What is the significance of Rephidim?

In Exodus 17:1 we find that the Israelites finally arrived at a place called “Rephidim.” After all the walking in the dry wilderness, the people probably hoped that they would find water. In chapter 15, the water was bitter and undrinkable. Here, there is no water at all, which probably added to the tension and their sense of desperation.

Why would God lead His people from a place where they were being satisfied with manna to a rest stop where there was no water? Have you found yourself after a season of feasting on the Word, in a season of dryness? You are wondering, “Why am I so dry? Is there sin in my life?” Not necessarily. God led His people to Rephidim in order to do something very important.

Another important event occurred while the Israelites were at Rephidim. Seemingly out of nowhere, Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. “Amalek” was the grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12), making them relatives of the Israelites. They “fought against Israel” probably because they felt threatened by them. They probably heard of their deliverance at the Red Sea and could have been aware that the LORD promised Canaan to Jacob, Esau’s brother.

We find at Rephidim, that as long as Moses reached out to the Lord on the mountain of intercession, there was victory below in the valley of interaction. The lifting up of hands speaks of prayer (1 Timothy 2:8).

Every time the Amalekites are mentioned in the Bible, they speak of the ongoing war we wage with our flesh. If you try and defeat Amalek in your own strength, you’ll be trounced.” Therefore, the Lord took His people—as He does us—to a place where they were aware of their dryness in order that, after crying out to Him, they would be empowered afresh with the water of His Spirit.

If you are going through a desert season, God has led you there, to create within you a craving for more of Him. “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” Jesus said, “for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Who is filled? The one who is at Rephidim, longing for water.

Only by absolute dependence on God can His people rise above their enemies. At Rephidim, through the means of water and war, God taught Israel a truth they would need in the Promised Land: He alone gives provision and protection.

Oftentimes, we think that if we were more skilled with the sword of Scripture, if we were better able to dialogue and counsel, if we could love more and do more, we’d see the salvation of our parents or grandchildren, our neighbors or friends. But this story tells us that is not where the battle is won. It’s won through prayer.

When the battle was finally won, God instructed Moses to record what had transpired in a book—in order that future generations would know that the battle was won not with the sword in the valley of interaction, but through prayer on the mount of intercession.

The events at Rephidim were meant to show that the LORD was not only their Provider (providing water) but also their Protector (defeating the Amalekites).

Application Questions:

When do you have doubts that you cannot count on the powerful presence of God to work in your situation? What role does prayer and the support of other believers play in your struggles against sin?

Quote:

We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.” Oswald Chambers

Prayer:

Lord, I pray that when I go through the dry seasons, I will turn to you and find the purpose for the seasons. Help me to be teachable and recognize that it is not about me, but it is all about You. Amen