Water, War, and a Word of advice

- GOD's provision for Israel where they are located is more than sufficient for their needs. 

- Manna, the bread from heaven, the food of Angels, Psalm 78:24-25 

- Think about it from the elohim’s (spiritual beings) perspective, a bunch of Israelites just said your food is inadequate (sucks).

- There are natural explanations for Manna, GOD can use the natural to do the miraculous, it is all about GOD's timing.

- Things of note here, Manna is supplied as part of GOD's plan for Israel, but only until they reach the intended destination the promised land. It is not like they had to eat it for 40 years. Wait that is on them too.

- Things do not go well for the Israelites when they lusted for meat.

-   The quail quagmire in the book of numbers 11:30-34 tells us what happens when we treat as common GOD’s provision for us. GOD literally flips them the bird(s) (yes, I just used that as a word picture) into their camp. Be careful what you ask for, if you whine enough, you just might get what you want, and it will not end well. 

- Exodus 17 – Water from the rock, the people are thirsty and still blaming Moses. They are questioning if GOD is still with them, they did just make him mad (several times), but GOD is still there.

- Notice this time he asks Moses to bring with him some of the Elders of Israel so they can testify to the rest, that they saw what happened.

- GOD tells Moses he will be standing there with him as Moses strikes the rock and water comes out, again it is not Moses, it is not the staff,It is all GOD and his knowledge and timing.

- The war with Amalek this is both real and Spiritual warfare, this group attacked the LORD’s chosen people, this is a preemptive strike even before Israel gets to the promise land. 

- This is the first time recorded that GOD tells Moses to write something down in a book (scroll) and recite it to Joshua, a good learning experience for later perhaps?

- GOD will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. Could they be part of the mixed race from Canaan’s line?

- Exodus 18, Moses has a family reunion and Israel is introduced to the wife, kids and Father-in- law. Zipporah, Gershom and Eliezer and Jethro. The next day Jethro sits in on Moses’ version of Judge Judy and he gives Moses some advice to prevent burnout. Interestingly this is a fuzzy snapshot of GOD’s divine assembly meetings and how being part of GOD’s family and serving others looks like.

- Exodus 20, they have arrived at Mt. Sinai, fire, smoke, and thunder.

GOD gives Moses a message for the people - Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ 

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