The Waters of Meribah refer to two significant events in the Old Testament where the Israelites quarreled with God due to a lack of water. These events are pivotal in understanding the relationship between God, Moses, and the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The term "Meribah" itself means "quarreling" or "strife," reflecting the contentious nature of these incidents.

Meribah in Rephidim (Exodus 17:1-7)

The first occurrence of Meribah is found in Exodus 17:1-7. As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness of Sin, they 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, fearing the people's anger might lead to violence against him.

In response, God instructed Moses to take the staff with which he 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. This 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).

Meribah in Kadesh (Numbers 20:1-13)

The second incident at Meribah occurred much later in the wilderness journey, at Kadesh, as recorded in Numbers 20:1-13. Here, the Israelites again found themselves without water and 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.

God 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 out of frustration, struck the rock twice with his staff instead of speaking to it as commanded. Water still flowed abundantly, but Moses' actions displeased the LORD.

As a result of Moses' disobedience and failure to uphold God's holiness before the people, the LORD declared that neither Moses nor Aaron would lead the assembly into the Promised Land. This place was also called the Waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed Himself holy among them (Numbers 20:13).

Theological Significance

The Waters of Meribah highlight themes of faith, obedience, and the holiness of God. In both instances, the Israelites' lack of trust in God's provision led to quarreling and testing. Moses' actions at Kadesh serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of failing to honor Him as holy.

These events are referenced in other parts of Scripture, such as Psalm 95:8-9 and Hebrews 3:7-11, as warnings against hardening one's heart and as calls to trust in God's faithfulness. The Waters of Meribah remain a testament to God's patience and provision, even amidst human doubt and disobedience.