Meribah is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, known for its association with the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their testing of God's patience. The name "Meribah" itself means "quarreling" or "strife," reflecting the contentious events that took place there.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 17:1-7: The first mention of Meribah occurs during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. As they camped at Rephidim, there was no water for the people to drink, leading to a quarrel with Moses. The people grumbled against Moses, questioning why he brought them out of Egypt to die of thirst. In response, God instructed Moses to strike the rock at Horeb with his staff, and water miraculously flowed out for the people to drink. This place was named Massah (testing) and Meribah (quarreling) because the Israelites tested the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?" (Exodus 17:7).

2. Numbers 20:1-13: A second, more notable incident at Meribah occurs later in the wilderness journey, this time at Kadesh. Again, the Israelites faced a lack of water and quarreled with Moses and Aaron. God commanded Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water. However, in frustration, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out abundantly, but Moses' disobedience in not following God's specific command led to severe consequences. 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" (Numbers 20:12). This event is also referred to as the "waters of Meribah," where the Israelites contended with the LORD, and He showed Himself holy among them.

Theological Significance:

Meribah serves as a poignant reminder of the Israelites' recurring struggle with faith and obedience. The incidents at Meribah highlight the themes of divine provision, human rebellion, and the importance of honoring God's holiness. The events underscore the consequences of disobedience and the necessity of trusting in God's instructions.

Psalms and Prophets:

Meribah is referenced in other parts of Scripture, emphasizing its lasting significance in Israel's history. Psalm 95:8 warns against hardening hearts as at Meribah, urging the faithful to listen to God's voice. Similarly, Psalm 106:32-33 recounts how the rebellion at Meribah provoked God's anger, leading to Moses' downfall.

Legacy:

The account of Meribah is a cautionary tale for believers, illustrating the dangers of doubt and disobedience. It serves as a call to trust in God's provision and to honor His commands, recognizing His sovereignty and holiness. The lessons from Meribah continue to resonate, reminding the faithful of the importance of faith and obedience in their walk with God.Mer'ibah (8 Occurrences)

Exodus 17:7
And the name of the place was called Massah, and Meribah, because of the striving of the children of Israel, and because they tried the LORD, saying: 'Is the LORD among us, or not?'
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Numbers 20:13
These are the waters of Meribah, where the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and He was sanctified in them.
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Numbers 20:24
Aaron shall be gathered unto his people; for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against My word at the waters of Meribah.
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Numbers 27:14
because ye rebelled against My commandment in the wilderness of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify Me at the waters before their eyes.' --These are the waters of Meribath-kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.--
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Deuteronomy 33:8
And of Levi he said: Thy Thummim and Thy Urim be with Thy holy one, whom Thou didst prove at Massah, with whom Thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;
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Psalms 81:7
Thou didst call in trouble, and I rescued thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder; I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah
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Psalms 95:8
Harden not your heart, as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the wilderness;
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Psalms 106:32
They angered Him also at the waters of Meribah, and it went ill with Moses because of them;
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Mer'ibah (8 Occurrences)
Mer'ibah. Meribah, Mer'ibah. Meribahkadesh . Multi-Version Concordance
Mer'ibah (8 Occurrences). Exodus 17:7 And the name of the ...
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Meribah (11 Occurrences)

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Meribahkadesh (1 Occurrence)

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