Topical Encyclopedia
The journey of the Israelites through the desert to Elim is a significant episode in the narrative of the Exodus, illustrating God's provision and guidance for His people. After their miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, the Israelites embarked on a journey through the wilderness, a period marked by both divine intervention and human frailty.
Context and BackgroundFollowing the crossing of the Red Sea, the Israelites entered the Desert of Shur. Their initial journey was fraught with challenges, including a lack of potable water. In
Exodus 15:22-27, the narrative describes their travels from the Red Sea to Marah, where the waters were bitter. The people grumbled against Moses, and God instructed him to throw a piece of wood into the water, making it sweet and drinkable. This event underscored God's continual care and provision for His people despite their complaints.
Arrival at ElimAfter leaving Marah, the Israelites arrived at Elim, a place of rest and refreshment.
Exodus 15:27 states, "Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the waters." Elim provided a stark contrast to the harsh conditions of the desert, offering an oasis of abundance and tranquility. The twelve springs and seventy palm trees symbolized completeness and divine provision, serving as a temporary reprieve for the weary travelers.
Significance of ElimElim represents a moment of respite in the arduous journey of the Israelites. It highlights God's faithfulness in providing for the physical needs of His people, even in the midst of a barren wilderness. The oasis at Elim served as a tangible reminder of God's promise to sustain and lead the Israelites to the Promised Land.
Theologically, Elim can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate rest and provision found in God. It is a testament to the idea that, despite the trials and tribulations faced by the Israelites, God remained steadfast in His commitment to their well-being. The journey to Elim, therefore, is not just a physical journey but also a spiritual one, teaching reliance on divine providence.
Lessons and ReflectionsThe journey to Elim offers several lessons for believers. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's provision, even when circumstances seem dire. The Israelites' experience serves as a reminder that God is aware of the needs of His people and is capable of meeting them in unexpected ways. Furthermore, Elim encourages believers to find moments of rest and renewal in their spiritual journey, trusting that God will provide oases of refreshment amidst life's deserts.
In summary, the journey to Elim is a pivotal moment in the Exodus narrative, showcasing God's provision and the importance of faith and trust in His promises. It serves as a reminder of the divine care that accompanies the faithful on their journey through life's challenges.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 15:27And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and three score and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
Torrey's Topical TextbookNumbers 33:9
And they removed from Marah, and came to Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and three score and ten palm trees; and they pitched there.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Following the Cloud.
... Then a great shout went up from the host of Israel. ... Again they took up their journey
and passed through a desert land, where they could get no food, and ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm
From Egypt to Sinai.
... insect had touched them since they went through a process ... folly of resisting Jehovah
and assured Israel of his ... only a few places and incidents of the journey. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter v from egypt to.htm
Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... not so, but would go three days' journey in desert ... And the children of Israel had
passed through the middle ... all the multitude of the children of Israel into the ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm
On the Mission of the Seventy Disciples, and Christ's Charge to ...
... [4419] When the children of Israel went out ... not to carry even a staff [4421] for
their journey. ... their supplies when they could be replenished through the cities ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xxiv on the mission of.htm
The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church
... God has gone before you in all your future journey in the ... them." I say again, you
are not going through a land ... O Israel, there is a well of Elim made for you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the vanguard and rereward of.htm
The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... say, O Lord, save thy people, the remnant of Israel. ... evil case to travel, and go
the journey, yet, at ... Which knowledge shall then strike through the heart and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm
Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... tribes identified with the children of Israel, and the ... with Moses in the Arabian
desert; while accepting ... sin first came into the world through disobedience to ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm
Resources
Who was Ishmael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Negev in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Hagar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDesert: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
