Introduction:
Meribath-kadesh, also known as Meribah Kadesh, is a significant location in the biblical narrative, particularly in the journey of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. The name "Meribath-kadesh" translates to "quarreling at Kadesh," reflecting the contentious events that took place there. This site is closely associated with the testing of faith and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.

Biblical References:
Meribath-kadesh is primarily mentioned in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Deuteronomy. The key events at this location are recorded in Numbers 20:1-13 and Deuteronomy 32:51.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Meribath-kadesh is located in the wilderness of Zin, near the border of Edom. It is part of the larger region of Kadesh, which served as a significant encampment for the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the desert. The site is traditionally identified with Ain el-Qudeirat in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula.

Key Events at Meribath-kadesh:
1. The Water Crisis:
In Numbers 20, the Israelites arrived at Kadesh, where there was no water for the congregation. The people quarreled with Moses and Aaron, expressing their frustration and longing for the comforts of Egypt. In response to their complaints, God instructed Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water. However, Moses, in his frustration, struck the rock twice with his staff, contrary to God's command. Water gushed out abundantly, but this act of disobedience had significant consequences.

2. Divine Judgment:
Because Moses and Aaron did not uphold God's holiness before the people, God declared that they would not lead the assembly into the Promised Land. Numbers 20:12 states, "But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not trust Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I have given them.'"

3. The Name's Significance:
The name "Meribath-kadesh" serves as a reminder of the Israelites' rebellion and the leaders' failure to fully trust in God's provision. It is a testament to the importance of obedience and faith in God's instructions.

Theological Implications:
Meribath-kadesh highlights several theological themes, including the testing of faith, the consequences of disobedience, and the holiness of God. The incident underscores the importance of leaders setting an example of faithfulness and the need for the community to trust in God's provision, even in challenging circumstances.

Legacy and Lessons:
The events at Meribath-kadesh are referenced later in the biblical narrative as a cautionary tale. In Deuteronomy 32:51 , God reminds Moses of the incident, saying, "This is because both of you broke faith with Me in the presence of the Israelites at the waters of Meribah Kadesh in the Desert of Zin, and because you did not uphold My holiness among the Israelites." This serves as a lasting reminder of the importance of faith and obedience in the life of God's people.MERIBATH-KADESH; MERIBOTH-KADESH

mer'-i-bath-ka'-desh, mer'-i-both-k (Ezekiel 48:28; Ezekiel 47:19): The southern limit of Ezekiel's ideal land of Israel.

See MERIBAH.

6946. Qadesh -- "sacred," a place in the desert
... Word Origin from the same as qodesh Definition "sacred," a place in the desert NASB
Word Usage Kadesh (15), Meribah-kadesh* (1), Meribath-kadesh* (2). Kadesh. ...
/hebrew/6946.htm - 6k

4809. Meribah -- "place of strife," two places in the desert
... Word Origin from rib Definition "place of strife," two places in the desert NASB
Word Usage Meribah (8), Meribah-kadesh* (1), Meribath-kadesh* (2). Meribah. ...
/hebrew/4809.htm - 6k

Meribathkadesh
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MERIBATH-KADESH; MERIBOTH-KADESH.
mer'-i-bath-ka'-desh, mer'-i-both-k (Ezekiel 48:28; Ezekiel 47 ...
/m/meribathkadesh.htm - 6k

Meribath-kadesh (4 Occurrences)
Meribath-kadesh. Meribathkadesh, Meribath-kadesh. Meribath-ka'desh . Int. ...
Meribathkadesh, Meribath-kadesh. Meribath-ka'desh . Reference Bible.
/m/meribath-kadesh.htm - 8k

Meribath (3 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 32:51 Because of your sin against me before the children of Israel at
the waters of MeribathKadesh in the waste land of Zin; because you did not ...
/m/meribath.htm - 7k

Kadesh (30 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 33:2 He said, The Lord came from Sinai, dawning on them from Seir; shining
out from Mount Paran, coming from MeribathKadesh: from his right hand ...
/k/kadesh.htm - 21k

Wadi (11 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 48:28 By the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall
be even from Tamar to the waters of MeribathKadesh, to the brook of Egypt ...
/w/wadi.htm - 9k

Flames (54 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 33:2 He said, The Lord came from Sinai, dawning on them from Seir; shining
out from Mount Paran, coming from MeribathKadesh: from his right hand ...
/f/flames.htm - 22k

Dawning (11 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 33:2 He said, The Lord came from Sinai, dawning on them from Seir; shining
out from Mount Paran, coming from MeribathKadesh: from his right hand ...
/d/dawning.htm - 11k

Massah (5 Occurrences)
... 19; Ezekiel 48:28, as on the southern border of the land of Israel, in the former
as "Meriboth-kadesh," in the latter as "Meribath-kadesh" (Meriboth = plural ...
/m/massah.htm - 12k

Mer'ibah (8 Occurrences)
... in the wilderness of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify Me at the
waters before their eyes.' --These are the waters of Meribath-kadesh in the ...
/m/mer'ibah.htm - 8k

Meribath-ka'desh (2 Occurrences)
Meribath-ka'desh. Meribath-kadesh, Meribath-ka'desh. Mer'i-bath-ka'desh . ... (See
RSV). Meribath-kadesh, Meribath-ka'desh. Mer'i-bath-ka'desh . Reference
/m/meribath-ka'desh.htm - 7k

What is the significance of Kadesh Barnea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Meribah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why was Moses not allowed to enter the Promised Land? | GotQuestions.org

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