“These are the waters of Meribah, where the people of Israel quarreled with the Lord, and through them he showed himself holy.” -Numbers 20:13 ESV

Meribah was named after the Israelites quarreled with God because they were thirsty and found no water.

These people of God were known for disputing with their leader and with God. Their joy seemed short-lived, and their dissatisfaction never ended.

From slavery to the Promised Land, the Israelites never stopped complaining, even in the midst of God’s faithfulness and steadfast love.

Blaming seemed to be part of their lives. Even in every good move of God, they could hardly embrace His plan but were quick to grumble. Their dissatisfaction was always magnified.

They grumbled when God wanted to bring them out of Egypt.

They grumbled when they saw the Egyptians chasing them.

They grumbled when there was no food.

They grumbled when they were tired of eating the same food every day.

Each time they grumbled, they contended with their leader, believing he had failed — and that God was never good enough to care for them.

If it were not for the covenant He made with Abraham, these people might not have been rescued at all.

At the place of Meribah, the people were thirsty — a place marked by insecurity and lack of trust.

Had they remembered the goodness of God and their first love, their grateful hearts would have stopped the complaint. Instead, they quickly leapt into strife.

At Meribah, the solution was at the rock — and out of that rock came water that quenched their thirst, bringing peace and satisfaction.

Psychologists reveal that people who engage in constant arguments and quarrels are often chronic blamers who struggle with deeper unrest.

The Word of God reminds us that even in our own Meribah moments, we can find the solution only in the Rock — Jesus Christ.

Paul exalts Jesus as that Rock.

“and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 10:3–4 ESV

Whether you are a chronic blamer or dealing with one, there is never a true win in contention, for there is no satisfaction in any solution given. A grumbling heart can never feel content; there is always a craving for more — more power, more blessing, more of everything. Anything less than one’s expectation leaves the soul unsettled.

That unaddressed need seeks someone or something to feed on. The Bible warns that the heart of a grumbler will be destroyed by the destroyer.

If you are weary from striving at the place of Meribah, look to the Rock.

In the Meribah of your workplace, ministry, family, or friendships — let your desire for relief and fulfillment be quenched by the living water of Jesus.

At the place of peace, your quarrel will cease.

Jesus Christ invites you to cast all your burdens, desires, and insecurities upon Him, and He will give you rest.

The Holy Spirit can change your heart from being a chronic blamer to a continual praiser of God’s faithfulness.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You are the Rock that gives living water. Help me to rest from grumbling and striving, and to trust in Your faithful provision. Quench my thirst with Your Spirit, and fill my heart with gratitude and peace. Amen.