Just after crossing the Suez canal we came to a place called Marah Springs. The Bible in Exodus 15 tells the story about how the Israelites were in the wilderness and could not find any water – they found the springs but the water was bitter. Here is what is said
The LORD Provides Water
22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water.
23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah.
24 So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?”
25 Then he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet.
The springs nowadays are in the form of a well, with palm trees along side. Looking from the area of the springs towards the Red Sea, we could see a series of shelters which were being used to make items for sale. This seemed to be a common thing at tourist locations.
After we visited what would appear the tourist spot, I spotted a series of springs which seem to be far more natural than what we were shown. Apart from the power lines in the background, I would imagine that this would be far more likely to be what the Israelites would have come across.
For more information about Sinai Peninsula
- Marah Springs – Sinai Peninsula
- Ninja Turtle – St Katherine – Sinai Peninsula
- Not a blade of Grass – St Katherine – Sinai Peninsula
- Sinai Peninsula – Where not to take photos
- Suez Canal – Boats in the middle of the Sand
- Wilderness – Sinai Peninsula