Exodus 17:4 — Meaning and Application

King James Version

“And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.”

Exodus 17:4

bookmark_border Save Verse

menu_book Verse in Context

Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:

Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?

And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore {is} this {that} thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?

And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.

Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

Get Personalized Biblical Guidance

Save your favorite verses, get AI-powered insights tailored to your life, and discover related scripture for your spiritual journey.

person_add Create Free Account library_books Explore Topics

From This Chapter

Exodus 17:1

"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 17:2

"Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?"

Exodus 17:3

"And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore {is} this {that} thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?"

Exodus 17:5

"And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go."

Exodus 17:6

"Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel."

Important Disclaimer: This biblical guidance is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're experiencing crisis symptoms, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or seek immediate professional help.

Bible Guided provides faith-based guidance and should complement, not replace, professional therapeutic support.

shareShare Your Journey

menu_book Verse in Context

Get Personalized Biblical Guidance

From This Chapter