"Take the staff and assemble the congregation. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will pour out its water. You will bring out water from the rock and provide drink for the congregation and their livestock." Take the staffIn the Hebrew text, the word for "staff" is "מַטֶּה" (matteh), which can also mean "rod" or "scepter." This staff is not just a physical object but a symbol of authority and leadership given by God to Moses. Historically, the staff had been used in significant events, such as the parting of the Red Sea ( Exodus 14:16) and the striking of the rock at Horeb ( Exodus 17:5-6). It represents God's power and presence with Moses, serving as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and the authority bestowed upon Moses as the leader of Israel. and assemble the congregation
The Hebrew word for "congregation" is "עֵדָה" (edah), which refers to the assembly or gathering of the Israelites. This phrase underscores the communal aspect of Israel's relationship with God. The act of assembling the congregation is significant as it demonstrates the unity and collective identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people. Historically, the assembly of the congregation was a time for instruction, worship, and witnessing God's miraculous works, reinforcing their covenant relationship with Him. You and Aaron
This phrase highlights the partnership between Moses and Aaron in leading the Israelites. Aaron, as the high priest, played a crucial role in the spiritual leadership of the people. The inclusion of Aaron signifies the importance of both prophetic and priestly leadership in guiding the nation. This partnership reflects the biblical principle of shared leadership and accountability before God, emphasizing that spiritual and communal responsibilities are often carried out in collaboration. Speak to the rock
The instruction to "speak" to the rock, rather than strike it, as was done previously (Exodus 17:6), signifies a shift in how God wanted to demonstrate His power. The Hebrew word for "speak" is "דַּבֵּר" (daber), which implies communication and command. This act was meant to show the Israelites that God's provision comes through His word and authority, not through human effort or force. It serves as a lesson in obedience and faith, illustrating that God's methods may change, but His faithfulness remains constant. before their eyes
This phrase indicates that the miracle was to be performed publicly, serving as a visible demonstration of God's power and provision. The public nature of the miracle was intended to reinforce the Israelites' faith and trust in God. It was a teaching moment for the entire community, reminding them of God's continual presence and care. Historically, such public displays of divine intervention were crucial in shaping the collective memory and identity of the Israelite nation. and it will yield its water
The promise that the rock "will yield its water" is a testament to God's ability to provide abundantly in seemingly impossible situations. The Hebrew word for "yield" is "נָתַן" (natan), meaning "to give" or "to produce." This miraculous provision of water in the desert symbolizes God's sustenance and life-giving power. It serves as a reminder of God's provision in the wilderness and His ability to meet the needs of His people, reinforcing the theme of divine faithfulness and care. You will bring out water from the rock
This phrase emphasizes the role of Moses and Aaron as instruments of God's will. The act of bringing out water from the rock is a cooperative effort between divine command and human obedience. It highlights the responsibility of leaders to act in faith and obedience to God's instructions. The miracle serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of following His directives precisely, as a means of experiencing His blessings and provision. and provide drink for the congregation and their livestock
The provision of water for both the people and their livestock underscores God's comprehensive care for all aspects of life. The Hebrew word for "provide" is "שָׁקָה" (shaqah), meaning "to give drink" or "to satisfy thirst." This act of provision illustrates God's concern for the physical needs of His people and their animals, reflecting His role as a compassionate and caring provider. It serves as a reminder that God's blessings extend to all areas of life, ensuring the well-being of His creation. 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 is instructed by God to speak to the rock to bring forth water. 2. AaronMoses' brother and the high priest of Israel. He accompanies Moses in assembling the congregation and witnessing the miracle. 3. The Congregation of IsraelThe collective body of the Israelites who are journeying through the wilderness. They are in need of water, and their complaints prompt God's instructions to Moses. 4. The RockA physical object in the wilderness that God uses to demonstrate His power and provision. The rock is symbolic of Christ in the New Testament, as the source of living water. 5. The Wilderness of ZinThe geographical location where this event takes place. It represents a place of testing and reliance on God's provision. Teaching Points Obedience to God's InstructionsGod’s command to Moses was specific—speak to the rock. This teaches us the importance of following God's instructions precisely, as deviation can lead to consequences. God's ProvisionThe miracle of water from the rock demonstrates God's ability to provide for our needs, even in seemingly impossible situations. Trust in His provision is crucial. Symbolism of the RockThe rock is a type of Christ, the source of living water. Just as the rock provided physical sustenance, Christ provides spiritual sustenance and eternal life. Leadership and ResponsibilityMoses and Aaron's roles highlight the responsibility of leaders to act in faith and obedience, setting an example for those they lead. Faith in ActionThe act of speaking to the rock required faith. Our faith should be active, trusting God to work through our obedience. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the instruction to "speak to the rock" in Numbers 20:8 differ from the previous instruction in Exodus 17:6, and what does this teach us about obedience? 2. In what ways does the rock in Numbers 20:8 symbolize Christ, and how can this understanding deepen our faith in Jesus as the source of living water? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced a "wilderness" experience. How did you see God's provision, and how can this passage encourage you in future challenges? 4. How does the role of Moses and Aaron in this passage inform our understanding of spiritual leadership and responsibility? 5. Considering 1 Corinthians 10:4, how can we apply the lesson of the Israelites' reliance on the rock to our daily walk with Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 17:6This earlier event where Moses strikes the rock at Horeb to bring forth water parallels Numbers 20:8, highlighting God's provision and the importance of obedience. 1 Corinthians 10:4Paul refers to the spiritual rock that followed the Israelites, identifying it as Christ, which connects the physical provision of water to the spiritual sustenance found in Jesus. John 4:10-14Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman about living water, drawing a parallel to the provision of water from the rock as a symbol of eternal life through Him. People Aaron, Egyptians, Eleazar, Israelites, Miriam, MosesPlaces Edom, Egypt, Kadesh-barnea, King's Highway, Meribah, Mount Hor, ZinTopics Aaron, Assemble, Assembly, Beasts, Bring, Brother, Cattle, Community, Company, Congregation, Convene, Drink, Forth, Gather, Hast, Livestock, Orders, Pour, Rock, Rod, Speak, Spoken, Staff, Thus, Watered, YieldDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 20:8 4354 rock Numbers 20:1-11 4278 spring of water Numbers 20:1-13 5924 quarrelsomeness Numbers 20:2-11 5580 thirst Numbers 20:2-12 5714 men Numbers 20:7-12 5072 Aaron, spokesman Numbers 20:7-13 4512 staff Numbers 20:8-12 5925 rashness Library 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
'Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. 2. And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3. And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord! 4. And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XI. 2-30; ^C Luke VII. 18-35. ^c 18 And the disciples of John told him of all these things. ^a 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent by his disciples ^c 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them unto the Lord [John had been cast into prison about December, a.d. 27, and it was now after the Passover, possibly in May or June, a.d. 28. Herod Antipas had cast John into prison because John had reproved him for taking his brother's wife. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [136] . Gregory to Augustine, &c. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14); because a grain of wheat, falling into the earth, has died, that it might not reign in heaven alone; even He by whose death we live, by whose weakness we are made strong, by whose suffering we are rescued from suffering, through whose love we seek in Britain for brethren whom we knew not, by whose gift we find those whom without knowing them we sought. …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Peræa to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
^D John XI. 1-46. ^d 1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [For Bethany and the sisters, see p. 478.] 2 And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair [John xii. 3 ], whose brother Lazarus was sick. [The anointing had not yet taken place, as John himself shows. For a similar anticipation see Matt. x. 4. There are five prominent Marys in the New Testament: those of Nazareth, Magdala and Bethany; the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 20:8 NIVNumbers 20:8 NLTNumbers 20:8 ESVNumbers 20:8 NASBNumbers 20:8 KJV
Numbers 20:8 Commentaries
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