“Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.”
Moses and Aaron’s sister. This was forty years after their departure from Egypt.
“And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.”
Another rebellion was in Raphidim, Exod. 17 , and this was in Kadesh.
“And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!”
Cross references: : Num. 12:33
“Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.”
Wherewith thou diddest miracles in Egypt, and didst divide the sea.
“And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?”
The punishment which followed hereof, declared that Moses and Aaron believed not the Lord’s promise, as appeareth, verse 12.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.”
That the children of Israel should believe, and acknowledge my power, and so honor me.
“This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them. Meribah: that is, Strife”
Or, strife and contention, Num. 27:14 . By showing himself almighty and maintaining his glory.
“And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us: befallen: Heb. found us”
Because Jacob or Israel was Esau’s brother, who was called Edom.
“Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah. word: Heb. mouth”
Or, rebelled. Read Gen. 25:8 . Or, strife.