“The Lord answered Moses, ‘Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.’ So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the place Massah and Meribah...”
- Exodus 17:5-7 -

The internal threat (vs 1–7) came from renewed grumbling. The moaning was debilitating, taking its toll on Moses, who felt threatened they would stone him, the judicial penalty for treason. Even more seriously, it expressed ingratitude to God and a lack of faith in his provision. The people had clearly learned nothing from their journey so far! God stepped in, ensuring a delicate balance between Moses taking responsibility as their leader (v 5a) and others witnessing to the fact that God himself was the source of the miracle (vs 5b,6).

Closing Prayer: Lord, I can be so like ancient Israel. As you press in on me with new challenges, new calls, I push back against You. Help me rather to obey You.

(From Encounter with God)