Psalm 106:32-33
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The verse highlights that Moses' own "ill" fate—being barred from the Promised Land—was a direct consequence of the people's sin, not a punishment for his own. Their persistent grumbling and impatience finally broke through his legendary meekness, causing him to speak rashly and bear the burden of their rebellion.
They angered him at the waters of Meribah, and it went ill with Moses on their account, for they made his spirit bitter, and he spoke rashly with his lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage recalls a critical moment when the Israelites, thirsty and desperate at Meribah, angered God by complaining and questioning His provision. Their persistent rebellion led to a consequence that deeply affected Moses, resulting in him being forbidden from entering the Promised Land due to his own impatience sparked by their actions. This event highlights how the people's repeated provocations had far-reaching and severe repercussions, impacting even the most faithful leaders.
The Israelites angered God, but the verse highlights a consequence for Moses. How can a leader's actions be affected by the people's sin?
The People Provoked God
The text says, 'They angered him also at the waters of Meribah.' This refers to a well-known incident where the Israelites, thirsty and fearful, complained bitterly to Moses and to God. They questioned God's presence and provision, essentially challenging His faithfulness. This wasn't just a casual complaint; it was a serious act of rebellion that stirred God's righteous anger.
Moses's Infraction
While the people's sin was murmuring and disbelief, the consequence here falls upon Moses. The verse states, 'it went ill with Moses on their account.' This means Moses, under immense pressure and provocation from the people's incessant grumbling, reacted with impatience and perhaps anger. Instead of reflecting God's glory, he spoke words that didn't honor Him. This led to a severe consequence: he was barred from entering the Promised Land, a lifelong dream and his divinely appointed mission.
A Crucial Distinction
It's important to note that Moses wasn't punished for the people's sin, but his own sin, which was directly caused by their sin. Their constant rebellion pushed him to a breaking point, and in that moment, even this greatly revered leader failed to exhibit the perfect trust and self-control expected of him. This wasn't a minor slip; it was a pivotal moment that impacted his legacy and the people's journey.
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The place where the Israelites tested God was given a name that still echoes with their rebellion. What does this name teach us?
The Genesis of 'Meribah'
The name 'Meribah,' mentioned in this psalm, literally means 'strife' or 'contention.' It's derived from the Hebrew verb meaning 'to strive,' 'to contend,' or 'to quarrel.' The Israelites didn't just experience strife; they created it. At this location, they didn't just ask for water; they contended with God and His servant, Moses.
More Than Just Thirst
While the immediate issue was a lack of water, the deeper problem was the people's persistent lack of faith and their tendency to quarrel with God's leadership. They were willing to fight against the very One who had miraculously delivered them from Egypt. This name serves as a stark reminder of their rebellious spirit, a spirit that defined many moments in their wilderness journey.
A Warning Echoing Through Time
Psalms is a collection of songs and prayers that reflect Israel's history. By recalling the 'waters of Meribah,' the psalmists are reminding their audience (and us!) of the gravity of challenging God's authority and provision. The name itself is a theological statement – a place marked not by divine provision alone, but by human defiance.
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.
ruach · Hebrew Noun
The inner person, including the seat of emotions, will, and temperament; it is the vital force that can be stirred, grieved, or embittered.
bata · Hebrew Verb
To speak without restraint or deliberation, often implying foolishness, lack of judgment, or sin in one's verbal communication.
This psalm looks back at a specific, pivotal moment where Israel's persistent distrust and Moses' own exasperation led to a tragic consequence: Moses, the faithful leader, was barred from the very land he'd strived to bring his people to, a stark reminder of the serious outcome of disobedience and impatience.
~1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
After centuries of slavery, the Israelites, led by Moses, are dramatically freed from Egyptian bondage by God's mighty acts.
~1446-1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
The Israelites spend 40 years traversing the Sinai Peninsula, facing numerous challenges like lack of food and water, testing their faith and obedience.
~1407 BC
Israelites Arrive at Kadesh
The Israelites reach the oasis of Kadesh, a crucial stopping point on their journey to the Promised Land. They will stay here for a significant period.
c. 1407 BC— this verse
Confrontation at the Waters of Meribah
When water is scarce, the people harshly challenge Moses and God, demanding solutions. In frustration, Moses strikes the rock twice instead of speaking to it, discrediting God's power.
c. 1407 BC
Moses Denied Entry to Promised Land
Because he disobeyed God's specific instructions at Meribah by striking the rock in anger, Moses is told he will not enter the land of Canaan.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Death
Moses ascends Mount Nebo, sees the Promised Land from a distance, and dies. Joshua then leads the Israelites into Canaan.
This passage is the direct account of the event at the waters of Meribah, detailing how the people's demands and Moses's subsequent reaction led to God's judgment upon him.
Deuteronomy 1:37Moses himself recounts to the new generation how their provocations, specifically mentioning this incident, caused God to become angry with him and ultimately led to his exclusion from the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy 32:51This verse, in the Song of Moses, also refers to the incident at Meribah Kadesh, highlighting it as a significant moment of transgression by both the people and Moses.
Hebrews 4:1-2This New Testament passage uses the example of Israel's disobedience and lack of faith, including their actions at Meribah, to warn believers against falling short of God's promised rest due to unbelief.
Psalm 95:8-11This psalm calls back to the wilderness generation's stubbornness, using the phrase 'waters of Meribah' as a symbol of their testing God and hardening their hearts, warning the current generation not to repeat their ancestors' mistakes.
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…
The verse highlights that Moses' own "ill" fate—being barred from the Promised Land—was a direct consequence of the people's sin, not a punishment for his own. Their persistent grumbling and impatience finally broke through his legendary meekness, causing him to speak rashly and bear the burden of their rebellion.
This passage recalls a critical moment when the Israelites, thirsty and desperate at Meribah, angered God by complaining and questioning His provision. Their persistent rebellion led to a consequence that deeply affected Moses, resulting in him being forbidden from entering the Promised Land due to his own impatience sparked by their actions. This event highlights how the people's repeated provocations had far-reaching and severe repercussions, impacting even the most faithful leaders.
This passage recalls a critical moment when the Israelites, thirsty and desperate at Meribah, angered God by complaining and questioning His provision. Their persistent rebellion led to a consequence that deeply affected Moses, resulting in him being forbidden from entering the Promised Land due to his own impatience sparked by their actions. This event highlights how the people's repeated provocations had far-reaching and severe repercussions, impacting even the most faithful leaders.
"They angered him at the waters of Meribah, and it went ill with Moses on their account, for they made his spirit bitter, and he spoke rashly with his lips." — The verse highlights that Moses' own "ill" fate—being barred from the Promised Land—was a direct consequence of the people's sin, not a punishment for his own. Their persistent grumbling and impatien…
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Last reviewed October 2026
