A memorable spot, so rendered from the murmurings of Israel. The word signifies bitter or bitterness. No doubt, but that beside the history, there was much of a spiritual instruction in this event. All creature-comforts are in themselves disposed to produce bitterness: until Christ is seen and enjoyed in them, even our most common comforts will always prove unsatisfying, and never produce what they propose. But if Christ be in our appointments, whatever they are, like the tree the Lord shewed to Moses, which when cast into the waters of Marah made them sweet, then will all be sanctified and sweetened to our use, and the divine glory.