“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?”
My Notes
What Does Exodus 17:7 Mean?
"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?" Moses names the place of Israel's complaint with two names: Massah (testing) and Meribah (quarreling). The core question — "Is the LORD among us, or not?" — is devastating in context. They're asking this after the plagues, after the Red Sea, after the pillar of cloud and fire. The question isn't sincere inquiry. It's a threat: prove yourself again, or we're done.
This location becomes a perpetual warning in Scripture. Psalm 95:8 urges: "Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness." Hebrews 3-4 extends the warning to the church. Massah and Meribah represent the human tendency to demand proof from a God who has already provided overwhelming evidence.
Reflection Questions
- 1.How often do you demand that God re-prove himself despite overwhelming past evidence?
- 2.What would it take for you to stop asking 'Is the LORD among us?' and start living as if he is?
- 3.Why does discomfort erase the memory of miracles — and how do you fight that pattern?
- 4.What 'Massah and Meribah' moments in your life should serve as warnings rather than being repeated?
Devotional
Is the LORD among us, or not? They asked this while standing under the pillar of cloud. While eating manna that appeared every morning. While following a God who had just annihilated the world's most powerful army for their sake. Is he with us? The evidence was literally hovering above their heads.
The question isn't about evidence. It's about the heart. Israel didn't lack proof of God's presence. They lacked the willingness to trust the proof they'd already received. Every miracle created a temporary confidence that evaporated the moment discomfort arrived. And then: prove it again. Show us again. Is the LORD among us, or not?
Moses named the place Testing and Quarreling. Two names for the same sin: putting God on trial. Demanding that he re-audition for a role he's already filled. Making him prove himself to people who've already seen everything they need to see.
This is a mirror. How often do you ask God to prove himself again — not because you lack evidence, but because the evidence wasn't enough to produce lasting trust? How many Red Seas does he need to part before you stop asking "Is he with us?" The answer at Massah was the same answer it always is: yes, he's with you. The water came from the rock. But the place kept its name as a reminder: this is what it looks like when people demand proof from a God who's already given everything.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah,.... The former signifies "temptation", and the latter…
Massah ...Meribah - See the margin. On the importance of this lesson see our Lord’s words, Mat 4:7.
He called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah - מסה Massah signifies temptation or trial; and מריבה Meribah,…
Here is, I. The strait that the children of Israel were in for want of water; once before the were in the like distress,…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture