Numbers 20:13

Later this place was called Meribah, which means ‘arguing’, because there the Israeli people argued with Yahweh, and there he showed his power to them by giving them water.

Translation for Translators

In The King James Version

This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.

In Context

12But Yahweh said to Aaron and Moses/me, “You did not believe that I could demonstrate my power to the Israeli people and give them water without your striking the rock. So you will not lead them into the land that I am giving to them!”

14While the people were at Kadesh town, Moses/I sent messengers to the king of Edom to tell him this: “Your relatives, the Israeli people, are sending you this message. You know the many troubles/hardships that have happened to us.

Read all of Numbers 20

Cross References

Exodus 17:7Moses/I gave that place two names in the Hebrew language: Massah, which means ‘testing’, and Meribah, which means ‘complaining’. He/I gave it the name Massah because the Israeli people were testing Yahweh, saying “Is Yahweh really among us and able to help us, or not?”, and he/I gave it the name Meribah because they were continually complaining.

Deuteronomy 33:8I say this about the tribe of Levi: Yahweh, give to those who are dedicated to you the sacred stones that they will use to find out what you want to be done; You tested them at a spring in the desert, a spring that they named Massah and also named Meribah to find out if they would ◄remain loyal to/continue to obey► you.

Psalms 95:8He says, “Do not become stubborn [IDM] like your ancestors did at Meribah, and like they did at Massah in the desert.

Isaiah 5:16But the Commander of the armies of angels will be exalted/praised because of his acting justly. God will show that he is holy by doing righteous/just deeds.

Ezekiel 36:23I will show that my reputation is sacred, a reputation which you have disgraced among the nations to which you were forced to go. And when I show the nations that I am holy, the people of those nations will know that I, Yahweh, have the power to do what I say that I will do.

Matthew Henry on Numbers 20:2-14

The Death of Miriam; The Water of Meribah; Moses and Aaron Reproved. ( b. c. 1453.) 1 Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. 2 And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3 And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord ! 4 And why… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Numbers 20:13