Meriboth is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the tribal allotments of the land of Canaan. The name "Meriboth" is derived from the Hebrew root "rib," meaning "strife" or "contention," which is reflective of the historical and spiritual significance associated with the site.

Biblical References:

Meriboth is referenced in the Book of Ezekiel, where it is listed among the territories associated with the tribe of Reuben. In Ezekiel 48:28, the Berean Standard Bible states: "The border will run along the south side of Tamar to the waters of Meriboth-kadesh, then along the Brook of Egypt to the Great Sea." This passage situates Meriboth in the southern region of the Promised Land, near the boundary of the tribal territories.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The mention of Meriboth in the context of tribal boundaries underscores the importance of land inheritance among the Israelites. The division of the land was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it held both practical and spiritual significance for the nation of Israel. The land was not only a place of dwelling but also a symbol of God's covenant faithfulness.

The name "Meriboth" itself, meaning "strife" or "contention," may allude to the historical events associated with the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. It evokes memories of the Israelites' struggles and disputes during their exodus from Egypt, particularly the incident at Meribah, where the people quarreled with Moses over the lack of water (Exodus 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-13). Although Meriboth and Meribah are distinct locations, the thematic connection of contention and divine provision is evident.

Geographical Context:

Meriboth is often associated with the region of Kadesh, a significant site in the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. Kadesh-barnea served as a major encampment and a launching point for the exploration of Canaan (Numbers 13:26). The "waters of Meriboth-kadesh" mentioned in Ezekiel 48:28 suggest a location with a water source, which would have been crucial for sustaining the tribes in the arid landscape.

Spiritual Lessons:

The mention of Meriboth in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites and the importance of faith and obedience to God. The strife and contention associated with the name highlight the human tendency to doubt and rebel, even in the face of divine provision and guidance. It calls believers to trust in God's promises and to seek peace and unity within the community of faith.

In summary, Meriboth is a location that carries with it the themes of contention, divine provision, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Its mention in the tribal allotments of Israel serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the enduring significance of the land in the biblical narrative.Meriboth (1 Occurrence)

Ezekiel 47:19
The south side southward shall be from Tamar as far as the waters of Meriboth Kadesh, to the brook of Egypt, to the great sea. This is the south side southward.
(WEB JPS ASV YLT)

Meriboth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Meriboth (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 47:19 The south
side southward shall be from Tamar as far as the waters ...
/m/meriboth.htm - 6k

Meriboth-kadesh (2 Occurrences)
Meriboth-kadesh. Meribothkadesh, Meriboth-kadesh. Meridian . Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia MERIBATH-KADESH; MERIBOTH-KADESH. ...
/m/meriboth-kadesh.htm - 7k

Massah (5 Occurrences)
... The place appears in Ezekiel 47:19; Ezekiel 48:28, as on the southern border of
the land of Israel, in the former as "Meriboth-kadesh," in the latter as ...
/m/massah.htm - 12k

Meribath-ka'desh (2 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 47:19 And the south quarter southward 'is' from Tamar unto the waters of
Meriboth-Kadesh, the stream unto the great sea: and 'this is' the south ...
/m/meribath-ka'desh.htm - 7k

Meribah (11 Occurrences)
... The place appears in Ezekiel 47:19; Ezekiel 48:28, as on the southern border of
the land of Israel, in the former as "Meriboth-kadesh," in the latter as ...
/m/meribah.htm - 14k

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

Tamar (28 Occurrences)
... The Dead Sea is the eastern border; and the southern boundary runs from Tamar as
far as the waters of Meriboth-kadesh to the Brook of Egypt and the Great Sea. ...
/t/tamar.htm - 21k

Kadeshbarnea (9 Occurrences)
... rebelled because of the want of water, and Moses brought water from the rock (Numbers
20:2); it was called therefore Meribath-or Meriboth-Kadesh (Numbers 27:14 ...
/k/kadeshbarnea.htm - 11k

Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)
... rebelled because of the want of water, and Moses brought water from the rock (Numbers
20:2); it was called therefore Meribath-or Meriboth-Kadesh (Numbers 27:14 ...
/k/kadesh-barnea.htm - 12k

Wadi (11 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Ezekiel 47:19 The south side southward shall be from Tamar as far as
the waters of Meriboth Kadesh, to the brook of Egypt, to the great sea. ...
/w/wadi.htm - 9k

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