Exodus 15:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

See Ex. 15:23 Thus, upon receiving the justification of Christ, we will find ourselves at Elim, which signifies 'ascent.' This represents our elevation from our former state of immaturity to a perfected understanding, and upon reaching the fullness of the measure of Christ (Eph. 4:13), we will find joy in the wells of living waters. These twelve springs symbolize the faces of the holy Apostles. Similarly, the seventy stalks of dates represent the Apostles; for it is recorded that after the holy Apostles, the Lord appointed seventy others (Luke 10:1).

As the cloud progressed, the people continued on their journey, directed by its movement, as was their custom. They paused whenever the cloud halted, receiving it as a signal to rest, and resumed their journey when it moved ahead of them. Guided by this presence, they arrived at a location abundant with fresh water, characterized by twelve streams. Here stood seventy date palms, which, despite their limited count, captivated onlookers with their remarkable beauty and size.

Consequently, the occurrences can be seen as a spiritual foreshadowing: they journey from Merah, which signifies bitterness, to Elim, a place blessed with twelve sources of water and seventy palm trees. Upon understanding the secret of the tree, it becomes necessary to establish a camp of apostolic faith and the proclamation of the Gospel, where seventy heralds are encompassed in the span of time, and where the twelve apostles are brought forth into eternity. Despite the seventy who were designated to spread the good news later demonstrating unfaithfulness by delivering the fruit of faith to impure spirits that listened to them, the apostles remained steadfast in their proclamation of the faith. Though seventy trees are noted by the twelve springs, as Scripture points out, true rest can only be discovered in the camp beside the waters.

Observe the divine mystery, where after experiencing the harshness of the Law, the mercy of the Gospel flourishes abundantly: there is a single bitter spring to drink from, yet here numerous fountains are available to satisfy thirst; exhaustion persists there, while here, relief and triumph follow toil. The springs are designated for those who seek refreshment, and the palm trees await the victors. I assert that palm trees are set aside for those who prevail, as moving from the rigor of the Law to the grace of the Gospel signifies victory. For it is indeed a promised blessing for the conqueror to cleanse himself at a living spring and to hold the palm of victory in his right hand. The spring purifies the mouth of the believer, and the palm celebrates the hand of the martyr: the mouth for proclaiming Christ’s glory, and the hand for rejecting the profane altar.

The sixth location in the journey of God's people from Egypt is referred to as Elim, a term meaning 'sheepfold'. This place boasted twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, symbolizing both in name and sight the essence of the apostles and their followers.

The Elim Valley, currently referred to as the Girondelle Valley, is located five hours to the south of Merah. This area is still home to numerous springs and palm trees, while other types of vegetation are quite sparse. The campsite is very suitable, as the palm trees provided the Israelites with warmth, shade, and sustenance, while the waters satisfied their thirst. Notably, the twelve springs in Elim reflect the twelve tribes of Israel, and the seventy palm trees symbolize the seventy elders who would soon be appointed to assist Moses in leading the people.

Two hours to the south of Khuvar lies the expansive and picturesque Gharandel valley, known as Wadi Gharandel. During the rainy season, a vigorous stream typically flows through this valley on its journey to the Black Sea. Even in the most arid times, water can always be found here, making it the finest source from Cairo to Sinai. The grasses thrive in abundance, while numerous shrubs, acacias, and tamarind trees flourish, and a few remaining palms indicate that a date grove once existed. The primary argument against associating Wadi Gharandel with Elim stems from its distance from Merra.