I. The Time Of Reaching Marsh, Just After The Red Sea.

The Israelites were encamped for a few days on the shore to shake themselves together, and then at this, their very first station, they began to experience the privations which were to be their lot for forty years. Their course was like that of a ship that is in the stormy Channel as soon as it leaves the shelter of the pier at Dover, not like that of one that glides down the Thames for miles.

After great moments and high triumphs in life comes Marah.

Marsh was just before Elim--the alternation, how blessed! The shade of palms and cool water of the wells, one for each tribe and one for each' elder.' So we have alternations in life and experience.