Leaving the Wilderness of Sin, the Israelites came to a place called Rephidim, and here again the cloud stopped as a sign that they should camp and rest from their journey.
But the people began to complain at once. Although God was sending bread to them every day, now; he had led them to a place where no water could be found—not even a spring of bitter water. And they were thirsty. Coming to Moses, they asked impatiently that he give them some water to drink. But Moses was as helpless as they. Every-where he searched for water, but nowhere could he find a drop. The people grew more impatient and restless. Finally they cried, “Why did you bring us and our children and our cattle out to this dreadful place to kill us with thirst?” Instead of asking God to help them, they were complaining against Moses, and some were even ready to kill him. Then Moses cried aloud to God for help. The Lord told him to call the chief men of each tribe and take them with him to Mount Horeb. There God told him to strike a certain rock with his rod, while the men stood near by. Although no springs or rivers were in sight, when Moses struck the rock a stream of clear water flowed from it and ran down the mountain-side into the valley where the people were camping. Here again God helped when they were in trouble.
In the country around Rephidim a wild people lived who were called Amalekites. These people attacked the Israelites, and tried to steal their goods.
Moses chose a brave young man named Joshua to lead the army of Israel against their enemies. And while they fought!, Moses stood on a hilltop and watched the battle. Aaron and Hur stood by him. Moses stretched his arms toward heaven and prayed God to help his people. In his hand he held the rod with which so many miracles had been performed. And the men of Israel drove their enemies back into the wilderness. But the battle was not yet ended.
Finally Moses grew very tired, and his arms fell to his sides. Then the Amalekites turned about and drove the men of Israel back. Moses saw at once that God was not helping his people when he was not holding the rod aloft. So he lifted it toward heaven once more. When his arms grew very tired again Aaron and Hur brought a large stone for Moses to sit upon. Then they stood, one on each side of him, and held up his arms until evening. The battle then ended, and Joshua returned with his men to the camp at Rephidim. The people knew God had helped them to drive their enemies away.
At this place Moses built an altar, to worship God.
One day while the Israelites were camping at Rephidim some visitors from Midian came to see Moses. They were Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, and Zipporah, Moses’ wife, and Gershom and Eliezer, Moses’ sons. Jethro had heard how wonderfully God saved the Israelites from Pharaoh’s slavery, and he wished to talk with Moses. He brought sacrifices to offer upon the altar which Moses had built, and the Israelites also worshiped with him before the Lord. During his visit Jethro told Moses how to judge the people and how to lessen his burden. Then he bade Moses good-by and went to his own country.