Introduction
This last Sunday we looked at the third test that the nascent nation of Israel experienced after their redemption from Egypt. The test was graded and, like before, a big, fat F was recorded. But God, as He always does, receives an A+ for patience, grace, and faithfulness.
Unlike previous weeks, however, things were much more tense, as the people appeared willing to stone Moses because of a lack of water. But even more horrific is the fact that the people positioned themselves as the tester and not the testee and, in so doing, placed God on trial.
This incident becomes a high-water mark of sinful pride and unbelief. But is it always wrong to test God? And if not, under what circumstances, and how is it different from what we see in Exodus 17? The goal of this post is to explore these questions.
Let us now explore these important questions.
Israel at Massah
The events of Exodus 17 occur after a long series of divine provisions. Israel had witnessed:
- the plagues against Egypt,
- the crossing of the Red Sea,
- bitter water made sweet,
- manna from heaven,
- and God’s daily preservation in the wilderness.
Yet thirst exposed the instability of their faith.
Exodus 17:7 says the place was named Massah because the people tested the LORD, asking:
“Is the LORD among us or not?”
That question reveals the true issue. Israel was not merely thirsty. They doubted God’s provision, protection, and provision. Instead of remembering God’s faithfulness, they interpreted present hardship as evidence of divine abandonment.
What makes the situation especially severe is that Israel had forgotten its role. God was testing them, yet they reversed the relationship and placed God on trial. The creature attempted to summon the Creator into the courtroom to answer accusations of unfaithfulness.
This is why the scene is not merely one of weakness, but of profound unbelief. Based on the text and later commentary regarding the incident, we can see that it was sinful. But what if we compare this incident to Malachi 3:10, where the LORD invites Israel to test Him?
A Word Study: Two Different Hebrew Words
One reason these passages can seem confusing or contradictory is because English translations often use the same word: “test.”
But the Hebrew words are different.
Exodus 17 — נסה (nāsâ)
In Exodus 17, the word translated “test” comes from the Hebrew root:
נסה
This word can mean:
- to test,
- to try,
- to prove,
- or to put on trial.
Israel’s testing was hostile and suspicious. They demanded that God prove Himself according to their expectations.
This is the sort of testing Jesus condemns in the wilderness temptation narratives.
Malachi 3 — בחן (bāḥan)
In contrast, Malachi 3:10 uses a different Hebrew word:
בחן
This word carries the idea of examining or refining something to demonstrate its genuineness, much like testing precious metals.
God tells Israel:
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… and thereby put me to the test.”
Notice that the testing of Malachi 3:10 begins with God and not sinful man, which is a significant difference between this text and Exodus 17. God is inviting covenant trust. His people are called to obey and discover His faithfulness.
The contrast matters:
- Exodus: Man-initiated, rooted in unbelief, demanding proof.
- Malachi: God-initiated, expressed through faith acting upon God’s promise.
One seeks to accuse God; the other seeks to trust Him.
From here we can see that not all testing of God is sinful or inappropriate, but let us tease out the differences a little more, especially through the life of Jesus.
Jesus in the Wilderness
One temptation is especially important here. Satan took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and urged Him to throw Himself down, even quoting Scripture about angelic protection.
The temptation was subtle:
- Force God to prove His care.
- Demand miraculous confirmation.
- Put the Father’s promises to the test.
Jesus responded:
“Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Jesus was quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, which directly refers back to Massah. Unlike Israel, Jesus refused to manipulate the Father or demand proof of His care. He trusted the Father without presumption.
The Difference Between Presumption and Faith
Ultimately, we can say that the difference between sinful testing and rightly putting the LORD to the test is the difference between presumption and faith.
Sinful Testing
Sinful testing says:
- “God must prove Himself to me.”
- “I will trust only after I receive visible confirmation.”
- “I will manipulate circumstances to force God’s hand.”
This was Israel at Massah.
This was Satan’s temptation to Jesus.
And this temptation still appears in subtle ways today.
Sometimes people demand dramatic signs before obeying God. Sometimes they place themselves recklessly in danger while expecting miraculous rescue. Sometimes they interpret hardship as proof that God has failed them.
All of these reflect the same underlying problem: distrust disguised as spirituality.
Faithful Trust
On the other hand, faithful trust looks vastly different.
It says:
- “God has already spoken.”
- “His promises are sufficient.”
- “I will obey before I see the outcome.”
This is the spirit of Malachi 3. God invites His people to trust Him concretely and then discover His covenant faithfulness through obedience.
The difference is profound:
- Presumption demands proof before obedience.
- Faith obeys because God has already proven Himself trustworthy.
Conclusion
Scripture warns us not to test God like Israel in the wilderness or like Satan tempted Jesus to do. We are not called to manipulate God, demand signs, or interpret every hardship as abandonment.
But Scripture also invites a different kind of “testing”—a testing rooted in obedient faith.
God’s promises are sturdy enough to be trusted. He invites His people to obey Him concretely and discover that He is faithful. The question is not whether we will test God, but how.
Will we test Him through suspicion and unbelief?
Or will we trust Him enough to stake our lives upon His promises?
One posture challenges God.
The other glorifies Him.
Sermon link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1x-iaAebrA&t=3s