Topical Bible: Israel: Water Miraculously Supplied from the Rock at Meribah

◄ Israel: Water Miraculously Supplied from the Rock at Meribah ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The miraculous provision of water from the rock at Meribah is a significant event in the history of Israel during their wilderness journey. This event is recorded in the Pentateuch, specifically in the books of Exodus and Numbers, and it highlights both God's provision and the challenges of faith and obedience faced by the Israelites and their leaders.

Biblical Account

The first account of water being provided from a rock occurs in Exodus 17:1-7. The Israelites, having departed from the wilderness 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 said, "Give us water to drink" (Exodus 17:2). Moses, in turn, cried out to the LORD, fearing for his life due to the people's anger.

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. God promised to stand before Moses on the rock, and Moses was to strike the rock, resulting in water flowing out for the people to drink. Moses obeyed, and water gushed forth, quenching the thirst of the Israelites. The place was named Massah (testing) and Meribah (quarreling) because of the Israelites' contention and their testing of the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?" (Exodus 17:7).

The second account is found in Numbers 20:1-13, which occurs later in the wilderness journey, near the end of the 40 years of wandering. The Israelites arrived at the Desert of Zin, and again there was no water. The people assembled against Moses and Aaron, lamenting their situation and expressing regret for leaving Egypt. 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 commanded Moses to take the staff and, with Aaron, gather the assembly. He was instructed 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 still gushed out abundantly, 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" (Numbers 20:12). The waters were called the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed Himself holy among them.

Theological Significance

The events at Meribah underscore several key theological themes. Firstly, they demonstrate God's faithfulness and provision for His people, even in the face of their complaints and lack of faith. The provision of water from the rock is a testament to God's power and His ability to provide for the needs of His people in miraculous ways.

Secondly, these events highlight the importance of obedience and faith in God's instructions. Moses' failure to follow God's command precisely in Numbers 20 resulted in significant personal consequences, illustrating the seriousness with which God views obedience and the responsibility of leadership.

Lastly, the events at Meribah serve as a reminder of the human tendency to doubt and test God, even after witnessing His mighty works. The Israelites' repeated questioning of God's presence and care reflects a struggle with faith that is common to humanity.

References in Scripture

· Exodus 17:1-7
· Numbers 20:1-13
· Deuteronomy 33:8
· Psalm 95:8-9
· Psalm 106:32-33
· 1 Corinthians 10:4

These passages collectively provide a comprehensive view of the events at Meribah and their lasting impact on the narrative of Israel's journey and their relationship with God.

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Exodus 17:5-7
And the LORD said to Moses, Go on before the people, and take with you of the elders of Israel; and your rod, with which you smote the river, take in your hand, and go.
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