Exodus 17:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses cries to God, reporting that the people are on the verge of stoning him.
The Context of Exodus 17:4
Leadership under duress: Moses faces both the people's anger and his own desperation.
What Does Exodus 17:4 Mean?
Moses does not defend himself or argue with the people further; instead, he brings the crisis to God in urgent prayer. His cry reveals the genuine danger he faces—the people's anger has escalated to the point where physical violence seems imminent.
This moment shows Moses' character: under extreme pressure and personal threat, he turns to God rather than retaliate or lose faith himself. His vulnerability is real, but so is his instinct to seek divine help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 17:4
What does Exodus 17:4 mean?
Moses cries to God, reporting that the people are on the verge of stoning him.
What is the context of Exodus 17:4?
Leadership under duress: Moses faces both the people's anger and his own desperation.