Some critics suggest that the accounts of drawing water from a rock in Exodus 17:2-7 and Numbers 20:2-13 are a "doublet" that evidences the JEDP documentary hypothesis, representing two different authors (E and P) giving conflicting versions of the same event.

However, these passages describe two different events, not the same one. A key assumption of the JEDP theory is that ancient writers would never repeat themselves or record similar events. In an oral-based culture, similar events were often recorded to draw intentional parallels.

While both stories conclude with naming a place Meribah, the sequence of events follows a natural order: thirst precedes a demand for water, and the naming of a place occurs as a memorial after the event is over. The similarities in the later story are designed to bring the first story to mind, evidencing literary craftsmanship rather than multiple authors. A recurring theme in the Pentateuch is the Israelites' constant complaining, and placing similar stories at the beginning (Exodus 17) and end (Numbers 20) of the wilderness wanderings emphasizes this theme.

Regarding vocabulary differences, some argue that 'P' uses terms like congregation while 'E' uses the people. However, congregation is used in Exodus 17:1, which disrupts this division. Another objection focuses on the use of "kill" (muwth) in Exodus 17:3 versus "expire" (gava') in Numbers 20:3-4. Gava' is only used 11 times in the Pentateuch, primarily regarding natural deaths or God's judgment, suggesting a specific nuance rather than a different author.

Theologically, it is argued that the Numbers account presents a more dignified theology (referring to the "glory of the Lord"), whereas Exodus engages in anthropomorphisms (God standing on the rock). The simple reason for this difference is that during Exodus 17, the Tabernacle had not yet been built. The Tabernacle represented a copy of heavenly things and was a suitable place for the "glory of the Lord" to appear, whereas in the wilderness, there was only a rock.

Finally, while Exodus 17 uses a specific naming formula ("He called the place Massah and Meribah"), Numbers 20 states, "These are the waters of Meribah." This is not a duplicated naming formula but an intentional aural clue referring back to the previous event, highlighting the Israelites' repetitive stubbornness.