22. Then Moses led Israel away from the Red Sea. They went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert. They didn't find any water there.
23. When they came to Marah, they couldn't drink its water. It was bitter. That's why the place is named Marah.
24. The people told Moses they weren't happy with him. They said, "What are we supposed to drink?"
25. Then Moses cried out to the Lord. The Lord showed him a stick. Moses threw it into the water. The water became sweet. There the Lord made a rule and a law for the people. And there he put them to the test.
26. He said, "I am the Lord your God. Listen carefully to my voice. Do what is right in my eyes. Pay attention to my commands. Obey all of my rules. If you do, I will not send on you any of the sicknesses I sent on the Egyptians. I am the Lord who heals you."