Who was Meribah?

Desert oasis guide.

The story of Meribah

Meribah - Rebelled against Moses and Aaron
Meribah - Rebelled against Moses and Aaron
Rebelled against Moses and Aaron

Meribah is a biblical figure best known for her role in the Exodus story. She was the daughter of Reuel, the priest of Midian, and the sister of Moses and Aaron. Meribah was present when Moses struck the rock at Horeb and water came out of it, providing the Israelites with water in the desert. This event is known as the Meribah incident. Meribah is also mentioned in the book of Numbers, where she is described as a place of contention between the Israelites and God. The Israelites complained about the lack of water and God responded by providing water from a rock. This event is known as the Meribah incident. Meribah is also mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy, where she is described as a place of testing. The Israelites were tested by God to see if they would obey his commands. Meribah is best known for her role in the Exodus story and the Meribah incident. She is remembered as a figure of faith and obedience, and her story serves as an example of how God provides for his people in times of need.

Name meaning

The name "Meribah" has its origins in the Hebrew Bible and is associated with a place where the Israelites quarreled with Moses due to a lack of water during their journey through the wilderness. The name "Meribah" comes from the Hebrew root word "רִיב" (riv or rib), which means "to quarrel" or "to contend." As such, Meribah is generally interpreted to mean "quarrel," "contention," or "strife." In biblical narratives, Meribah is notably mentioned in the Book of Exodus (Exodus 17:1-7) and the Book of Numbers (Numbers 20:1-13). In these accounts, it is the site where Moses struck a rock to provide water for the Israelites, following God's instructions. The incidents at Meribah underscore themes of faith, obedience, and divine provision, contrasting the people's impatience and disbelief with God's miraculous care.

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

Rebelled against Moses and Aaron

First mention

Exodus 17:7

Appearances in the Bible

7 mentions

Meribah in the Bible

Explore all 6 chapters where Meribah appears

Exodus

Chapter 17

Water from the Rock

The Israelites complain about the lack of water and God provides water from a rock.

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Numbers

Chapter 20

Water from the Rock

The Israelites are punished for not believing in God, as a result, Moses is not allowed to enter the promised land.

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Numbers

Chapter 27

The Daughters of Zelophehad

The daughters of Zelophehad approach Moses, asking for their father's inheritance, as he has no sons. God commands that ...

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Deuteronomy

Chapter 32

The Song of Moses

Moses recites a song that reminds the Israelites of God's faithfulness and warns them of the consequences of disobedienc...

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Deuteronomy

Chapter 33

The Blessing of Moses

Moses blesses the Israelite tribes, pronouncing a special blessing on each of them.

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Psalms

Chapter 81

The Invitation to Worship

Psalm 81 is a call to the people of Israel to remember the goodness of God and worship Him with all their hearts. It beg...

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