The people had walked for three days in the desert after crossing the Reed Sea. They hadn't found any water and when they reached Marah, they realized that the waters were bitter and they couldn't drink. Their hopes were frustrated. They then muttered against Moshe saying: "What shall we drink?" Then Moshe cried out to the Eternal and He showed him a tree. When Moshe threw the tree in the waters they became fresh. There, the people were tested.

After the bitter experience in Marah, which means bitterness, they reached Elim, a desert oasis with twelve springs and seventy palm trees. The interesting part is that the numbers 12 and 70 correspond to the two peoples in the world, Israel and the nations. The 12 springs of water gave life to the 70 palm trees. This teaches us that the twelve tribes of Israel were created to be like springs for the 70 Gentile nations. Water symbolizes life flowing from the Torah and the Eternal's Spirit. Israel has been set to give the word and spirit of life to the nations. That is its mission. Those nations who know how to drink from the waters that come from Israel will receive many blessings and produce a lot of fruit.

Now, Israel not only had to go through bitter experiences but to overcome them. He who overcomes bitter experiences will be able to give water to the world.

Dear chosen one from among the nations: don't stay in Marah, the place of bitterness. We all have frustrated dreams and hopes. Don't grumble against any leader. You'll just infect the others around you with the bitter waters that flow from your soul. Ask the Eternal to reveal to you what happened in the tree so you can be delivered from your bitterness and pass the test. Then you'll be able to follow your path to become a spring that brings life to the nations.

If you're still in Marah, leave it and move on to Elim!!

Blessings,

Ketriel