Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to header Skip to footer

THE CONTINUITY OF THE BIBLE

[Series showing the progressive unfoldment of the Christ, Truth, throughout the Scriptures]

The Challenge of the Wilderness

From the January 1965 issue of The Christian Science Journal


After their safe passage through the Red Sea, the Hebrews wholeheartedly joined with Moses in expressing gratitude in a triumphant paean of victory. True, they hailed the Lord as "a man of war," whose "right hand ... dashed in pieces the enemy" (Ex. 15:3, 6); but they also proclaimed His holiness, His power, His mercy, and the strength and salvation which He had granted to them.

This joyous act of thanksgiving completed, they set out expectantly toward the Promised Land. But between these high hopes and their eventual fulfillment lay many years of testing. The Hebrews had been in Egypt for more than four centuries, originally as welcome guests, but more recently as serfs. Having become accustomed to a settled life, most of them were doubtless unprepared for the nomadic experiences which lay ahead.

Moses had pleaded unsuccessfully with Pharaoh that the Israelites might go "three days' journey into the wilderness" to serve God (Ex. 8:27). Now free to pursue their plan, they took that projected journey through the wilderness of Shur, finding it waterless; while at Marah, such water as they found was bitter. Quickly the people turned upon their leader, crying, "What shall we drink?" (Ex. 15:24.)

Sign up for unlimited access

You've accessed 1 piece of free Journal content

Subscribe

Subscription aid available

 Try free

No card required

More In This Issue / January 1965

concord-web-promo-graphic

Explore Concord—see where it takes you.

Search the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures