Topical Encyclopedia The term "Waters of Strife" refers to a significant event in the biblical narrative, specifically in the context of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Numbers and is associated with Moses' disobedience to God's command, which ultimately led to severe consequences for him.Biblical Account The incident of the Waters of Strife is detailed in Numbers 20:1-13. The Israelites, during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, arrived at the Desert of Zin, where they camped at Kadesh. There was no water for the community, and the people quarreled with Moses and Aaron, expressing their frustration and longing for the comforts of Egypt. In response to the people's complaints, Moses and Aaron sought the LORD's guidance. God instructed Moses to take the staff, gather the assembly, and speak to the rock before their eyes, promising that it would yield water. However, Moses, perhaps out of frustration or anger, struck the rock twice with his staff instead of speaking to it as commanded. Water gushed out abundantly, providing for the congregation and their livestock. The LORD, however, was displeased with Moses and Aaron for not trusting Him enough to honor Him as holy in the sight of the Israelites. As a result, God declared that neither Moses nor Aaron would lead the assembly into the Promised Land. Numbers 20:12 states, "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 assembly into the land I have given them.'" Theological Significance The Waters of Strife, also known as Meribah, which means "quarreling" or "strife," serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of obedience and faith in God's instructions. Moses' actions at Meribah are often interpreted as a lapse in faith and a failure to uphold God's holiness before the people. This incident underscores the principle that leaders, especially those chosen by God, are held to a high standard of accountability. The event also highlights the recurring theme of the Israelites' lack of faith and trust in God's provision, despite witnessing numerous miracles. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of maintaining faith in God's promises. Related Passages The Waters of Strife are also referenced in other parts of Scripture, providing further insight into the event's significance. In Deuteronomy 32:51 , Moses recounts the incident, saying, "This is because both of you broke faith with Me in the presence of the Israelites at the waters of Meribah Kadesh in the Desert of Zin by failing to uphold My holiness among the Israelites." Psalm 106:32-33 reflects on the incident, stating, "At the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them. For they rebelled against His Spirit, and Moses spoke rashly with his lips." Legacy The Waters of Strife remain a significant event in biblical history, illustrating the challenges of leadership, the consequences of disobedience, and the necessity of faithfulness to God's commands. The incident serves as a reminder of the human tendency to falter and the enduring need for reliance on God's guidance and provision. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Waters of StrifeWATERS OF STRIFE strif. Library Happy are Ye Whose Bodies have Been Made to Shine! Of the Two Kinds of Trials, which Come Upon us in a Three-Fold Way ... Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iv. Comparison of Christ's Power Over Winds and Waves with Moses' ... "But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ... Psalm CVI. Beside the Still Waters. The Waters of Meribah Christian Perfection The Manich??an Fictions About Things Good and Evil are not ... Resources Was Noah's flood global or local? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the rainbow? | GotQuestions.org Do the news reports of rivers turning blood red have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.org Waters: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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