Numbers 20:23
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying,
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הָהָ֑ר
in mount
H2022
הָהָ֑ר
in mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
8 of 13
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
גְּב֥וּל
by the coast
H1366
גְּב֥וּל
by the coast
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
Historical Context
The waters of Meribah became proverbial in Israel's history (Psalm 81:7, 95:8, 106:32), referenced as warning against hardening hearts in unbelief. Hebrews 3:7-19 applies this warning to church, showing Old Testament examples instruct New Testament believers.
Questions for Reflection
- What place-names in your spiritual journey mark times of testing or failure?
- How do you use past failures as instruction rather than dwelling in condemnation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
At Kadesh, God speaks to Moses and Aaron about the waters called Meribah ('strife' or 'contention'). The name memorialized Israel's contentious rebellion against God's provision and leaders. This second Meribah (cf. Exodus 17:7) demonstrates persistent patterns of unbelief. God's naming of places preserves warning to future generations.