Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. Pitched in Rephidim] In Num. xxxiii. 12-14; it is said, that when the Israelites came from Sin they encamped in Dophkah, and next in Alush, after which they came to Rephidim. Here, therefore, two stations are omitted, probably because nothing of moment took place at either. See the notes on Numbers 33.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-7 - The children of Israel journeyed according to the commandment of the Lord, led by the pillar of cloud and fire, yet they came to a plac where there was no water for them to drink. We may be in the way of duty, yet may meet with troubles, which Providence brings us into, for the trial of our faith, and that God may be glorified in our relief They began to question whether God was with them or not. This is calle their "tempting God," which signifies distrust of him after they ha received such proofs of his power and goodness. Moses mildly answere them. It is folly to answer passion with passion; that makes bad worse God graciously appeared to help them. How wonderful the patience an forbearance of God toward provoking sinners! That he might show his power as well as his pity, and make it a miracle of mercy, he gave the water out of a rock. God can open fountains for us where we leas expect them. Those who, in this wilderness, keep to God's way, ma trust him to provide for them. Also, let this direct us to depend of Christ's grace. The apostle says, that Rock was Christ, 1Co 10:4, it was a type of him. While the curse of God might justly have bee executed upon our guilty souls, behold the Son of God is smitten for us. Let us ask and receive. There was a constant, abundant supply of this water. Numerous as believers are, the supply of the Spirit of Christ is enough for all. The water flowed from the rock in streams to refresh the wilderness, and attended them on their way towards Canaan and this water flows from Christ, through the ordinances, in the barre wilderness of this world, to refresh our souls, until we come to glory A new name was given to the place, in remembrance, not of the mercy of their supply, but of the sin of their murmuring: "Massah," Temptation because they tempted God; "Meribah," Strife, because they chid with Moses. Sin leaves a blot upon the name.
Original Hebrew ויסעו5265 כל3605 עדת5712 בני1121 ישׂראל3478 ממדבר4057 סין5512 למסעיהם4550 על5921 פי6310 יהוה3068 ויחנו2583 ברפידים7508 ואין369 מים4325 לשׁתת8354 העם׃5971
