“Stand Still, and See the Salvation of the Lord”

How to read this week

• Notice the pattern. Need, murmuring, the Lord's provision: at the sea (ch. 14), Marah (ch. 15), the wilderness of Sin (ch. 16) and Rephidim (ch. 17). Ask what Israel, and we, are meant to learn each time.
• Look for Christ. The New Testament sees Him in the bread from heaven (John 6), the rock and its water (1 Corinthians 10:4; John 4:14) and the crossing as baptism (1 Corinthians 10:1–2).
• Pay attention to “daily.” Manna came each morning and couldn't be stored (16:4, 19–21). Spiritual nourishment works the same way.
• Don't overlook chapter 18. Jethro's counsel is the scriptural foundation for delegating and sharing the Lord's work.
• Use a map. The places (Marah, Elim, Sin, Rephidim, Sinai) are uncertain, but the map shows the journey's traditional shape.

From the sea to Sinai

1. The sea — Israel crosses; Egypt's army drowns (ch. 14)
2. Marah — Bitter water made sweet (15:22–26)
3. Elim — Twelve wells and seventy palm trees (15:27)
4. Wilderness of Sin — Quail and manna (ch. 16)
5. Rephidim — Water from the rock; battle with Amalek (ch. 17)
6. Near Sinai — Jethro's visit and counsel (ch. 18)

Restoration connections

• D&C 8:2–3 — The spirit of revelation by which Moses brought Israel through the Red Sea.
• 1 Nephi 17:26–30 — Nephi reminds his brothers of the Red Sea and the manna.
• Alma 37:38–46 — The Liahona, like manna, worked daily according to faith.
• D&C 107:21–100 — Quorums and councils sharing the work of the Church.

Questions for the week

• When have you needed to “stand still” and when have you needed to “go forward” in faith (14:13–15)?
• What has the Lord done to make something “bitter” in your life sweet (15:23–25)?
• How do you gather spiritual “manna” each day?
• Who are the Aarons and Hurs who hold up your hands? Whose hands can you hold up (17:12)?
• Is there a burden you're carrying alone that you could share (18:17–18)?