Topical Bible: God: Supplying Water at Meribah

◄ God: Supplying Water at Meribah ►

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The event of God supplying water at Meribah is a significant episode in the journey of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, illustrating both God's provision and the consequences of disobedience. This event is recorded in the books of Exodus and Numbers, providing insight into the character of God and the challenges faced by Moses as the leader of the Israelites.

Biblical Account

The first occurrence at Meribah is found in Exodus 17:1-7. The Israelites, having departed from the Desert of Sin, camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarreled with Moses, expressing their fear and frustration, and accused him of bringing them out of Egypt to die of thirst. Moses cried out to the LORD, who instructed him to take his staff and strike the rock at Horeb. Moses obeyed, and water gushed forth, providing for the needs of the people. This place was named Massah and Meribah because of the quarreling of the Israelites and because they tested the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?" (Exodus 17:7).

The second incident at Meribah, also known as the waters of Meribah, is detailed in Numbers 20:1-13. This event occurred in the Desert of Zin during the later stages of the Israelites' journey. Again, the community faced a lack of water, and they gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron. The LORD instructed Moses to take the staff and speak to the rock before the assembly, promising that it would yield water. However, Moses, in frustration, struck the rock twice with his staff. Water flowed abundantly, but Moses' actions were deemed disobedient because he did not trust in God enough to honor Him as holy before the Israelites. As a result, God declared that Moses and Aaron would not lead the assembly into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12).

Theological Significance

The events at Meribah highlight several key theological themes:

1. God's Provision: In both instances, God demonstrated His faithfulness and provision for His people, supplying their physical needs despite their complaints and lack of faith. This underscores God's patience and mercy, as He continues to care for His people even when they doubt His presence and power.

2. Testing and Quarreling: The name "Meribah" itself means "quarreling" or "strife," reflecting the contentious nature of the Israelites' relationship with God during these moments. The incidents serve as a reminder of the human tendency to doubt and test God, even after witnessing His miraculous works.

3. Leadership and Obedience: Moses' actions at Meribah in Numbers 20 reveal the importance of obedience and faithfulness in leadership. Despite his long-standing role as God's chosen leader, Moses' failure to follow God's specific instructions resulted in significant personal consequences. This emphasizes the high standard to which leaders are held and the importance of honoring God in all actions.

4. Holiness of God: The command for Moses to speak to the rock, rather than strike it, was intended to demonstrate God's holiness and power. By disobeying, Moses failed to sanctify God in the eyes of the Israelites, highlighting the necessity of reverence and trust in God's instructions.

Cross-References and Further Study

· Psalm 95:8-9: This psalm references the events at Meribah, urging the people not to harden their hearts as their ancestors did, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience.
· Deuteronomy 32:51: This verse reiterates the consequence faced by Moses and Aaron for their actions at Meribah, serving as a reminder of the seriousness of disobedience.
· 1 Corinthians 10:4: The Apostle Paul refers to the spiritual rock that accompanied the Israelites, identifying it with Christ, thus providing a typological interpretation of the events at Meribah.

The events at Meribah remain a poignant reminder of God's provision, the importance of faith and obedience, and the consequences of failing to honor God as holy.

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Numbers 20:7-11
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
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Nehemiah 9:10-25
And showed signs and wonders on Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for you knew that they dealt proudly against them. So did you get you a name, as it is this day.
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Hymns of Christian Devotion and Experience.
... and he became one of the evangelist's helpers, supplying tunes to ... I love Thy Church,
O God; Her walls before Thee ... me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the ...
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