The Ten Times Israel Tested God in the Wilderness

Midrash Aggadah, Numbers 14:22

"And they have tested Me these ten times" (Numbers 14:22). And these are they: two at the Sea of Reeds, as it is said, "but rebelled at the sea, at the Sea of Reeds" (Psalms 106:7), "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt" (Exodus 14:11). One at the waters of Meribah, as it is said, "And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah" (Exodus 17:7). And one with the calf. And one with the complainers, and with the sending. And in the controversy of Korah, as it is said, "Separate yourselves from among this congregation" (Numbers 16:21) — for the controversy of Korah was first directed at the spies, and afterward "all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured" (Numbers 17:6), and the Holy One, blessed be He, was angry with them, and said, "Get you up from among this congregation" (Numbers 17:10). With the spies — behold, you have ten.

Themes

Biblical References