Meribah

Meribah is a place mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Exodus. It is also referred to as Massah. The name Meribah is derived from the Hebrew word "rib," meaning "strife" or "contention."

The incident at Meribah occurred when the Israelites, led by Moses, were in the wilderness of Zin, having recently left Mount Sinai. The people were thirsty, and there was no water. They began to quarrel with Moses, accusing him of bringing them out into the desert to die of thirst. In their desperation and anger, they challenged Moses, saying, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?"

In response to the people's complaints and the divine command, Moses was instructed to take his staff and speak to a rock, commanding it to yield water. However, in his frustration and anger at the Israelites' persistent questioning and challenging of God's presence, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff instead of speaking to it as instructed. Water then flowed from the rock, and the people and their livestock drank.

Despite providing the water, Moses and Aaron were later rebuked by God. The reason for this rebuke was that they did not sanctify God in the eyes of the Israelites by believing and acting according to His direct command to speak to the rock. Consequently, Moses and Aaron were told they would not lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. The name Meribah thus signifies the place of contention between the people and Moses, and indirectly, between the people and God due to their lack of faith and Moses' disobedience.