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Exodus 17:7 - Testing faith at Merivah

Exodus 17:7 - שמות 17:7

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא שֵׁם הַמָּקוֹם מַסָּה וּמְרִיבָה עַל־רִיב בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְעַל נַסֹּתָם אֶת־יְהוָה לֵאמֹר הֲיֵשׁ יְהוָה בְּקִרְבֵּנוּ אִם־אָיִן׃

English Translation

And he called the name of the place Massa and Meriva, because of the strife of the children of Yisra᾽el, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us, or not?

Transliteration

Va-yikra shem ha-makom Masa u-Meriva al-riv bnei Yisrael ve-al nasotam et-Adonai lemor ha-yesh Adonai be-kirbeinu im-ayin.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָא֙ שֵׁ֣ם הַמָּק֔וֹם מַסָּ֖ה וּמְרִיבָ֑ה עַל־רִ֣יב <b>׀</b> בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְעַ֨ל נַסֹּתָ֤ם אֶת־יְהֹוָה֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר הֲיֵ֧שׁ יְהֹוָ֛ה בְּקִרְבֵּ֖נוּ אִם־אָֽיִן׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיִּקְרָא֙ שֵׁ֣ם הַמָּק֔וֹם מַסָּ֖ה וּמְרִיבָ֑ה עַל־רִ֣יב ׀ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְעַ֨ל נַסֹּתָ֤ם אֶת־יְהֹוָה֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר הֲיֵ֧שׁ יְהֹוָ֛ה בְּקִרְבֵּ֖נוּ אִם־אָֽיִן׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

The Naming of Massa and Meriva

The verse (Shemot 17:7) describes how Moshe named the place Massa ("Testing") and Meriva ("Strife") due to Bnei Yisrael's quarrelsome behavior and their testing of Hashem. Rashi explains that the names commemorate their sinful demand for water and their doubt in Hashem's presence among them. The double name reflects two aspects of their transgression:

  • Massa – They tested Hashem by saying, "Is Hashem among us or not?" (a challenge to divine providence).
  • Meriva – They quarreled with Moshe, demonstrating ingratitude after witnessing miracles.

The Severity of Their Doubt

The Ramban emphasizes that their question, "הֲיֵשׁ ה' בְּקִרְבֵּנוּ אִם־אָיִן" ("Is Hashem among us or not?"), was a grave lack of emunah. Despite experiencing the Exodus, the splitting of the sea, and the manna, they doubted Hashem's constant presence. The Kli Yakar adds that this doubt was worse than their complaints about water—it was a denial of divine hashgacha pratit (individual providence).

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Beshallach 25) compares Bnei Yisrael's behavior to a child carried on their father's shoulders who, when thirsty, questions whether the father is truly there. Similarly, Hashem had carried them through miracles, yet they questioned His presence. The Sforno notes that their demand for water was not inherently wrong, but their manner—complaining instead of praying—showed a lack of trust.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:3) cites this episode as a cautionary tale about how easily one can fall into doubt even after witnessing open miracles. The Chafetz Chaim teaches that the names Massa and Meriva serve as eternal reminders of the dangers of strife (machloket) and testing Hashem improperly.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 106a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the Israelites' lack of faith and their testing of God during their time in the wilderness.
📖 Avodah Zarah 5a
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the consequences of the Israelites' actions and their questioning of God's presence among them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the name 'Massa and Meriva' mean in Exodus 17:7?
A: The names 'Massa' (מַסָּה) and 'Meriva' (מְרִיבָה) mean 'Testing' and 'Strife' respectively. They refer to the incident where the Israelites doubted Hashem's presence and quarreled with Moshe over lack of water (Rashi on Exodus 17:7). The names serve as a reminder of their lack of faith.
Q: Why did the Israelites doubt if Hashem was among them in Exodus 17:7?
A: The Israelites doubted because they were thirsty and lacked water in the desert. Instead of trusting Hashem after witnessing previous miracles (like the splitting of the Red Sea and receiving manna), they complained and tested Him (Ramban on Exodus 17:7). This shows a failure in emunah (faith) despite clear signs of divine care.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 17:7 today?
A: The verse teaches us to maintain faith in Hashem even during difficult times. The Israelites' doubt after experiencing miracles reminds us that challenges test our emunah, but we must remember Hashem's constant presence (Mesillat Yesharim Ch. 9). Trust in divine providence is a key Jewish value.
Q: How did Moshe respond to the Israelites' complaint in Exodus 17:7?
A: Moshe followed Hashem's command to strike the rock at Chorev to bring forth water (Exodus 17:6). However, the naming of the place 'Massa and Meriva' later became a warning about the consequences of unnecessary strife and testing Hashem (Talmud, Sanhedrin 95a).
Q: Is there a connection between this verse and the laws of Shabbat?
A: Yes, the manna (which preceded this incident) is linked to Shabbat observance. The Midrash (Mechilta Beshalach) explains that the Israelites' complaints showed ingratitude—they received miraculous food (manna) but still doubted Hashem. Shabbat reminds us to trust in divine sustenance, countering the attitude shown at Massa and Meriva.