seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
Exodus 15: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.
27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.
Well, some of the commentaries seem to go way off on a preachy tangent. Some are down right scary, especially to those of us who have been fighting deadly diseases. I've heard so many who use verse 26 to clobber the ill, saying they brought the disease upon themselves because they don't do what they should do.
The easy English commentary offers this.
The word ‘diseases’ probably refers to all the plagues. In particular, it may refer to the water that changed to blood. So then, the people could not drink that water.
The LORD taught the Israelites that they must obey his rules. Then he would know that they trusted him. God changed the water because Moses obeyed him. Then they were able to drink the water. That was a sign that God can free his people from evil things.
‘12’ and ‘70’ are probably the actual numbers. Both suggest a perfect place where the Israelites found food and water. A palm tree has a tall stem and it has big leaves at the top. It grows near to water.
The LORD taught the Israelites that they must obey his rules. Then he would know that they trusted him. God changed the water because Moses obeyed him. Then they were able to drink the water. That was a sign that God can free his people from evil things.
‘12’ and ‘70’ are probably the actual numbers. Both suggest a perfect place where the Israelites found food and water. A palm tree has a tall stem and it has big leaves at the top. It grows near to water.
Biblestudytools.com offers this picture of the location of verse 27.
they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water--supposed to be what is now called Wady-Ghurandel, the most extensive watercourse in the western desert--an oasis, adorned with a great variety of trees, among which the palm is still conspicuous, and fertilized by a copious stream. It is estimated to be a mile in breadth, but stretching out far to the northeast. After the weary travel through the desert, this must have appeared a most delightful encampment from its shade and verdure, as well as from its abundant supply of sweet water for the thirsty multitude. The palm is called "the tree of the desert," as its presence is always a sign of water. The palms in this spot are greatly increased in number, but the wells are diminished.
It would take twelve wells, to supply the twelve tribes. It would also take a strip of land a mile long for the 2 million + to rest a day or so in the shade.
Yep I can just see God saying "Stick with me and I'll make life a little easier". Let's face it, most of the time, life is easier when I do the right thing. God is always going to have me do the right thing.
