Lexical Summary Meribah: Meribah Original Word: מְרִיבָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Meribah The same as mriybah; Meribah, the name of two places in the Desert -- Meribah. see HEBREW mriybah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom rib Definition "place of strife," two places in the desert NASB Translation Meribah (8), Meribah-kadesh* (1), Meribath-kadesh* (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. מְרִיבָה proper name, of a location (place of strife); — 1 at Rephidim, ׳מַסָּה וּמ Exodus 17:7 (J), Λοιδόρησις. 2 at Kadesh, especially in מֵי מְרִיבָה water of M. (ᵐ5 ὕδωρ ἁντιλογίας) Deuteronomy 33:8; Numbers 20:13 (P) Psalm 81:8; Psalm 106:32, also (ᵐ5 ὕδωρ τῆς λοιδορίας ᵐ5L as above) Numbers 20:24 (P); ׳מ construct in מֵי מְרִיבַת קָדֵשׁ (ᵐ5 ὕδωρ ἁντιλογίας [ἑν] Καδης) Numbers 27:14; Deuteronomy 32:51 (both P), and (ᵐ5 ὕδωρ βαριμωθ Καδης Ezekiel 48:28; so מֵי מְרִיבוֺת ׳ק Ezekiel 47:19 (ᵐ5 ὕδωρ Μαριμωθ Καδης); Deuteronomy 33:2 see קֹדֶשׁ near the end; מְרִיבָה along, only Psalm 95:8 (παραπικρασμός; "" יוֺם מַסָּה). Topical Lexicon Geographical and Narrative Setting Two distinct locales bear the name Meribah. The first lies at Rephidim in the wilderness of Sinai (Exodus 17:7); the second stands at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin (Numbers 20:13). In both places the nation’s thirst led to strife, Moses interceded, a rock was struck, and water miraculously flowed—yet the spiritual outcomes differed sharply. Meribah at Rephidim: The Testing of Faith Newly redeemed Israel, barely removed from Egypt, questioned the LORD’s presence. “He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, ‘Is the LORD among us or not?’” (Exodus 17:7). Here the LORD answered their complaint with mercy, foreshadowing His patience toward a covenant people still learning to trust. Meribah at Kadesh: The Violation of Holiness Decades later the congregation repeated the same crisis. Moses, provoked by their grumbling, struck the rock twice rather than speaking to it as commanded. “These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed His holiness among them” (Numbers 20:13). The incident cost Moses and Aaron entrance to Canaan (Numbers 20:24; Numbers 27:14), reminding leaders and people alike that previous grace never licenses current disobedience. Theological Themes 1. Divine Provision: Both scenes affirm Yahweh as the sole source of life-sustaining water in a barren land, typifying His sufficiency for every need. Psalmic Reflection “You called out in distress, and I rescued you; I answered you from the thundercloud; I tested you at the waters of Meribah” (Psalm 81:7). The psalmist turns history into exhortation, showing that the same God who provides also proves His people, urging present-day listeners to heed His voice now. Priestly and Tribal Significance In the blessing of Moses, Levi’s faithfulness is linked to Meribah: “You tested him at Massah and contended with him at the waters of Meribah” (Deuteronomy 33:8). The Levites’ later zeal in guarding covenant purity stands in contrast to the nation’s earlier complaints, demonstrating that testing can refine servants for future ministry. Ministry Application • Leaders must guard their spirits; public frustration can turn a moment of God-honoring witness into personal failure. Typological Foreshadowing The Apostle Paul alludes to the wilderness rock as a type of Christ, “and that rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4). Struck once for salvation, He now invites His people to speak in faith for continuing refreshment. Meribah therefore points beyond itself to the gospel fountain that never runs dry. Enduring Legacy Meribah stands as a dual monument: mercy at Rephidim, judgment at Kadesh. Together they proclaim a balanced portrait of the LORD—gracious provider and uncompromisingly holy. Every generation, Israelite or Gentile, is summoned to drink deeply from His provision while walking humbly in obedient faith. Forms and Transliterations וּמְרִיבָ֑ה ומריבה מְרִיבַ֥ת מְרִיבָ֔ה מְרִיבָ֣ה מְרִיבָֽה׃ מריבה מריבה׃ מריבת mə·rî·ḇāh mə·rî·ḇaṯ mərîḇāh mərîḇaṯ meriVah meriVat ū·mə·rî·ḇāh ūmərîḇāh umeriVahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 17:7 HEB: הַמָּק֔וֹם מַסָּ֖ה וּמְרִיבָ֑ה עַל־ רִ֣יב ׀ NAS: Massah and Meribah because KJV: Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding INT: the place Massah and Meribah because of the quarrel Numbers 20:13 Numbers 20:24 Numbers 27:14 Deuteronomy 33:8 Psalm 81:7 6 Occurrences |
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