MIRIAM'S WELL

Relieved as they were of all the cares of subsistence through the
gift of manna, it was plainly the duty of the Israelites to devote
themselves exclusively to the study of the Torah. [119] When,
therefore, they slackened in the performance of this duty,
punishment in the form of lack of water immediately overtook
them. This was the first time that they actually experienced this
want, for at Marah nothing more than alarm that this need might
come upon them, had caused them to murmur and complain. In
their distress they once more unreasonably cast reproaches upon
their leader, and disputed with him, saying: "Wherefore is this,
children, that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us, and
our children, and our cattle with thirst?" Moses replied: "As often
as you quarrel with me, you tempt God, but God performeth
wonders and excellent deeds for you, as often as you dispute with
me, that His name may sound in glory throughout the world."

In spite of the injury they had done him, Moses prayed to God that
He might aid them in their distress and also stand by him. "O Lord
of the world!" said he, "I am surely doomed to die. Thou biddest
me not to be offended with them, but if I obey Thy words, I shall
certainly be killed by them." God, however, replied: "Try thou to
act like Me; as I return good for evil, so do thou return to them
good for evil, and forgive their trespass; go on before the people,
and We shall see who dares touch thee." [120] Hardly had Moses
shown himself to the people, when all of them rose reverently
from their seats, whereupon God said to Moses: "How often have I
told thee not to be angry with them, but to lead them, as a shepherd
leads his flock; it is for their sake that I have set thee on this