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?

And he called {H7121} the name {H8034} of the place {H4725} Massah {H4532}, and Meribah {H4809}, because of the chiding {H7379} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and because they tempted {H5254} the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559}, Is {H3426} the LORD {H3068} among {H7130} us, or not?

The place was named Massah [testing] and M'rivah [quarreling] because of the quarreling of the people of Isra'el and because they tested ADONAI by asking, "Is ADONAI with us or not?"

He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, β€œIs 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?

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 17:7

Exodus 17:7 records a pivotal moment in the Israelites' wilderness journey, where their faith was severely tested, and God's patience was demonstrated. This verse names the location of this significant event and explains the reason for its naming.

Context

This verse is set during the Israelite exodus from Egypt, specifically at a place called Rephidim. The people, having recently witnessed God's mighty deliverance from Pharaoh and the miraculous provision of manna and quail, faced a new challenge: a severe lack of water. Instead of turning to God in trust, they "chided" with Moses, expressing strong discontent and doubt. This incident immediately precedes the battle with Amalek, highlighting the spiritual state of the nation.

Key Themes

  • Testing the LORD: The core issue highlighted in this verse is the Israelites' act of "tempting the LORD." This was not merely questioning but challenging God's presence, power, and faithfulness, despite His repeated demonstrations of provision and protection. It implies a demand for proof rather than trust.
  • Lack of Faith and Murmuring: The "chiding of the children of Israel" underscores their pervasive pattern of murmuring and complaining throughout the wilderness journey. This reflects a deep-seated lack of faith in God's ability or willingness to care for them, even after experiencing His miracles.
  • God's Enduring Presence: Their question, "Is the LORD among us, or not?", directly challenges God's covenant presence. Yet, even in their rebellion, God demonstrated His unwavering presence and provision, as detailed in the preceding verse where He instructs Moses to strike the rock (Exodus 17:6).
  • Consequences of Disbelief: The naming of the place serves as a permanent memorial and warning against such behavior. This event is frequently referenced in later biblical texts as an example of rebellion and a warning against hardening one's heart against God (Deuteronomy 6:16, Psalm 95:8).

Linguistic Insights

The names given to the place are highly significant:

  • Massah (ΧžΦ·Χ‘ΦΈΦΌΧ”): Derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to test" or "to prove." It signifies the Israelites' act of putting God to the test, demanding proof of His presence and power.
  • Meribah (ΧžΦ°Χ¨Φ΄Χ™Χ‘ΦΈΧ”): Derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to quarrel," "to strive," or "to contend." It highlights the contentious nature of the people's interaction with Moses and, by extension, with God. This place is distinct from but conceptually linked to another "waters of Meribah" incident later in Numbers 20:13.

Practical Application

Exodus 17:7 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Provision: Even when circumstances seem dire and resources are scarce, we are called to trust in God's faithfulness rather than succumbing to doubt or complaint.
  • Beware of Testing God: We should never challenge God's character or demand miraculous intervention as proof of His presence. True faith trusts Him even when we cannot see the way forward.
  • Patience in Adversity: Difficulties are opportunities for growth and for God to reveal His power. Our response should be patient prayer and reliance on Him, not grumbling or accusation.
  • God is Always Present: Despite our doubts or failings, God remains "among us." His presence is a constant reality, even in the wilderness experiences of life.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 81:7 (8 votes)

    Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.

  • Psalms 95:8 (6 votes)

    Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, [and] as [in] the day of temptation in the wilderness:

  • Numbers 20:13 (6 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 9:22 (5 votes)

    And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibrothhattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath.

  • Exodus 17:2 (3 votes)

    Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?

  • Hebrews 3:8 (3 votes)

    Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

  • Hebrews 3:9 (3 votes)

    When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.