Rather than perceiving that this was a test from God, to be faced with prayer and patience, the thirsty pilgrims made it an occasion for quarreling, grumbling, accusation and angry threats. By the time the crisis came to a head, the Israelites had turned the tables on God and made a formal charge against the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” In fact, they were putting God on trial.

Three complaints came from the congregation of Israel. They were made to Moses, but God was the One with whom they were quarreling. Philip Ryken identifies these themes of their quarrel.

a.      They demanded God’s provision. “Give us water to drink.” Of course, God had done that before, but that was then.  What about right now? What have you done for me lately, God?

b.      Next, they denied God’s protection. “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst? The complaint was void of substance. All they had to do was think about it for one minute and they would be able to count many protections the LORD had offered so far. The water from twelve springs had satisfied their thirst until yesterday! Then there was the continuing supply of manna and quail. The Lord protected them with a cloud by day and fire by night. He was moving them toward the promised land.  Or was he?

c.      Thirdly, they doubted God’s presence. Is the LORD among us or not? (Ryken:449)

When Moses heard the accusations and dissatisfactions voiced by the Israelites, he cried out to God. “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.”

Rather than pouring out wrath on these demanding, denying and doubting masses, the LORD’s answer was full of grace which offered another growth opportunity for them. Moses was instructed to pass on before the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel and the staff with which you struck the Nile River.” These elders would witness the kindness of the LORD at His expense.

For his part, The LORD promised, “I will stand before you on the rock at Horeb. You shall strike the rock and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” Later in Israel’s history the Psalmist extolled the Lord as the rock of our salvation, but then warned the worshippers, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work. (Psalm 95:1, 7-9)

Reflections: It is a serious offense to put God to the test. Bringing a legal case against the LORD is unacceptable folly. To avoid this in our lives, we need only to remember what he has done. Hear the wisdom of Psalm 103 and heed the advice:

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 

who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.” (Psalm 103:2-5)