When the Children of Israel left Egypt, passing through the midst of the sea, they then set out on the long-awaited three-day journey into the desert (Exodus, 15:2;. see also: 3:18, 5:3, 8:23.) Anticipation, however, turned quickly to disappointment when after three days of thirst they find only the bitter water of Mara.
The people complain to Moses, who in turn cries out to God.
And the Lord instructed him regarding a tree (etz), and he threw it into the water and the water became sweet” (15:24).
What is striking about this story, and what sets it apart from the surrounding narrative, is that it is completely devoid of any real negativity. The people justifiably complain about the lack of water without the usual segue to critique and complaint about everything else. Moses cries out, but without the despair, anger, or exasperation found in every other stories. God miraculously comes to the rescue, as usual, but without the customary word of rebuke toward the people or their leader. Even the conclusion of the story, a vague mention of the giving of laws, and the even vaguer suggestion that the event was some sort of test, followed by encouragement to follow God’s laws and hearken to His voice, is said without any definite indication that the people had acted to the contrary or failed in any way.
