Exodus 15:19-27

New International Reader's Version

¹⁹ Pharaoh’s horses, chariots and horsemen went into the Red Sea. The Lord brought the waters of the sea back over them. But the people of Israel walked through the sea on dry ground. ²⁰ Aaron’s sister Miriam was a prophet. She took a tambourine in her hand. All the women followed her. They played tambourines and danced. ²¹ Miriam sang to them,

The Waters of Marah and Elim

²² Then Moses led Israel away from the Red Sea. They went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert. They didn’t find any water there. ²³ When they came to Marah, they couldn’t drink its water. It was bitter. That’s why the place is named Marah. ²⁴ The people told Moses they weren’t happy with him. They said, “What are we supposed to drink?”

²⁵ Then Moses cried out to the Lord. The Lord showed him a stick. Moses threw it into the water. The water became fit to drink.

There the Lord gave a ruling and instruction for the people. And there he tested them. ²⁶ He said, “I am the Lord your God. Listen carefully to me. Do what is right in my eyes. Pay attention to my commands. Obey all my rules. If you do, I will not send on you any of the sicknesses I sent on the Egyptians. I am the Lord who heals you.”

²⁷ The people came to Elim. It had 12 springs and 70 palm trees. They camped there near the water.