Everything Is a Miracle from God

Yael Eckstein  |  February 1, 2024

light streaming in clouds

“I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. —Exodus 17:6

Each week in synagogue, Jews read through the Torah from Genesis to Deuteronomy. The Torah portion for this week is Beshalach, which means “when he sent them away,” from Exodus 13:17–17:16.

My family and I enjoy visiting the Sea of Galilee. After years of dangerously low water levels, the Sea of Galilee has finally become full again. Fully-grown trees are half submersed in the water, when before they were on dry land. It is such a blessing to behold a vision that proves God is in control and can turn around any situation!

In this week’s Torah portion, we learn that when the Israelites complained about the lack of water in the desert, God instructed Moses to strike a particular rock so that water would come from it. That rock became a portable well that accompanied the Israelites wherever they traveled. The next time the Israelites complained about thirst was just after the death of Miriam. According to Jewish teaching, the well of water had been given to the Israelites because of Miriam’s merit. So, when Miriam passed away, the well was gone, too. 

Everything Is a Miracle from God

Even after Miriam’s death, the Israelites kept the rock than had been the well. They brought it with them into the land of Israel and placed it on the bottom of the Sea of Galilee. The purpose was to teach future generations that just as the water coming from the rock had been miraculous, so was the water that came from the sea. They wanted their children to know that everything in life is a miracle from God. 

You see, in the desert, God’s miracles were obvious to the people. Manna fell from the sky, water came from a rock, and God’s Clouds of Glory provided protection. When the nation entered Israel, however, those miracles, and the obvious presence of God that they demonstrated, disappeared. But the Israelites wanted their children to know that just because nature is natural, it does not mean that it isn’t miraculous. Everything in our lives, including life itself, is a miracle from God. 

This message remains ever as relevant today. Everything we have is a miraculous gift from God. We must put our faith in Him alone and offer up our endless praise and everlasting gratitude. 

Your Turn:

Share some of the miracles you are experiencing today in the space below. Give thanks to God for blessing us with these miracles. 

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