Numbers 20:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

This is {H1992} the water {H4325} of Meribah {H4809}; because the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} strove {H7378} with the LORD {H3068}, and he was sanctified {H6942} in them.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is M'rivah Spring [Disputation Spring], where the people of Isra'el disputed with ADONAI, and he was caused to be regarded as holy by them.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed His holiness among them.

American Standard Version

These are the waters of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with Jehovah, and he was sanctified in them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 20:13 serves as a concise epilogue to the dramatic incident at Meribah, identifying the location where the Israelites contended with the Lord over water and where God's holiness was profoundly demonstrated. This verse encapsulates the persistent rebellion of the people and, more critically, the failure of Moses and Aaron to properly honor God in their actions, ultimately leading to divine judgment that underscored God's absolute sovereignty and set-apartness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 20:13 concludes the narrative of the Meribah incident, which spans [Numbers 20:1-13](/numbers/20 "Numbers 20 - The Water from the Rock at Kadesh"). The chapter opens with Israel's arrival at Kadesh and the death of Miriam, setting a somber tone. Immediately, the congregation complains about the lack of water, echoing earlier episodes of grumbling in the wilderness (e.g., [Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim")). God instructs Moses to "speak to the rock" ([Numbers 20:8](/numbers/20-8 "Numbers 20:8 - God's Command to Moses")) to bring forth water. However, Moses, in a moment of frustration and anger, strikes the rock twice and claims, "Must *we* fetch you water out of this rock?" ([Numbers 20:10](/numbers/20-10 "Numbers 20:10 - Moses' Words and Actions")). This act of disobedience and self-exaltation directly contravenes God's command and leads to the severe consequence for Moses and Aaron: they will not enter the Promised Land ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - God's Judgment on Moses and Aaron")). Verse 13, therefore, functions as a summary statement, naming the place and affirming God's self-vindication amidst human failure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The incident at Meribah occurs late in Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, specifically at Kadesh, a significant oasis on the southern border of Canaan. This period was characterized by repeated cycles of Israelite complaint, divine provision, and subsequent rebellion, testing God's patience and demonstrating Israel's persistent lack of faith. The role of Moses and Aaron as divinely appointed leaders was to mediate God's presence and commands to the people, representing God faithfully. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the authority of a leader was often tied to their ability to secure divine favor and provision. Moses' act of striking the rock, rather than speaking to it, was not merely a procedural error but a public misrepresentation of God's character and power, suggesting that the water came through his own effort or anger rather than God's gracious word. This public display of disobedience by the nation's spiritual leaders carried immense weight, impacting the people's perception of God's holiness and authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Holiness and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God's character and commands are non-negotiable, even for His most esteemed servants. God's holiness (His absolute distinctness and moral perfection) must be upheld and acknowledged by all, especially those who represent Him. Secondly, it highlights **Human Rebellion and Unbelief**, portraying Israel's chronic tendency to grumble and distrust God's provision, a recurring motif throughout their wilderness journey (e.g., [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - The People Complain and Quail are Sent") and [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment")). Moses' own lapse, though distinct from the people's grumbling, also falls under the umbrella of human failure to fully trust and obey. Lastly, the passage vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating that even seemingly minor deviations from God's precise instructions can have profound and lasting repercussions, particularly for those in leadership who are held to a higher standard ([James 3:1](/james/3-1 "James 3:1 - Teachers Judged More Strictly")). God's judgment on Moses and Aaron serves as a stark warning and a testament to His unwavering commitment to His own glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meribah (Hebrew, _mĕrîḇâ'_):** Derived from the root _rîḇ_ (רִיב), meaning "strife," "contention," or "dispute." The naming of the water as "Meribah" is an etiological explanation, directly linking the place to the contentious nature of the Israelites' interaction with the Lord. It signifies a place where Israel "strove" with God, a perpetual reminder of their rebellious spirit and lack of trust.
* **strove (Hebrew, _rāḇû'_):** This verb, from the same root as Meribah, emphasizes the active and confrontational nature of the Israelites' complaint. It wasn't merely passive grumbling but an aggressive challenging of God's authority and provision, a direct "contention with the LORD." This striving was a manifestation of their unbelief and impatience, questioning God's leadership through Moses and Aaron.
* **sanctified (Hebrew, _yiqqādēš'_):** From the verb _qāḏaš_ (קָדַשׁ), meaning "to be holy," "to be set apart," or "to be consecrated." In this context, it means that God's holiness, His absolute distinctness and moral perfection, was made evident or glorified "in them" (i.e., in the sight of the Israelites, and through God's actions concerning them). God's holiness was revealed not only by providing water but, more profoundly, by upholding His justice and judging the disobedience of Moses and Aaron, thereby demonstrating that He is above all human failings and must be revered.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the water of Meribah;":** This clause definitively names the location where the incident occurred, linking the water source to the contentious nature of the event. The naming serves as a perpetual memorial to Israel's rebellion and God's response. It is a geographical marker imbued with theological significance.
* **"because the children of Israel strove with the LORD,":** This phrase provides the primary reason for the name "Meribah" and, more importantly, identifies the core sin of the people. Their "striving" was not just against Moses, but directly against God, questioning His power, faithfulness, and the wisdom of His leadership. This highlights their deep-seated unbelief and rebellious spirit.
* **"and he was sanctified in them.":** This climactic phrase declares the ultimate outcome and purpose of the entire event from God's perspective. Despite human failure and rebellion, God's holiness was upheld and revealed. This "sanctification" occurred through His provision of water, but even more powerfully, through His just judgment on Moses and Aaron, demonstrating that His glory and commands are paramount and that He will be acknowledged as holy, even if it means judging His most favored servants.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 20:13 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Etymology** or **Toponymy**, where the name "Meribah" (strife/contention) directly reflects the events that transpired there, serving as a permanent linguistic memorial to Israel's rebellion. There is also a profound **Irony** at play: while God miraculously provides water, His holiness is ultimately "sanctified" not merely through the provision but, paradoxously, through the severe judgment meted out to Moses and Aaron. This judgment, though seemingly harsh, underscores God's absolute righteousness and the non-negotiable nature of His commands, revealing His glory even in the context of human failure. Furthermore, the narrative leading up to this verse functions as a **Theophany**, a manifestation of God's presence and power, where His character is revealed through His actions, both in providing for His people and in upholding His divine standards.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 20:13 powerfully underscores the unwavering nature of God's holiness and His demand for reverence, even from those closest to Him. The incident at Meribah serves as a stark reminder that God's glory is paramount and that He will be sanctified, whether through the faithful obedience of His people or through His righteous judgment on their rebellion and unfaithfulness. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God's character is immutable and His standards are absolute, providing a foundational understanding of His justice and sovereignty. The repeated grumbling of Israel at Meribah, mirroring earlier incidents, highlights a fundamental human tendency towards unbelief and impatience when faced with adversity, contrasting sharply with God's steadfast faithfulness.

* [Exodus 17:7](/exodus/17-7 "Exodus 17:7 - The Naming of Massah and Meribah")
* [Deuteronomy 32:51](/deuteronomy/32-51 "Deuteronomy 32:51 - Moses' Sin at Meribah Recounted")
* [Psalm 95:8](/psalm/95-8 "Psalm 95:8 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts as at Meribah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Meribah, culminating in Numbers 20:13, offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder of the critical importance of obedience, especially for those in positions of spiritual leadership. Moses' failure to follow God's precise instructions, even in a moment of understandable frustration, had severe consequences, demonstrating that God holds His representatives to a high standard of faithfulness and reverence. We are called to honor God's name and commands in all our actions, ensuring that our lives consistently reflect His holiness and not our own will or impatience. This passage also challenges us to examine our own hearts when faced with difficulties, asking whether we respond with trust and patience in God's sovereign provision or with grumbling and contention. Ultimately, God will be glorified, and our aim should be to participate willingly in His sanctification through humble submission and unwavering faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to act out of frustration or self-reliance rather than precise obedience to God's Word?**
* **How does my response to trials and difficulties reflect my trust (or lack thereof) in God's faithful provision?**
* **As a leader (in any capacity), how can I ensure that my actions consistently honor God and accurately represent His character to others?**
* **What does it mean for God to be "sanctified" in me, and how can I actively pursue that in my daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the name "Meribah"?**

Answer: The name "Meribah" (מְרִיבָה) is derived from the Hebrew word for "strife" or "contention." Numbers 20:13 explicitly states that it was named "because the children of Israel strove with the LORD." This name serves as a perpetual memorial to the Israelites' repeated acts of rebellion and grumbling against God and His appointed leaders during their wilderness journey. It marks a place where their lack of faith and contentious spirit were starkly revealed, contrasting with God's steadfast provision and holiness.

**Why was Moses punished so severely for striking the rock?**

Answer: Moses' punishment, exclusion from the Promised Land ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - God's Judgment on Moses and Aaron")), was severe because his actions dishonored God in the sight of the people. God had commanded Moses to "speak to the rock" ([Numbers 20:8](/numbers/20-8 "Numbers 20:8 - God's Command to Moses")), but Moses struck it twice in anger, exclaiming, "Must *we* fetch you water out of this rock?" ([Numbers 20:10](/numbers/20-10 "Numbers 20:10 - Moses' Words and Actions")). This act represented several failures: disobedience to God's precise command, a display of anger and impatience, a potential claim of personal power (suggesting *he* would bring forth water), and a failure to properly "sanctify" or honor God before the congregation. As a leader, Moses was held to a higher standard, and his public misrepresentation of God's character undermined God's holiness and authority.

**How was God "sanctified in them" through this incident?**

Answer: God was "sanctified in them" ([Numbers 20:13](/numbers/20-13 "Numbers 20:13 - The Water of Meribah")) in two primary ways. Firstly, He was sanctified by demonstrating His power and faithfulness in providing water despite Israel's rebellion, showing that He is holy and able to provide even when His people are unfaithful. Secondly, and more profoundly, He was sanctified through His righteous judgment on Moses and Aaron. By punishing His most esteemed servants for their disobedience, God clearly demonstrated that His holiness and commands are absolute and non-negotiable. He proved that He is set apart from human sin and will uphold His glory, even if it means judging those closest to Him, thereby revealing His perfect justice and unwavering authority to all.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 20:13, while detailing Israel's rebellion and Moses' failure, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The rock from which water flowed is explicitly identified by Paul as a type of Christ ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - The Spiritual Rock Was Christ")). Just as the rock provided life-giving water in the wilderness, Christ is the ultimate source of living water for a thirsty humanity ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus, the Living Water"); [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). Moses' initial striking of the rock ([Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Moses Strikes the Rock at Horeb")) foreshadowed Christ being "struck" once for our sins on the cross, a singular, all-sufficient sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ Offered Once for Sins")). God's command for Moses to *speak* to the rock at Meribah, rather than strike it again, reveals that after Christ's initial sacrifice, we now approach Him through faith and prayer, speaking to Him for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the living water ([John 16:23-24](/john/16-23 "John 16:23-24 - Ask in My Name")). Moses' failure to sanctify God by striking the rock twice, thereby misrepresenting God's redemptive plan, highlights the perfect obedience of Christ, who perfectly glorified the Father in every action ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). Thus, Meribah ultimately points to Christ, the true Rock, whose single, perfect sacrifice provides eternal life and through whom God's holiness is perfectly revealed and His name truly sanctified for all eternity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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?

Psalms 95:8

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

Deuteronomy 33:8

¶ And of Levi he said, [Let] thy Thummim and thy Urim [be] with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, [and with] whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;

Deuteronomy 32:51

Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.

Psalms 106:32

They angered [him] also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:

Psalms 106:48

Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.

Ezekiel 20:41

I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen.