Rephidim
Rephidim was the wilderness camp where Israel, dying of thirst, quarreled with Moses so bitterly that he named the place Massah and Meribah - 'testing' and 'strife' - after God provided water by having Moses strike the rock at Horeb. It was also the site of Israel's first battle since leaving Egypt, when Amalek attacked and Joshua led the fighting while Moses held up his hands on a hilltop, supported by Aaron and Hur, so that Israel prevailed as long as his hands stayed raised. The two episodes together show God providing for Israel's physical need and defending them from attack in the same unlikely stretch of desert.
Details
- Region
- Sinai Wilderness
- Modern Location
- Wadi Feiran area, Sinai Peninsula
Key Passages
Water from the Rock at Rephidim
Exodus 17:1-7
Moses strikes the rock at Horeb to provide water for a thirsty, quarreling Israel - the place renamed Massah and Meribah for their testing of the LORD.
1nd all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.
Israel Defeats Amalek at Rephidim
Exodus 17:8-16
As long as Moses holds up his hands, Israel prevails against Amalek - with Aaron and Hur holding up his weary arms until victory is complete.
8hen came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.