THEOSISJerome of Stridon
The fifth encampment of the Israelites, located in Marah, translates to "bitterness." The Israelites couldn't traverse the depths of the Black Sea and witness the downfall of Pharaoh along with his forces without first gaining virtue in their hearts through their profession of faith in the Lord. They believed in God and in Moses, His servant, and listened to him proclaim, “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” (Exod. 14:14). As conquerors, they then followed the example of Miriam, who sang with timbrels and joyful expressions, declaring, "I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea" (Ex. 15:1).
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After the proclamation of the gospel and the sojourn of the wandering people, the Egyptians and Pharaoh came back into view. This teaches us to remain vigilant against the antagonistic forces and to call upon God's mercy to evade the pursuing Pharaoh, so that he may be drowned within us through spiritual baptism.
Upon departing the Red Sea, the Israelites entered the wilderness of Shur, also known as the wilderness of Epham. They traveled for three days without finding water until they reached Marah, which got its name due to its bitterness. Though the spring provided water, it was unpalatable. The people complained upon discovering the undrinkable waters. Marah serves as a reminder of the waters of the law that brings death; yet, when the confession of the cross is added, and the mysteries of the Lord's suffering are incorporated, everything that is unpleasant and bitter can be transformed into sweetness. Thus it is said, “The Lord showed him a tree, and he cast it into the waters, and the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them” (Exodus 15:25). This teaches us that where great grace abounds, so does the capacity for trial.
Do not be dismayed if you encounter sorrow after achieving victory, for those who partake in the true Passover consume unleavened bread along with bitter herbs. Patience yields experience, experience brings hope, and hope leads to salvation (Rom. 5:4). Just as some physicians create remedies that, though derived from bitter elements, provide healing and end up tasting sweet, so too do earthly pleasures and comforts often culminate in bitter outcomes; as Scripture warns, “For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword” (Proverbs 5:3-4).