What did the oasis at Elim represent for the Israelites?
The oasis with twelve wells and seventy palm trees represented a place of rest, relaxation, and satisfaction of thirst for the Israelites. After the bitter waters were made sweet, Jehovah led them there, providing water to drink and relief from their journey.
Les teaches that after the bitter experience was made sweet, Moses again led Israel by the cloud and the pillar of fire—the very presence of Jehovah—and He brought them to an oasis. Les says he cannot fully explain the significance of the twelve wells of water and the seventy palm trees, but he notes it was an oasis where they could have water to drink. Seven million people could not rest under the shade of seventy trees, yet it epitomized a place of rest, relaxation, and the satisfaction of their thirst.
And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
More Questions
Why did Israel have to leave Elim if it was such a beautiful oasis?
You cannot just stay on the mountaintop—the hard work is down in the valley, so even after Israel's mountaintop experience of coming out of Egypt to the beautiful oasis of Elim, they had to move on.
What do the 12 wells of water and 70 palm trees at Elim mean?
Les cannot explain what is involved in the 12 wells of water and the 70 palm trees beyond the fact that it was an oasis, a place where the people could have water to drink.