (Miriam’s Well), a miraculous water source that followed Bnei Yisrael in the desert in her merit. When Miriam passed away (later in Bamidbar 20:1-2), the well temporarily ceased, prompting this crisis.

  • Rashi's Insight: The people's complaint (Shemot 17:2) demonstrated ingratitude, as they had already witnessed numerous miracles.
  • Ibn Ezra's View: The text emphasizes "ein mayim" (no water) to highlight the severity of the test, as water is essential for survival.

Lessons in Divine Providence

The Mechilta teaches that this episode underscores the principle of "hakol bidei shamayim chutz mi'yirat shamayim" (all is in the hands of Heaven except fear of Heaven). Hashem provided for their physical needs, but their spiritual response was their own responsibility. The lack of water served as a reminder to trust in Hashem’s continuous care.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 9a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the travels of the Israelites in the desert and the miracles performed for them, particularly focusing on the lack of water at Refidim and how God provided for their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Israelites travel 'according to the commandment of the Lord'?
A: Rashi explains that the Israelites only traveled when the Divine Cloud lifted, showing they followed Hashem's direct guidance at every step (based on Numbers 9:17-23). This teaches us about complete trust in Hashem's direction.
Q: Why was there no water in Refidim?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta) says this was a test from Hashem to strengthen the Israelites' faith after receiving the manna. It led to the miracle of water from the rock, showing that Hashem provides all needs when we turn to Him with trust.
Q: What is the significance of the name 'Refidim'?
A: Rashi notes that 'Refidim' comes from the Hebrew word 'rafu yedeihem' meaning 'they slackened their hands' - hinting that the people weakened in their faith. This teaches that challenges come when our spiritual commitment wavers.
Q: How does this verse relate to trusting Hashem today?
A: The Rambam teaches that just as Hashem guided the Israelites through the desert, He guides us in our lives. When we face difficulties like lack of 'water' (sustenance), we must strengthen our faith that Hashem will provide, as He did for our ancestors.
Q: Why does the Torah mention 'all the congregation' traveled together?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 17a) derives from this that Jewish unity is essential - the Shechinah (Divine Presence) only rests when we are united as one people. This teaches the importance of community and collective responsibility in serving Hashem.