Exodus 17:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the Lord by saying, "Is the Lord among us or not?"

NIV: And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, "Is the Lord among us or not?"

NASB: Then he named the place Massah and Meribah because of the quarrel of the sons of Israel, and because they tested the Lord, saying, 'Is the Lord among us, or not?'

CSB: He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites complained, and because they tested the Lord, saying, "Is the Lord among us or not?"

NLT: Moses named the place Massah (which means 'test') and Meribah (which means 'arguing') because the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested the Lord by saying, 'Is the Lord here with us or not?'

KJV: 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?

NKJV: So he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

Future generations would come to remember this as a low point in Israel's forty years of desert wandering (Deuteronomy 33:8; Psalm 95:8; Hebrews 3:8–9). Rather than trust, the people test God's patience. They argue about His will. They wonder if He is really with them. God used spectacular miracles to free the Israelites (Exodus 3:19–20; 12:29–33; 14:21–28). He provided them with food and water when they were in need (Exodus 15:22–25; 16:13–15). Despite this, a second water crisis inspires an angry, hostile reaction against Moses (Exodus 17:1–4). Rather than expressing a need through faith, the people are bitter. They demand and despair—they doubt whether God is really on their side.

The two Hebrew words used here mean "testing" and "quarreling." Both are meant in the sense of someone who tries God's patience and argues with Him.

Exodus 17:1–7 records the second time God miraculously provided water in response to Israelite complaining. He has just given them meat (Exodus 16:13) and an ongoing daily provision of manna (Exodus 16:14–16). Yet when the people don't find water at their next stop, they react poorly. This time, they openly argue with Moses. Protests are so heated that Moses worries about violence. God instructs Moses and then creates a water source for the people.

Israel condemns and argues against Moses because of a water shortage, despite recent miracles proving the Lord's care. In response, God arranges a public display of His power through Moses. Then, when Amalekites attack Israel, God gives them power to repel the attack. This comes in the form of Moses holding up his staff, assisted by Aaron and Hur. Joshua is introduced as a military leader.

The nation of Israel recently received miraculous provisions of water, bread, and meat (Exodus 15—16). Still, they bitterly argue and bicker against Moses when water becomes scarce. After another miracle, God aids the Hebrews in repelling an enemy attack. Next, they will encounter Moses' father-in-law, who will provide some much-needed advice (Exodus 18).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.