Topical Encyclopedia
The episode of Israel's complaint for lack of water at Meribah and the subsequent striking of the rock is a significant event in the wilderness journey of the Israelites, recorded in the Pentateuch. This narrative highlights themes of faith, obedience, and divine provision, and it is found in the Book of Exodus and the Book of Numbers.
Biblical ContextThe Israelites, having been delivered from slavery in Egypt, were journeying through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, including the parting of the Red Sea and the provision of manna, the people frequently expressed doubt and dissatisfaction. The incident at Meribah is one such occasion where their faith was tested.
Exodus 17:1-7The first account of the water from the rock occurs at Rephidim, as recorded in
Exodus 17:1-7. The Israelites camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarreled with Moses, saying, "Give us water to drink." Moses replied, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?" (
Exodus 17:2). The people's grumbling escalated, and they accused Moses of bringing them out of Egypt to die of thirst.
In response, Moses cried out to the LORD, fearing the people's anger might lead to violence against him. The LORD instructed Moses to take some of the elders of Israel and his staff, with which he had struck the Nile, and go to the rock at Horeb. The LORD promised to stand before Moses on the rock, and Moses was to strike the rock, bringing forth water for the people to drink. Moses obeyed, and water gushed out, satisfying the people's thirst. The place was named Massah and Meribah because of the Israelites' quarreling and testing of the LORD.
Numbers 20:1-13A similar event is recounted in
Numbers 20:1-13, occurring later in the wilderness journey, at Kadesh in the Desert of Zin. Here, the community again faced a lack of water, and they gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron. The people lamented their situation, expressing regret for leaving Egypt and accusing Moses of leading them to a barren land.
Moses and Aaron went to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. The LORD instructed Moses to take the staff and, along with Aaron, gather the assembly. He was to speak to the rock before their eyes, and it would yield its water. However, Moses, perhaps in frustration, struck the rock twice with his staff instead of speaking to it as commanded. Water flowed abundantly, but the LORD was displeased with Moses and Aaron for not upholding His holiness before the Israelites.
As a result of their disobedience, the LORD declared that Moses and Aaron would not lead the assembly into the Promised Land. The waters were called the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed Himself holy among them.
Theological SignificanceThe events at Meribah underscore the importance of faith and obedience in the relationship between God and His people. Despite the Israelites' repeated complaints, God demonstrated His faithfulness by providing for their needs. However, the incident also serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience, even for leaders like Moses and Aaron. The striking of the rock, contrary to God's command, was seen as a failure to uphold God's holiness, resulting in significant repercussions for Moses and Aaron.
These narratives continue to be a source of reflection on the nature of faith, leadership, and the necessity of trusting in God's provision and commands.
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Numbers 20:1-13Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people stayed in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.
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Resources
What is the difference between Israel and Palestine? | GotQuestions.orgWhen and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians support the nation of Israel? | GotQuestions.orgIsrael: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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