Numbers 33:14 - Testing faith without water?

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מֵאָלוּשׁ וַיַּחֲנוּ בִּרְפִידִם וְלֹא־הָיָה שָׁם מַיִם לָעָם לִשְׁתּוֹת׃

English Translation

And they removed from Alush, and encamped at Refidim, where there was no water for the people to drink.

Transliteration

Vayisu me'alush vayachanu birefidim velo haya sham mayim la'am lishtot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מֵאָל֑וּשׁ וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙ בִּרְפִידִ֔ם וְלֹא־הָ֨יָה שָׁ֥ם מַ֛יִם לָעָ֖ם לִשְׁתּֽוֹת׃

Parasha Commentary

Location and Significance of Refidim

The verse describes Bnei Yisrael's journey from Alush to Refidim, where they faced a critical lack of water. Rashi (Shemot 17:1) notes that Refidim was a place name, but the Midrash Tanchuma (Beshalach 25) connects it to the Hebrew root "רפיד" (weakness), suggesting the people's faith had weakened (רפו ידיהם מן התורה—"their hands became weak in Torah"). This interpretation highlights how physical challenges often parallel spiritual tests.

The Absence of Water as a Test

Water is essential for survival, and its absence posed an immediate threat. Ramban (Shemot 17:1) explains that this was another test of faith following the miracles of the Exodus and the splitting of the Red Sea. The people had already witnessed Hashem's power, yet they struggled to trust in His continued providence. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5b) teaches that hardships are opportunities for spiritual growth, and this episode served to refine Bnei Yisrael's reliance on Hashem.

Spiritual Lessons from the Crisis

Complaint vs. Faith: The lack of water led to complaints (Shemot 17:2-3), demonstrating how physical deprivation can challenge emunah (faith). The Sforno (Shemot 17:1) emphasizes that true trust in Hashem requires patience even in dire circumstances.
Water as Torah: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:2) compares water to Torah—just as water sustains life, Torah sustains the soul. The absence of water symbolized a need for spiritual rejuvenation.
Moshe's Leadership: The crisis also tested Moshe's leadership, foreshadowing the events at Mei Merivah (Bamidbar 20:2-13). The Kli Yakar (Shemot 17:1) suggests that this was a precursor to later challenges in Moshe's role.

Historical and Symbolic Context

Refidim was near Har Sinai (Rashi, Shemot 19:2), implying that this trial prepared Bnei Yisrael for Matan Torah. The Ohr HaChaim (Shemot 17:1) explains that enduring hardship purified them to receive the Torah. Thus, the water crisis was not merely a physical struggle but a necessary step in their spiritual journey.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was there no water for the Israelites at Refidim?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 33:14), the lack of water at Refidim was a test from Hashem to see if the Israelites would trust in Him after experiencing miracles like the splitting of the Red Sea. The Midrash (Mechilta Beshalach 1) explains that the water stopped as a consequence of the people's lack of faith and complaints.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites' experience at Refidim?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 3:1) teaches that this episode reminds us to maintain faith in Hashem even during difficult challenges. Just as the Israelites were provided for in the desert despite hardships, we must trust that Hashem provides for our needs in every situation.

Q: How did the Israelites get water in Refidim?
A: Though this verse mentions the lack of water, the full story appears in Exodus 17:1-7. There, Moshe strikes the rock at Hashem's command, and water miraculously flows to quench the people's thirst. The Talmud (Ta'anit 9a) explains this rock accompanied them throughout their travels in the desert.

Q: Why does the Torah mention this station if nothing happened there?
A: The Ohr HaChaim (Numbers 33:14) explains that listing all encampments - even seemingly uneventful ones - shows Hashem's meticulous care for Israel. Every stop had purpose in their spiritual journey. The lack of water itself became a significant event leading to the miracle at Massah u'Merivah.

Q: What is the significance of the name 'Refidim'?
A: Rashi (Exodus 17:1) connects the name Refidim (רפידים) to the Hebrew word 'rafu yedeihem' - meaning 'they weakened their hands.' This refers to how some Israelites slackened in their Torah study (Mechilta), showing that spiritual laxity can lead to physical hardships.