He called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah— The meaning of which names is, as usual, given in the context; Meribah, chiding, or strife, because of the chiding of the children of Israel; Massah, temptation, because they tempted the Lord. See Exodus 17:2.Matthew 16:1. Psalms 78:18-19. "After we had descended, with no small difficulty, down the other or western side of Mount Sinai," says Dr. Shaw, "are came into the plain, or wilderness, of Rephidim, where we saw that extraordinary antiquity, the rock of Meribah, which has continued down to this day without the least injury from time or accidents. This is rightly called, from its hardness, (Deuteronomy 8:15.) a rock of flint; though, from the purple or reddish colour of it, it may be justly termed the rock of amethyst, or the amethystine, or granite rock. It is about six yards square, lying tottering, as it were, and loose, near the middle of the valley; and seems to have been formerly a part or cliff of Mount Sinai, which hangs, in a variety of precipices, all over this plain. The waters which gushed out, and the streams which overflowed withal, (Psalms 78:20.) have hollowed across one corner of this rock, a channel about two inches deep, and twenty wide, all over incrustated, like the inside of a tea-kettle which has been long used. Besides several mossy productions, which are preserved by the dew, we see all over this channel a great number of holes, some of them four or five inches deep, and one or two in diameter; the lively and demonstrative tokens of their having been formerly so many fountains. Neither could art or chance be concerned in the contrivance, inasmuch as every circumstance points out to us a miracle; and, in the same manner with the rent in the rock of Mount Calvary at Jerusalem, never fails to produce the greatest seriousness and devotion in all who see it. The Arabs, who were our guard, were ready to stone me for attempting to break off a corner of it."
REFLECTIONS.—In the way of duty we may meet with difficulties.
1. The children of Israel again want water; and as before, but too impatient, quarrel with their best friend, and question, after all they had seen, the reality of God's care and providence. Note; (1.) It is no uncommon thing for the greatest kindnesses to be thus ill requited. (2.) Who has not at some time felt the same provoking questions of unbelief under distressing circumstances, some even to the very doubt of the providence, perhaps of the being of God? Such is man's fallen nature.
2. Moses rebukes their unbelief, flies to God, casts his burdens upon him, for they threatened his life, and begs the Lord's assistance in their present perilous situation. Such dangers must they sometimes run, who stand up eminently for God. Note; Prayer is the best means to compose our spirits under every disturbance, and to obtain direction in all our difficulties.
3. God hears and answers. Instead of pouring out his wrath upon the rebellious, he pours out his water upon the thirsty, and floods on the dry ground. Moses is commanded to smite the rock; instant the copious torrent flows, and deep drink the parched Israelites of these refreshing streams. Note; (1.) God can open in our deepest distresses the most abundant supplies. Every believer spiritually experiences the same favour. This rock is Christ, smitten by the rod of God for our offences, opening a fountain in his side, quenching the thirst of the guilty soul, satisfying it with the abundance of his consolations, and springing up in our hearts as a well of water unto everlasting life.
4. We have the name of the place. Note; We should long remember our sins, and the places where and the times when committed, for our constant humiliation, and for our future caution.