Like poison to the body, bitterness is toxic to the soul and body of a person. It is so toxic that the Scripture says “…a root of bitterness defiles many” (Hebrews 12:15). When we are caught in a root of bitterness, everything is tinged with darkness and distorted, even our countenances. Our “guard is up,” so that reconciliation with an estranged brother is impossible. We aren’t too inclined to “receive one another, as Christ also received us” (Romans 15: 7).

Many diseases have been attributed to bitterness, such as arthritis and diseased gall bladders (“gall” means “a bitter fluid.”) What modern affliction comes to mind in this passage: “I walk slowly all my years because of the bitterness of my soul” (Is. 38: 15)?

Just after the Israelites were led by God out of 400 years of slavery, miraculously crossing the Red Sea, being delivered from Pharaoh’s armies and following Moses 3 days into the wilderness of Shur (meaning “hostility”), they came to pools of water. They were sadly disappointed to find that the waters were bitter to drink. The place was called Marah, which means “bitter.” Crying out to God for help, Moses was directed to throw a nearby tree (or log) into the water.

The water instantly became sweet. The Hebrew word for “sweet” can mean “sweetness in fellowship.” Furthermore, the Hebrew word for “tree” in that instance can have the meaning of a tree on which criminals were displayed. Does that remind you of another “tree” used for that purpose in the New Testament?

At Marah, after He spoke commands to listen, obey, and keep all His statutes, He gave an amazing promise, contingent on their obedience: “I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your Healer”

[Yaweh Rophe] (Exodus 15: 26.) He revealed His name Yaweh Rophe to them in the context of making the bitter water sweet!

It is interesting that the first miracle the Israelites experienced after the big display of God’s power as they crossed the Red Sea, was for Him to deal with the bitterness in the water. Was He also dealing with the bitterness in their souls resulting from 400 years in slavery? Was freedom from bitterness necessary to equip them for health in the midst of stress in the wilderness?

Might we say that the cross can make sweet the bitter pools in our lives? How might that sweetness change our health even as our relationships are healed and reconciled?