Exodus 17:2

Tempt the Lord] challenge His power and willingness to provide for them, put Him to the proof by their unbelief: cp. Exodus 17:7 see also Numbers 14:22; Numbers 20:13; Deuteronomy 6:16; Matthew 4:7. Their unbelief was the less warranted as they had lately experienced God's providence in supplying their wants. This is the fourth murmuring: see on Exodus 16:2.

5, 6. The elders] as representing the people (see on Exodus 3:16), are to be the witnesses of the miracle. The people, perhaps on account of their sin, are to stand at a distance: cp. Exodus 19:17. Thy rod] see on Exodus 4:2; Exodus 4:20. The river is the Nile: see Exodus 7:20.