Topical Bible: Disobedience to God: when he Struck the Rock

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Biblical Context:

The incident of Moses striking the rock is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. This event highlights the theme of disobedience to God and its consequences, even for a leader as revered as Moses.

Scriptural Account:

The account is found in Numbers 20:1-13. The Israelites were in the Desert of Zin, and there was no water for the community. The people quarreled with Moses, expressing their frustration and longing for the comforts of Egypt. In response to their complaints, Moses and Aaron went to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them.

The LORD instructed Moses: "Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and your brother Aaron. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water. You will bring out water from the rock and provide drink for the congregation and their livestock" (Numbers 20:8).

However, Moses, perhaps out of frustration or anger, did not follow God's command precisely. Instead of speaking to the rock, he struck it twice with his staff. Water did indeed gush out abundantly, but Moses' actions were not in accordance with God's specific instructions.

Theological Implications:

Moses' disobedience in striking the rock instead of speaking to it is a profound moment that underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands. This act of disobedience was not merely a minor infraction; it was a failure to uphold God's holiness before the people of Israel. God had intended to demonstrate His power and provision through Moses' obedience, but Moses' actions shifted the focus away from God's instructions.

Consequences:

The consequences of Moses' disobedience were severe. The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them" (Numbers 20:12). This pronouncement meant that Moses, who had led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness, would not enter the Promised Land.

Lessons for Believers:

This narrative serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views obedience. It illustrates that even leaders and those with a close relationship with God are not exempt from the consequences of disobedience. The incident teaches that God's instructions are to be followed precisely, and that human emotions or reasoning should not override divine commands.

Furthermore, the event emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's provision. Moses' actions reflected a momentary lapse in trust, which led to a significant consequence. Believers are encouraged to maintain their faith in God's promises and to act in accordance with His will, trusting that His ways are perfect and His instructions are for their ultimate good.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 20:11,23,24
And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Sins of the Men of Old Time, which Incurred the Displeasure of ...
... of them of old time, and because of the disobedience of a vast number of them, do
allege that there was indeed one God of these men, and that He was the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviithe sins of the.htm

Letter ii.
... is only one calamity for a Christian which is, disobedience to God ... enemy, and the
only way in which he holds down ... speedily be able to break by the grace of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letter ii.htm

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
... not to thrust it from us through unbelief, ingratitude, disobedience and contempt
of God's Word ... but, as Christ says (Matthew 24, 13), "He that endureth ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/ninth sunday after trinity carnal.htm

The Great Mysteries in the Building of the Militant and Triumphant ...
... will be able to enter into the kingdom of God. Hear, also," he continued, "the names
of the women ... the second: Incontinence, the third Disobedience, the fourth ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/similitude ninth the great mysteries.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... neglected by Daniel's three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; and his rage
grew so high, at the example of disobedience given by ... "He is God over all ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

On the Words, and Rose Again from the Dead on the Third Day, and ...
... the same season as the created man through disobedience was cast ... for all things are
possible with God [1747] ; I ... thence with a great company; for He went down ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xiv on the words.htm

The Blessing of Full Assurance
... This solemn thought may not have struck some of you: let ... Is the tenor of your life
obedience or disobedience? ... gives a man a grateful zeal for the God he loves. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/the blessing of full assurance.htm

Fences and Serpents
... always, but be ye sure of this, 'God is not ... a woman either, "soweth, that shall he
also reap ... of this, that every transgression and disobedience acts immediately ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/fences and serpents.htm

What Think Ye of Christ?
... judge, had said should be the consequence of his disobedience. ... till out of love and
gratitude for what God has done ... him by his grace, (and O that he would thus ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/what think ye of christ.htm

The Life of Mr. John Knox.
... to bind them, and to cast them into prison till they be brought to a sober mind,
is not disobedience, but just ... But blessed be God, that he hath brought to ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john.htm