Meribah

by J. Renfrew, Sunderland | Category: General | Apr 1966

There are two places in the Scriptures called Meribah, and they are both so called because of the striving of the children of Israel when they were without water in the desert. The word Meribah means strife (or quarrel), and is so translated in Genesis 13.8 and Numbers 27.14

The first occasion 'we read of it is in Exodus 17. There we are told that "the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed

according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink". Note that the Lord led them there. He was proving His people - see Psalm 81.7. The people, however, did not look upon it that way. They were concerned about their children and cattle dying with thirst. They had soon forgotten the joys of their deliverance from Egypt, and unbelief began to assert itself to such an extent that they even questioned, "Is the LORD among us, or not?" Moses, who had led the people at the commandment of the Lord, became a target for their criticism, and they were almost ready to stone him. However, he did the right thing in the circumstances; he cried to the LORD and the LORD gave the answer-water from the smitten rock. The needs of the people were met, but the story does not end there.

In verse 8 we read, "Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim." He came at a time when they were least ready to meet him. A dissatisfied and disunited people were an easy target for the enemy, and as a result the hindmost and feeble amongst them were smitten (Deuteronomy 25.18). It was necessary to fight this adversary, but human strength was insufficient for the conflict. Only constant intercession in prayer could give them the victory. When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses was only a man, and his hands became heavy, and it needed Aaron and Hur to stay up his hands until victory was gained. How vital is prayer in the conflict with our adversary. When Paul wrote to the Ephesian saints about our spiritual warfare, he concluded "with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit... for all the saints, and on my behalf ..." (Ephesians 6.18). He knew the value of the prayers of others.

The second reference to Meribah occurs in Numbers 20. Again the people were without water, and they strove with Moses and Aaron. They appear to have forgotten the lessons of the previous occasion. Again the Lord was gracious to them, and met their need abundantly. But again the story has a sequel. This time it is faithful Moses who incurred the displeasure of the LORD, because he spake unadvisedly with his lips, and as a result was not allowed to enter into the promised land. Poor Moses! Is this not a solemn warning to us of the evil effects of strife on the leaders of God's people?

In Psalm 95 we are reminded, "Harden not your heart, as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the wilderness." Sin has a hardening effect upon our hearts, and the warning of Psalm 95 is repeated in Hebrews 4 to the people of God today.

J. Renfrew, Sunderland | Apr 1966
General