Definition and Etymology:
The term "chode" appears in the context of the Old Testament, specifically in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. It is an archaic English word that means to strive, contend, or quarrel. The word is derived from the Middle English "chiden," which means to chide or scold.

Biblical Reference:
The word "chode" is found in Numbers 20:3 in the KJV, where it describes the Israelites' contention with Moses. In the Berean Standard Bible , the verse reads: "The people quarreled with Moses and said, 'If only we had perished when our brothers fell dead before the LORD!'"

Context and Significance:
In Numbers 20, the Israelites are in the wilderness of Zin, facing a lack of water. This situation leads to a significant moment of rebellion and complaint against Moses and Aaron. The use of the word "chode" in the KJV highlights the intensity of the people's dissatisfaction and their contentious attitude towards their leaders. This incident is pivotal as it leads to Moses striking the rock to bring forth water, an act that ultimately results in God's judgment against him for not upholding God's holiness before the people.

Theological Implications:
The episode at Meribah, where the Israelites "chode" with Moses, underscores themes of faith, obedience, and the consequences of disobedience. It serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's provision and the dangers of allowing discontent to lead to rebellion. The narrative also illustrates the heavy responsibility of leadership and the need for leaders to act in accordance with God's commands.

Related Concepts:
· Contention and Quarreling: The broader biblical theme of contention is often associated with a lack of faith and trust in God. Proverbs 17:14 warns, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out."
· Faith and Obedience: The incident at Meribah is frequently cited in discussions about faith and obedience. Hebrews 3:8-9 references this event, urging believers not to harden their hearts as the Israelites did in the wilderness.
· Leadership and Accountability: Moses' response to the people's chiding and his subsequent actions highlight the accountability of leaders to God. James 3:1 cautions, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."

Historical and Cultural Context:
The Israelites' journey through the wilderness was marked by numerous challenges and tests of faith. The scarcity of resources like water was a common issue that tested their reliance on God. The cultural context of the time placed significant emphasis on communal living and dependence on divine provision, making the people's quarrel with Moses a serious breach of trust in God's covenant promises.

Conclusion:
While the term "chode" is not commonly used in modern translations, its presence in the KJV highlights the severity of the Israelites' rebellion against Moses. The incident at Meribah serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of maintaining faith in God's provision and leadership.(n.) The old imp. of chide. See Chide.

The Waters of Meribah
... there.2. And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves
together against Moses and against Aaron.3. And the people chode with Moses ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the waters of meribah.htm

(On the Passion, viii. : on Wednesday in Holy Week. )
... Pilate's fault is indeed, less than the Jews' crime; for it was they that terrified
him with C??sar's name, chode him with hateful words, and drove him to ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lix on the passion.htm

Matt. viii. 23, 24
... But Christ chode not with them for calling Him a man, but waited to teach
them by His signs, that their supposition was mistaken. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxviii matt viii 23.htm

Chode (2 Occurrences)
...Chode (2 Occurrences). Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban:
and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? ...
/c/chode.htm - 7k

Wroth (65 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV WBS). Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban:
and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? ...
/w/wroth.htm - 26k

Choenix (1 Occurrence)

/c/choenix.htm - 7k

Chobai

/c/chobai.htm - 6k

Strove (25 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV). Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban:
and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? ...
/s/strove.htm - 14k

Chode: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus