Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink. Then Moses raised his handMoses stood before Israel as the appointed servant through whom God had repeatedly displayed His power. His raised hand and staff recalled earlier acts of deliverance, including the division of the Red Sea. Yet Moses now acted in anger toward the people rather than in obedient dependence upon the Lord. Exo 17:11 As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed;… and struck the rock twice with his staff, God had commanded Moses to speak to the rock before the assembly so that the miracle would publicly honor God’s holiness and faithfulness (Numbers 20:8). Moses struck the rock twice, repeating the action God had required at Horeb many years earlier (Exodus 17:6), but failing to follow the instruction given at Kadesh. The staff remained a sign of divine authority, but no sacred instrument could excuse disobedience. Moses and Aaron did not uphold the Lord as holy before Israel, and God later declared that they would not lead the congregation into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12). Exo 17:6 Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb.… so that a great amount of water gushed out, God answered the people’s need despite their complaining and despite Moses’ failure. The abundance of water revealed that the provision came from the Lord, not from Moses’ strength or the power of the staff. Paul identifies the wilderness rock as pointing to Christ, the spiritual Rock who sustains His people (1 Corinthians 10:4). Psa 78:16 He brought streams from the stone and made water flow… and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink. God supplied enough water for the entire community and its animals in a barren wilderness. His provision upheld Israel during its journey and demonstrated His continuing faithfulness to the covenant people, even when their leaders and the congregation failed to trust Him fully. Psa 78:15 He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses acts in frustration and disobedience. 2. The Rock A physical rock in the wilderness of Zin, which God commanded Moses to speak to in order to bring forth water for the Israelites. 3. The Israelites The congregation of God's chosen people, who were wandering in the desert and in need of water. 4. The Wilderness of Zin A desert region where the Israelites were camped, characterized by its arid conditions and lack of water. 5. Aaron Moses' brother and the high priest, who was with Moses during this event and also faced consequences for the disobedience. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsMoses' action of striking the rock instead of speaking to it, as God commanded, serves as a reminder of the importance of precise obedience to God's instructions. The Consequences of Disobedience Despite Moses' leadership and past faithfulness, his disobedience resulted in severe consequences, including being barred from entering the Promised Land. This teaches us that no one is above God's law. God's Provision Despite Human Failure Even in Moses' disobedience, God provided water for the people, demonstrating His faithfulness and mercy. This encourages us to trust in God's provision even when we fall short. The Importance of Faith and Trust Moses' failure to trust in God's word and act accordingly highlights the necessity of faith in our relationship with God. We are called to trust in His promises and act in faith. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Moses' action of striking the rock instead of speaking to it reveal about his state of mind and heart at that moment?2. How does the event in Numbers 20:11 compare to the earlier event in Exodus 17:6, and what can we learn from the differences in God's instructions? 3. In what ways does this passage challenge us to examine our own obedience to God's commands in our daily lives? 4. How can we apply the lesson of God's provision despite human failure to our own experiences of falling short? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for disobedience. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's justice and mercy? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 17:6This earlier event where Moses was instructed to strike the rock at Horeb to bring forth water provides a contrast to Numbers 20:11, highlighting the change in God's command from striking to speaking. Psalm 106:32-33 This passage reflects on the incident at Meribah, emphasizing how Moses' spirit was provoked, leading to rash words and actions. 1 Corinthians 10:4 Paul refers to the spiritual rock that followed the Israelites, identifying it with Christ, which adds a deeper theological layer to the event.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Eleazar, Israelites, Miriam, MosesPlaces Edom, Egypt, Kadesh-barnea, King's Highway, Meribah, Mount Hor, ZinTopics Abundantly, Arm, Assembly, Beasts, Blows, Cattle, Community, Company, Congregation, Drank, Drink, Forth, Gushed, Lifted, Lifteth, Lifting, Livestock, Rock, Rod, Smiteth, Smote, Staff, Streaming, Struck, TwiceDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 20:11Library August 17. "Speak Ye unto the Rock" (Num. xx. 8). "Speak ye unto the Rock" (Num. xx. 8). The Holy Ghost is very sensitive, as love always is. You can conquer a wild beast by blows and chains, but you cannot conquer a woman's heart that way, or win the love of a sensitive nature; that must be wooed by the delicate touches of trust and affection. So the Holy Ghost has to be taken by a faith as delicate and sensitive as the gentle heart with whom it is coming in touch. One thought of unbelief, one expression of impatient distrust or fear, will instantly … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Waters of Meribah Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done. The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby. Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli . Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans Peræa to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Backsliding. Numbers Links Numbers 20:11 NIVNumbers 20:11 NLT Numbers 20:11 ESV Numbers 20:11 NASB Numbers 20:11 KJV Numbers 20:11 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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