Yesterday, we read how memory was forged through feast and festival, through sacrifice, and even through the marking of time. Today, we begin with memory recounted through song. Listen to how the poetry sways between elevating God’s strength and remembering God’s deeds.

But soon this hopeful journey comes up against the realities of life, as the crises hit one after another. The first crisis is finding water. The LORD provides a solution, but also warns the Israelites to diligently listen to Him. The author relates this story as being a test from the LORD. God’s rescue now demands Israel’s obedience, lest they suffer as the Egyptians – whose own troubles began with bitter water.

The next crisis is food. Read chapter 16 with as much care as the author took to convey it. The way in which the LORD provides food, and the instructions surrounding it, seem to be important. Read this remembering that the subject of the Bible is God, so consider how these details convey something about him.

Later, they head to a new camp, another water crisis emerges. Now food and water are essential, and let’s not disregard the crisis. You could keep a page in your journal to tally each new insult the Israelites hurl Moses’ way. The author shines a bright light on their forgetfulness of all the LORD has done, and on how Moses absorbs their wrath. Stash this away for when we get nearer to the promised land.

Our reading ends with an encounter with the Amalekites, and introduces a new character, whom you will hear much more about later.

Our verse for this week is Hebrews 11:22: “By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.”

Exodus 15 through 17. Now let’s read it!