Exodus 17:7
Exodus 17:7 in Multiple Translations
He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”
And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?
And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the striving of the children of Israel, and because they tempted Jehovah, saying, Is Jehovah among us, or not?
And he gave that place the name Massah and Meribah, because the children of Israel were angry, and because they put the Lord to the test, saying, Is the Lord with us or not?
He called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites argued there, and because they challenged the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord with us, or not?”
And he called the name of the place, Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they had tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among vs, or no?
and he calleth the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the 'strife' of the sons of Israel, and because of their 'trying' Jehovah, saying, 'Is Jehovah in our midst or not?'
He called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because the children of Israel quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us, or not?”
And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?
And he called the name of that place Temptation, because the chiding of the children of Israel, and for that they tempted the Lord, saying: Is the Lord amongst us or not?
Moses/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.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 17:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 17:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקְרָא֙
שֵׁ֣ם
הַ/מָּק֔וֹם
מַסָּ֖ה
וּ/מְרִיבָ֑ה
עַל
רִ֣יב
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
וְ/עַ֨ל
נַסֹּתָ֤/ם
אֶת
יְהוָה֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
הֲ/יֵ֧שׁ
יְהוָ֛ה
בְּ/קִרְבֵּ֖/נוּ
אִם
אָֽיִן
וַ/יִּקְרָא֙
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
הַ/מָּק֔וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Art | N-ms
מַסָּ֖ה
Maççâh
H4532
Massah
N-proper
וּ/מְרִיבָ֑ה
Mᵉrîybâh
H4809
Meribah
Conj | N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רִ֣יב
rîyb
H7379
strife
N-cs
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/עַ֨ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
נַסֹּתָ֤/ם
nâçâh
H5254
to test
V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הֲ/יֵ֧שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part | Part
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בְּ/קִרְבֵּ֖/נוּ
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אָֽיִן
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 17:7
וַ/יִּקְרָא֙
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
הַ/מָּק֔וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Art | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
מַסָּ֖ה
Maççâh
H4532
"Massah"
N-proper
Massah was a place in the desert where the Israelites tested God, questioning if He was with them, as told in Exodus 17:7.
Definition: § Massah = "temptation" the place in the wilderness where the Israelites tested Jehovah also 'Meribah'
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Massah. See also: Exodus 17:7; Deuteronomy 9:22; Deuteronomy 33:8.
וּ/מְרִיבָ֑ה
Mᵉrîybâh
H4809
"Meribah"
Conj | N-proper
Meribah was a place in the Desert where the Israelites argued with God, as recorded in Numbers 20:13 and 27:14.
Definition: § Meribah = "strife" or "contention" 1) a fountain at Rephidim, in the desert of Sin; so called because the Israelites murmured against God 2) the name of the water supply at Kadesh on the southern border of the promised land; the people also murmured here against God
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Meribah. See also: Exodus 17:7; Numbers 27:14; Psalms 81:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רִ֣יב
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/עַ֨ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
נַסֹּתָ֤/ם
nâçâh
H5254
"to test"
V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to test or try something, often to prove its worth or character. It is used in stories like Job, where God allows Satan to test Job's faith. The idea of testing is also seen in the wilderness, where the Israelites were tested by God.
Definition: : test 1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to test, try 1a2) to attempt, assay, try 1a3) to test, try, prove, tempt
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try. See also: Genesis 22:1; Judges 6:39; Psalms 26:2.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הֲ/יֵ֧שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part | Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בְּ/קִרְבֵּ֖/נוּ
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אָֽיִן
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
Study Notes — Exodus 17:7
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- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 17:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 17:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 17:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 17:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 17:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 17:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 17:7
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 17:7
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 17:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 17:7
- Sermons on Exodus 17:7
Context — Water from the Rock
5And the LORD said to Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel with you. Take along in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go.
6Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
7He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”
8After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 81:7 | You called out in distress, and I rescued you; I answered you from the cloud of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah |
| 2 | Psalms 95:8 | do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, in the day at Massah in the wilderness, |
| 3 | Numbers 20:13 | These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed His holiness among them. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 9:22 | You continued to provoke the LORD at Taberah, at Massah, and at Kibroth-hattaavah. |
| 5 | Hebrews 3:8–9 | do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers tested and tried Me, and for forty years saw My works. |
| 6 | Exodus 17:2 | So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?” |
| 7 | Acts 7:37–39 | This is the same Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’ He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us. But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. |
| 8 | Numbers 20:24 | “Aaron will be gathered to his people; he will not enter the land that I have given the Israelites, because both of you rebelled against My command at the waters of Meribah. |
| 9 | Micah 3:11 | Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.” |
| 10 | Joshua 22:31 | Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest said to the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, “Today we know that the LORD is among us, because you have not committed this breach of faith against Him. Consequently, you have delivered the Israelites from the hand of the LORD.” |
Exodus 17:7 Summary
[This verse, Exodus 17:7, tells us that the Israelites doubted God's presence among them, which led to them testing Him and quarreling with Him. This is similar to what happened in Numbers 14:22, where the Israelites also disobeyed God. We can learn from their mistake by trusting in God's presence and provision, even when we face challenges and uncertainties, as encouraged in Psalm 46:1. By doing so, we can avoid spiritual stagnation and experience God's blessings, as seen in Hebrews 3:12.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Massah and Meribah mean in Exodus 17:7?
The name Massah and Meribah, given to the place where the Israelites quarreled with God, means 'testing' and 'quarreling', respectively, as seen in Exodus 17:7, highlighting the Israelites' disobedience and distrust of God, similar to their actions in Numbers 14:22.
Why did the Israelites test the Lord in Exodus 17:7?
The Israelites tested the Lord because they doubted His presence and provision among them, asking 'Is the LORD among us or not?', which is a question that is also answered in Psalm 46:1, where God is described as our refuge and strength.
What can we learn from the Israelites' mistake in Exodus 17:7?
We can learn that testing God and doubting His presence can lead to spiritual stagnation and missing out on the blessings He has in store for us, as seen in Hebrews 3:12, which warns against hardening our hearts against God.
How does Exodus 17:7 relate to our daily lives?
Exodus 17:7 reminds us to trust in God's presence and provision, even when we face challenges and uncertainties, just like the Israelites, and to seek His guidance and strength, as encouraged in Psalm 23:4, which says 'even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have tested God or doubted His presence in my life, and what can I learn from those experiences?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's presence and provision, especially during times of uncertainty or hardship?
- What are some 'rocks' in my life where I can see God's miraculous provision, just like the rock at Horeb in Exodus 17:6?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Exodus 17:7 to my relationships with others, and how can I demonstrate trust and faith in God's presence in those relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 17:7
And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah,.... The former signifies "temptation", and the latter "contention": the reason of which names being given by Moses, or whoever was the name of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 17:7
And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not? Called the name of the place Massah - temptation.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 17:7
viz. To protect and provide for us according to his word given to us. Will God be as good as his word, or will he not? For it is to us very doubtful.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 17:7
Exodus 17:7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?Ver. 7. Is the Lord among us?] As if that could not be, and they athirst. But he is most present when he afflicts. "He knows our souls in adversity."
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 17:7
(7) Massah means trial, or temptation, being formed from the root used in Exodus 17:2 (“Wherefore do ye tempt the Lord ?”) It is the word translated by “trial” in Job 9:23, and by “temptation” in Deuteronomy 4:34; Deuteronomy 7:19; Deuteronomy 29:3, and Psalms 95:8. Meribah means chiding, or quarrel, and is from the root rub, or rib, translated “chide” in Exodus 17:2, and rendered elsewhere generally by “strive,” or “contend.” The name Meribah was given also to the place where water was again produced miraculously by Moses striking the rock (Numbers 20:13.) It is this latter “Meribah” to which reference is made in Deuteronomy 33:8, and Psalms 81:7, and which is called by way of distinction in Deuteronomy 32:51, “Meribah-Kadesh.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 17:7
Verse 7. He called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah] מסה Massah signifies temptation or trial; and מריבה Meribah, contention or litigation. From 1 Corinthians 10:4, we learn that this rock was a type of Christ, and their drinking of it is represented as their being made partakers of the grace and mercy of God through Christ Jesus; and yet many who drank fell and perished in the wilderness in the very act of disobedience! Reader, be not high minded, but fear! On the smiting of the rock by the rod of Moses, Mr. Ainsworth has the following pious note: "This rock signified Christ, and is therefore called a spiritual Rock, 1 Corinthians 10:4. He being smitten with Moses's rod, and bearing the curse of the law for our sins, and by the preaching of the Gospel crucified among his people, Galatians 3:1, from him floweth the spiritual drink wherewith all believing hearts are refreshed." John 7:37, and Isaiah 53:1-3.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 17:7
7. Massah] i.e. ‘Proving,’ from nissâh, to ‘prove,’ v. 2. Meribah] i.e. ‘Strife’ (Genesis 13:8), from rîb, to ‘strive,’ v. 2. In Numbers 20:1-13 (J and P) there is a similar account, which reads like a variant tradition, of water produced by Moses from a rock (séla‘, not ṣ ?ûr as here) at Kadesh (‘Ain Ḳ ?adish, 50 miles S. of Beersheba), the spring being afterwards called, from the fact that the Israelites ‘strove’ there with Jehovah, the ‘waters of Meribah’ (vv. 3, 13 al.), or ‘of Meribath-Kadesh’ (Numbers 27:14, Ezekiel 48:28 al.). It is strange in the present narrative that one place should receive two names; it is doubtless due, as suggested above, to the combination of two narratives. Massah is mentioned besides in Deuteronomy 6:16; Deuteronomy 9:22; Deuteronomy 33:8 (|| ‘the waters of Meribah,’ Numbers 20.), Psalms 95:8 (|| ‘Meribah’). tempted the Lord] put Jehovah to the proof: see on v. 2.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 17:7
Massah ...Meribah - See the margin. On the importance of this lesson see our Lord’s words, Matthew 4:7.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 17:7
7. Massah — Temptation. Meribah — Strife.
Sermons on Exodus 17:7
| Sermon | Description | |
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Is the Lord Among Us, or Not by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the advancements of technology, particularly the TV camera, and how it has brought both incredible discoveries and disturbing events into ou |
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Grace That Endures by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hallowing God's name and glorifying Him above all else. He shares his struggle in deciding what to speak about and highligh |
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The Leading of the Lord by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher discusses God's dealings with the saints and the importance of being a holy and cleansed people. He references the book of Job and the sayings of Elihu |
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Answers From the Secret Place of Thunder by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Psalms 81 emphasizes the power and presence of God in the lives of believers, urging them to remember God's faithfulness and the secret place of thunder where God |
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Jacob's Last Words by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the significance of the rock in biblical stories. He starts by referencing the interpretation of Daniel's dream, where the rock symboli |
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Hardness of Heart by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses the 'Hardness of Heart' in his sermon, emphasizing how the disciples, despite witnessing miracles, failed to understand due to their hardened hearts. He ex |
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Let Us Arise, Then, at Last by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia urges believers to awaken from spiritual slumber and heed the divine call to rise up and listen to God's voice. He emphasizes the importance of not hardening |