Psalms 106:32
They angered him at the waters of Meribah, and it went ill with Moses on their account,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It might surprise you, but the text highlights how Israel's sin at the waters of Meribah directly led to Moses' own disobedience. Their provocations so exasperated him that he spoke "unadvisedly," and this moment of failure, stemming from their actions, ultimately barred him from entering the Promised Land.
The psalm recounts Israel's repeated rebellion, and here it focuses on a specific instance at the "waters of Meribah" where the people’s grumbling and unbelief provoked God. This incident led to a consequence for Moses himself; due to their actions, he spoke rashly and was ultimately barred from leading Israel into the Promised Land.
Ever felt like you're in a situation where everyone's pushing back, and it's causing problems for everyone involved? That's exactly what happened here.
The Waters of Meribah
This verse points to a specific event in the wilderness journey, remembered as the "waters of Meribah," which literally means "waters of strife" or "contention." The people of Israel were thirsty and, instead of trusting God, they confronted Moses and Aaron, demanding water and questioning God's presence with them.
We often think of leaders as always being strong and in control. But this verse shows how even the best leaders can falter under immense pressure.
Moses's Reaction and Its Consequences
The people's persistent doubt and anger at Meribah didn't just anger God; it deeply affected Moses. Instead of simply speaking to the rock as God instructed, Moses, in his exasperation, struck the rock twice with his staff.
Understand the original words
qatsaph · Hebrew Verb
To provoke to anger or wrath, specifically referring to inciting God's displeasure through rebellion or idolatry.
Meribah · Hebrew Proper Noun
A place name meaning 'strife' or 'quarreling,' famously associated with the Israelites' contention against Moses and God regarding a lack of water.
This verse highlights how the people's persistent rebellion at Meribah, a place literally named for their strife, led to a critical moment where Moses himself faltered and faced divine judgment, even though he was not punished for their sin directly.
c. 1440 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites are liberated from slavery in Egypt under Moses' leadership.
c. 1440-1400 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
Following their exodus, the Israelites journey through the Sinai wilderness towards the Promised Land, facing numerous challenges and tests of faith.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Rebellion at Meribah
The people of Israel, lacking water, quarrel with Moses and the LORD at Meribah. In response to their provocation, Moses strikes the rock twice, disobeying God's command to speak to it.
c. 1400 BC
Moses Denied Entry to Canaan
Because of his disobedience at Meribah, God decrees that Moses will not lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
This is the direct account of the event at the 'waters of Meribah' where the people's grumbling and challenging God led to Moses striking the rock in anger, resulting in his exclusion from the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy 3:26Here, Moses himself recounts his plea to God to enter the Promised Land, explicitly stating that God refused because of his actions at Meribah, showing the personal consequence of the people's provocation.
Hebrews 3:16-19This New Testament passage reflects on the rebellions of Israel in the wilderness, including the incident at Meribah, and directly links their disobedience and angering of God to their failure to enter the promised rest.
Numbers 27:12-14Shortly after the Meribah incident, God tells Moses he will not enter the Promised Land, reiterating that it was because 'you broke faith with me,' underscoring the severity of the sin and its impact on Moses' leadership.
bensonPsalms 106:32: "They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:"
Psalm 106:32-33 . They angered him also at the waters of strife — Of which see Numbers 20:3-5 . It went ill with Moses for their sakes — Or, because of them, upon occasion of their unbelief and murmuring, whereby he was provoked to speak unadvisedly, as it here follows. For though he was the meekest of all the men on the earth, yet their clamours at that time were so peevish and provo…
pulpitPsalms 106:32: "They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:"
Verse 32. - They angered him also at the waters of strife; or, "at the waters of Meribah" (Revised Version, Kay, Cheyne); comp. Numbers 20:2, 10, 13. So that it went ill with Moses for their sakes. Moses was not punished for the people's sin, but for his own sin (Numbers 20:10-12), to which theirs led. The expression, "for their sakes," is used loosely (comp. Deuteronomy 1:37; Deutero…
It might surprise you, but the text highlights how Israel's sin at the waters of Meribah directly led to Moses' own disobedience. Their provocations so exasperated him that he spoke "unadvisedly," and this moment of failure, stemming from their actions, ultimately barred him from entering the Promised Land.
The psalm recounts Israel's repeated rebellion, and here it focuses on a specific instance at the "waters of Meribah" where the people’s grumbling and unbelief provoked God. This incident led to a consequence for Moses himself; due to their actions, he spoke rashly and was ultimately barred from leading Israel into the Promised Land.
The psalm recounts Israel's repeated rebellion, and here it focuses on a specific instance at the "waters of Meribah" where the people’s grumbling and unbelief provoked God. This incident led to a consequence for Moses himself; due to their actions, he spoke rashly and was ultimately barred from leading Israel into the Promised Land.
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c. 1400 BC
Moses' Death
Moses ascends Mount Nebo, views the Promised Land from afar, and dies, having faithfully led his people for forty years.
c. 5th-4th century BC
Composition of the Psalms
Psalms, including Psalm 106, are compiled and edited, reflecting on Israel's history and relationship with God.
"They angered him at the waters of Meribah, and it went ill with Moses on their account," — It might surprise you, but the text highlights how Israel's sin at the waters of Meribah directly led to Moses' own disobedience. Their provocations so exasperated him that he spoke "unadvisedly,"…
