The Bitter Waters of Marah Sweetened
Moses casts a tree into the bitter waters of Marah and they are made sweet for Israel to drink.
Three days into the wilderness Israel found no water. They came to Marah, but could not drink of its bitter waters. The people murmured. The LORD showed Moses a tree, which he cast into the waters, and the waters were made sweet.
God (through Moses)
Marah, in the wilderness of Shur
What Happened
- 1Israel went three days in the wilderness without water
- 2They came to Marah but the waters were bitter
- 3The people murmured against Moses
- 4The LORD showed Moses a tree to cast into the waters
- 5The waters were sweetened and the LORD revealed Himself as Jehovah-Rapha
Key KJV Scriptures
"And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them."
"I am the LORD that healeth thee."
Spiritual Significance
Marah was Israel's first lesson after the Red Sea: the same God who saves also heals and provides for daily needs. The tree pictures the cross, sweetening every bitter providence for the believer.
Lesson for Today
When life turns bitter, bring it to God in honest prayer. He still casts the tree of Calvary into our deepest sorrows and makes them sweet.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Marah?
In the wilderness of Shur, three days east of the Red Sea crossing. Its name means 'bitterness.'
What does the tree represent?
Many see in it a picture of the cross of Christ — the tree that turns bitter waters of life into sweetness.
Where in the Bible is the miracle of The Bitter Waters of Marah Sweetened?
The miracle of The Bitter Waters of Marah Sweetened is recorded in Exodus 15:25 (KJV), with additional references in Exodus 15:26.
Who performed the miracle of The Bitter Waters of Marah Sweetened?
Scripture records that God (through Moses) carried out this miracle at Marah, in the wilderness of Shur. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
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Read moreMichael the Archangel
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Read moreFallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
Read moreWhat Are Demons in the Bible?
Demons are fallen, evil spirits under Satan who oppose God and oppress people — but they are subject to Christ.
Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
Free KJV quizzes on Jesus' miracles and the supernatural acts of God in Scripture.
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