As they did when their food ran out (Ex. 16), the Israelites grumbled when they could not locate any drinkable water (Ex. 17:1). They demanded water from Moses and apparently were ready to stone him (v. 4). God patiently instructed Moses to strike a rock with his staff, causing water to flow out for the people to drink (vv. 5-6). This water met the needs of an enormous amount of people (quite a gusher!). Many believe it flowed the entire year Israel was at Sinai. That place was given the names Massah ("Testing") and Meribah ("Quarreling"), as permanent reminders of their rebellion against their God (v. 7).
