The Biblical text mentions two very similar episodes that both occur at a place named "Meribah". The episode recounted in features the Israelites quarreling with Moses about the lack of water, and Moses rebuking the Israelites for testing Yahweh; states that it was on this account that the place gained the name "Massah", meaning "testing", and the name "Meribah" () meaning "quarreling". This narrative states that on account of their thirst, the Israelites grumbled against Moses () so Moses, in fear for his life, appeals to Yahweh (); the narrative continues with Yahweh telling Moses to walk ahead of the others, and strike the rock at Horeb with his rod, and when Moses does this, it causes the rock to expel water.