Psalm 106:32

At the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them.

Study Bible

At the waters of Meribah
This phrase refers to a specific event in the history of Israel during their wilderness journey, as recorded in Numbers 20:1-13. The Hebrew word "Meribah" means "quarreling" or "strife," highlighting the contentious nature of the incident. At Meribah, the Israelites quarreled with Moses due to a lack of water, demonstrating their lack of faith and trust in God's provision. This event is significant as it underscores the recurring theme of Israel's rebellion and God's patience. The waters of Meribah serve as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God.

they angered the LORD
The Hebrew root for "angered" is "קָצַף" (qatsaph), which conveys a sense of provocation or incitement to anger. This phrase indicates that the actions of the Israelites at Meribah were not merely a matter of complaint but were seen as a direct affront to God. In a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a warning against the dangers of testing God's patience and the importance of maintaining a reverent and obedient relationship with Him. It highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and humility before God.

and trouble came to Moses
The phrase "trouble came to Moses" reflects the consequences of the Israelites' actions not only on themselves but also on their leader, Moses. The Hebrew word for "trouble" is "רָעַע" (ra'a), which can mean to break, shatter, or bring calamity. This indicates that the rebellion at Meribah had a profound impact on Moses, leading to his own moment of disobedience when he struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded. This incident ultimately prevented Moses from entering the Promised Land, illustrating the far-reaching effects of sin and disobedience. It serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility of leadership and the importance of adhering to God's instructions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. At Meribah, Moses faced significant challenges due to the people's disobedience and lack of faith.

2. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt. They frequently struggled with faith and obedience during their journey to the Promised Land.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is holy and righteous. He was angered by the Israelites' rebellion and lack of trust.

4. Meribah
A location in the wilderness where the Israelites quarreled with Moses and tested God due to a lack of water. The name "Meribah" means "quarreling" or "strife" in Hebrew.

5. The Waters of Meribah
The event where Moses struck the rock to bring forth water, but did so in a way that did not honor God, leading to consequences for Moses.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Moses' failure at Meribah underscores the importance of following God's instructions precisely. Even leaders are held accountable to God's standards.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The incident at Meribah serves as a reminder that disobedience can have lasting consequences, even for those who are close to God.

God's Holiness
The event highlights the holiness of God and the need for His people to honor Him in all actions and words.

Trust in God's Provision
The Israelites' lack of faith at Meribah reflects a broader theme of trusting in God's provision, even in difficult circumstances.

Leadership Challenges
Moses' experience at Meribah illustrates the challenges leaders face when dealing with the disobedience and complaints of those they lead.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the event at Meribah illustrate the importance of obedience to God's commands, and what can we learn from Moses' experience?

2. In what ways does the incident at Meribah reflect the broader theme of trust in God's provision throughout the Israelites' journey?

3. How can we apply the lessons from Meribah to our own lives when we face challenges and are tempted to doubt God's provision?

4. What does the event at Meribah teach us about the responsibilities and challenges of leadership, especially in spiritual contexts?

5. How does the New Testament reference to the spiritual rock in 1 Corinthians 10:4 deepen our understanding of the events at Meribah and their significance for Christians today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17:1-7
This passage describes the first instance at Rephidim, where the Israelites quarreled with Moses over water, and God provided water from the rock.

Numbers 20:1-13
This passage details the event at Meribah where Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded, leading to God's judgment on Moses.

Deuteronomy 32:51
This verse explains that Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because he did not uphold God's holiness at Meribah.

1 Corinthians 10:4
Paul refers to the spiritual rock that followed the Israelites, identifying it with Christ, highlighting the spiritual significance of the events at Meribah.