Exodus 15:27
And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters. And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
Exodus 15:27 belongs to the history of Israel's journey after deliverance from the Egyptians at the Red Sea. It comes immediately after the bitter waters at Marah were made sweet, when Israel was led on to Elim by a loving and gracious heavenly Leader. At Elim there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees with welcome shade, and Israel encamped there beside the waters. After receiving this provision, Israel showed no evident gratitude or praise, with no evidence that mercy strengthened their faith.
The change from Marah to Elim shows that in the same desert journey bitterness and sweetness, grief and joy, hardship and comfort may lie close together. The verse shows that God sometimes brings people from hardship into refreshing shelter. Elim's springs and shade were only temporary comforts on the earthly journey, which ends in the lasting joy of God's city and the everlasting springs of Paradise.