How Many Springs Were There?
The story of Israel’s journey through the wilderness, as recorded in the book of Exodus, is filled with both physical and spiritual lessons. One particularly significant episode involves the discovery and use of springs of water during their travels.
After crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites found themselves in the harsh wilderness of Shur. Here, water was scarce, and their immediate need for sustenance became urgent. The people came to a place called Marah, where they encountered bitter water, which could not be drunk. At this moment, God intervened through Moses, demonstrating His care and guidance for His people.
The term “springs” in this context refers to sources of water, natural points where water flowed to the surface. The biblical narrative specifically mentions one significant spring at Marah which was initially undrinkable due to its bitterness. God instructed Moses to throw a piece of wood into the water, which miraculously healed the water, making it sweet and suitable for drinking (Exodus 15:23-25).
Later, as the Israelites continued their journey through the wilderness, they arrived at Elim, which is described as having twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees. This location provided abundant water and shade, a stark contrast to the scarcity and bitterness of Marah. The twelve springs at Elim symbolized not only physical sustenance but also a spiritual promise of God’s provision and care.
Thus, according to the biblical account:
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Marah – 1 spring (initially bitter, later made drinkable by God).
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Elim – 12 springs (abundant and life-sustaining).
These springs were critical to the Israelites’ survival, illustrating the broader theme of God’s provision in times of need. They also held symbolic meaning: from a single spring that needed divine intervention to multiple springs providing plentiful refreshment, the journey reflects a progression from dependence on God for basic needs to experiencing His abundance.
In summary, there were at least thirteen springs mentioned in the narrative of the Israelites’ journey immediately following the Exodus—one at Marah and twelve at Elim. These springs highlight both the physical realities of desert travel and the spiritual lessons of trust, obedience, and divine provision.
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