Location
Overview
Rephidim was the last station before Mount Sinai, and the scene of two unforgettable events — water from the rock and the battle with Amalek.
Water from the rock
There was no water, and the people contended with Moses. God told him to strike "the rock in Horeb," and "there came water out of it, that the people may drink." Moses named the place Massah ("testing") and Meribah ("contention") (Exodus 17:1–7).
The battle with Amalek
Amalek attacked Israel at Rephidim. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; when they grew heavy, Aaron and Hur held them up "until the going down of the sun," and Joshua defeated Amalek (Exodus 17:9–13).
Jethro's visit
It was near here, at "the mount of God," that Jethro came to Moses and advised him to appoint capable men as judges over the people (Exodus 18:5, 13–26) — just before Israel reached Sinai.
Events Here
Water comes from the rock at Massah and Meribah
Israel defeats Amalek as Moses’ hands are held up
Scripture References
5 versesExodus3 verses
Exodus 17:1
And 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.
Exodus 17:8
Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
Exodus 19:2
For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount.
Numbers2 verses
Numbers 33:14
And they removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink.
Numbers 33:15
And they departed from Rephidim, and pitched in the wilderness of Sinai.
Archaeology & History
Rephidim is traditionally located at Wadi Feiran, the largest oasis in the Sinai, near the approach to the traditional Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa). Its name, "resting places," suits a final camp before the great mountain, though the precise site is uncertain.
Frequently asked about Rephidim
Where is Rephidim today?
Today, Rephidim corresponds to Wadi Feiran, Sinai (traditional).
What does the name Rephidim mean?
The name Rephidim means “Resting places, supports”.
What happened at Rephidim in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Rephidim include water comes from the rock at massah and meribah; israel defeats amalek as moses’ hands are held up.
Where is Rephidim first mentioned in the Bible?
Rephidim is first mentioned in Exodus 17:1.
How often is Rephidim mentioned in the Bible?
Rephidim is mentioned in 5 verses across 2 books: Exodus, Numbers.
What happened at Rephidim?
God brought water from the rock when the thirsty people quarrelled (Massah and Meribah), and Israel defeated the Amalekites while Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands.
Where was Rephidim?
In the Sinai, the last camp before Mount Sinai — traditionally the oasis of Wadi Feiran.