Why Rephidim Was Named Temptation and Strife

Midrash Aggadah Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on Exodus 17:7 View source

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 24, 2025

Some places carry the scar of what happened there in their very name. The Targum Pseudo-Jonathan explains that Moses called the site of the water-crisis "Temptation and Strife" — in Hebrew, Massah u'Merivah — "because there the sons of Israel contended with Moses, and because they tempted the Lord" (Exodus 17:7).

The question the people asked is preserved in the Aramaic with painful honesty: "Doth the glory of the majesty of the Lord truly dwell among us, or not?" After the splitting of the sea. After the manna from heaven. After the pillar of cloud walking with them through the wilderness — they still asked whether God was really there.

The Targum is not embarrassed to record this. It frames the doubt as the sin itself. The people had evidence. They had signs. What they demanded was a feeling, a guarantee, a removal of the risk of faith. And when faith felt risky, they turned on Moses and on God together. That is why the Torah preserves the place-name forever. The name Massah u'Merivah is a warning stitched into the map.

Some places we revisit to remember triumph. This one we revisit to remember what doubt costs, and to choose differently.

Themes

Moses Repentance Divine justice Prayer

Biblical References

Exodus 17:7

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