And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.

EXODUS 17:1KJV
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Exodus 17:1 (KJV)

What does Exodus 17:1 mean?

Exodus 17:1 describes how the entire community of Israelites traveled from the wilderness of Sin, moving according to God’s command, and set up camp at a place called Rephidim, where they found there was no water for them to drink. This verse sets up a situation where the people are following God’s guidance but still face a serious need.

The verse is part of the story of Israel’s journey after leaving Egypt, with Moses leading the people through the desert. The phrase “according to the commandment of the LORD” shows that their movement was not random but directed by God. The mention of no water at Rephidim introduces a new challenge for the people, which becomes the focus of the events that follow.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 17:1

  • “congregation” (עֵדָה, ʿēdāh): This word refers to the whole assembly or community of Israel, emphasizing that the experience was shared by everyone, not just a select group.
  • “commandment” (פִּי, pî): Literally meaning “mouth,” this word here points to God’s direct instruction or order, highlighting that the Israelites’ journey was under God’s explicit direction.
  • “pitched” (חָנָה, ḥānāh): This word means to set up camp, indicating a temporary stop rather than a permanent settlement, which reflects the Israelites’ ongoing journey and dependence on God’s guidance.
  • “Rephidim” (רְפִידִים, Rephidim): The name itself does not have a clear meaning in this context, but its mention marks a specific location where a significant event—lack of water—takes place.

Why Exodus 17:1 matters

  • Exodus 17:1 clarifies that even when people are following God’s direction, they may still encounter difficult situations, such as a lack of water.
  • The verse sets the stage for the conflict and miracle that follow, helping readers understand the seriousness of the Israelites’ predicament.
  • By noting that the whole community was involved, the verse emphasizes the collective experience and dependence on God during the journey through the wilderness.

Where else these words appear

“Rephidim” Hebrew H7508 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 17:8 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
  • Exodus 19:2 For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount.
  • Numbers 33:14 And they removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink.

“Sin” Hebrew H5512 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 16:1 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.
  • Numbers 33:11 And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.
  • Ezekiel 30:15 And I will pour my fury upon Sin, the strength of Egypt; and I will cut off the multitude of No.

“journeys” Hebrew H4550 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 13:3 And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;
  • Numbers 10:2 Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.
  • Numbers 10:28 Thus were the journeyings of the children of Israel according to their armies, when they set forward.

“pitched” Hebrew H2583 · used in 135 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Numbers 33:11 And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.
  • Judges 6:33 Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.