Exodus 17:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 17:7
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?
Chapter Context
Exodus 17 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, hope, worship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-16: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 17:7
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?
Analysis
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—The dual name memorializes Israel's sin: Massah (מַסָּה, 'testing') and Meribah (מְרִיבָה, 'strife, contention'). Their 'chiding' (רִיב, riv, legal contention) and tempting (נָסָה, nasah, putting to trial) mark the place permanently. The question they asked—'Is the LORD among us, or not?'—constitutes the ultimate tempting: demanding proof despite continuous miracles (Red Sea, manna, pillar of cloud/fire). This question reveals unbelief's core: requiring new evidence daily despite mountains of previous proof. Christ condemns this: 'An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign' (Matt 12:39). Psalm 95:8 warns future generations: 'Harden not your heart, as in...Meribah.'
Historical Context
The naming of places after Israel's failures served as permanent memorial and warning. Massah and Meribah became proverbial for unbelief (Ps 95:8, Heb 3:8).
Reflection
- How does the question 'Is the LORD among us?' after continuous miracles reveal unbelief's nature?
- What does permanently naming the place after sin teach about the seriousness of tempting God?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 17:2, Numbers 20:13, Deuteronomy 9:22
- Parallel theme: Psalms 81:7, 95:8