Yet in the very next chapter the Israelites complain about having no water, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” (Ex 17:3). We are supposed to be more than frustrated. We are supposed to be scandalized by their grumbling, because collectives think ingratitude a terrible vice. By missing the reason, we miss the lesson. We are supposed to marvel that, despite their ingratitude, God remains completely faithful to them. God is a patient patron par excellence.
