After the Pharaoh drowned and the waves of the sea subsided, the Israelites were breathing in an atmosphere that many of their generations had never experienced.
This was not just a migration…
This was the beginning of the psychological, intellectual and spiritual reconstruction of a slave nation.
But freedom is not always easy.
Freedom also brings with it responsibilities, trials and patience.
As soon as the Israelites set foot on the scorching land of the Sinai Desert, they were surrounded by their first great test.
The water had run out.
Thirst had intensified.
They wandered for three days in search of water.
This area was famous for its intense heat, dry mountains and harsh environment, where even survival was a struggle.
When the thirst became unbearable, the nation began to protest again.
They complained to Prophet Moses (peace be upon him).
But Allah Almighty had hidden another miracle in the staff of His prophet.
By Allah’s command, Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) struck the rock with his staff…
And not one but twelve springs gushed out from it.
So that each of the twelve tribes of the Children of Israel would have their own water and there would be no quarreling among themselves.
📖 The Quran says:
“And when Moses asked for water for his people, We said, ‘Strike this rock with your staff,’ and twelve springs gushed out from it, each group knowing its place.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 60)
When water was found, the problem of food arose.
Where would grain come from for millions of people in the desert?
Then Allah Almighty revealed His special blessing to them:
✨ Manna and Salwa ✨
The interpretations state:
Manna was a white, sweet, honey-like provision that fell like dew.
Salwa were quail-like birds that would come near the tents in the evening and could be easily caught.
📖 The Quran says:
“And We shaded you with clouds and sent down to you manna and sorghum, and said, “Eat of the good things We have provided you.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 57)
But alas…
Despite all these blessings, the slavery of Egypt and the effects of its idolatry were not completely removed from their hearts.
In ancient Egypt, the worship of the bull was common, and its effect remained in their minds.
At that time, Allah Almighty called Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) to Mount Tur.
First, thirty nights were promised, then ten nights were added.
Thus, forty nights were completed.
The Quran says:
“And We promised Moses thirty nights, and We added ten more to them, so the term appointed by his Lord was forty nights.”
(Surah Al-A’raf: 142)
In the absence of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), a Samaritan took advantage of the weakness of the people.
He collected gold ornaments from the people, melted them down, and made a golden calf.
The calf was made in such a way that it made a sound.
Those who were weak in faith were immediately deceived.
They began to say:
“This is your god, and Moses’ god!”
The Quran says:
“Then he brought out for them a calf, a body that made a sound like an ox. So they said: This is your god, and Moses’ god, but Moses forgot.”
(Surah Ta-Ha: 88)
Prophet Aaron (peace be upon him) explained a lot:
This is a test from your Lord.
But the people did not listen to him at all.
They said:
“Until Moses returns, we will continue to worship him.”
On the other hand, Allah Almighty was giving the Torah to Prophet Moses (peace be upon him).
He was being given the commandments of life, laws, worship, ethics and the principles of guiding the nation.
When Allah Almighty informed him of the people’s trial, he returned with great anger and sorrow.
He came and saw that the people were bowing down before the calf.
Seeing this scene, his heart broke.
He questioned his brother Hazrat Harun (peace be upon him).
Later, the truth became clear that the fault was the rebelliousness of Samaritan and the people.
Hazrat Moses (peace be upon him) punished Samaritan and ordered the people to repent.
What is the lesson?
Seeing miracles is not a guarantee of guidance…
If there is no sincerity in the heart, a person goes astray even after receiving blessings.
Allah gave the Israelites freedom, water, sustenance, shade, books…
But they were ungrateful again and again.
This incident teaches us that the biggest war is not with the enemy outside… it is with the polytheism, desires, and disobedience within ourselves.
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