King James Version
What Does Exodus 17:4 Mean?
“And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.”
Context
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?
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?
4
And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.
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.
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **They be almost ready to stone me.**—Heb., *Yet a little and they will stone *me. On tumultuary stoning, see the second Note on Exodus 8:26.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Exodus 17:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Exodus 17:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge