Topical Bible: Unbelief: Moses and Aaron

◄ Unbelief: Moses and Aaron ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Unbelief, as demonstrated in the lives of Moses and Aaron, serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of doubt and disobedience to God's commands. This entry explores the specific instance of unbelief exhibited by these two prominent biblical figures, as recorded in the Old Testament.

Context and Background

Moses and Aaron were chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and into the Promised Land. They were entrusted with significant responsibilities and were witnesses to God's mighty acts, including the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna in the wilderness. Despite these experiences, a moment of unbelief marred their leadership.

The Incident at Meribah

The most notable instance of unbelief involving Moses and Aaron occurred at Meribah, as recorded in Numbers 20:1-13. The Israelites, once again grumbling due to a lack of water, confronted Moses and Aaron. God instructed Moses to "take the staff and assemble the congregation, you and your brother Aaron, and speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water" (Numbers 20:8).

However, instead of speaking to the rock as commanded, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. This act of disobedience was rooted in unbelief, as God later explained: "Because you did not trust Me enough to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them" (Numbers 20:12).

Consequences of Unbelief

The consequences of Moses and Aaron's unbelief were severe. Despite their years of faithful service, neither was permitted to enter the Promised Land. This incident underscores the seriousness with which God views unbelief and disobedience, especially from those in positions of leadership.

Theological Implications

The unbelief of Moses and Aaron at Meribah highlights several key theological themes:

1. The Holiness of God: God's response to Moses and Aaron's actions emphasizes His holiness and the importance of honoring Him through obedience. Their failure to uphold God's holiness before the people resulted in their exclusion from the Promised Land.

2. Faith and Obedience: The incident illustrates the integral relationship between faith and obedience. True faith manifests in obedience to God's commands, while unbelief often leads to disobedience and its attendant consequences.

3. Leadership Accountability: As leaders, Moses and Aaron were held to a high standard. Their unbelief serves as a cautionary tale for those in leadership positions, reminding them of the responsibility to faithfully represent God's will.

4. God's Faithfulness: Despite the unbelief of Moses and Aaron, God remained faithful to His promise to bring the Israelites into the Promised Land. This demonstrates that while human leaders may falter, God's purposes will ultimately prevail.

Conclusion

The account of Moses and Aaron's unbelief at Meribah is a sobering reminder of the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer. It serves as a testament to the holiness of God and the necessity of trusting Him fully, even in challenging circumstances.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 20:12
And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, Because you believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Sin of Unbelief
... 4. And, oh! do you not know that unbelief kept Moses and Aaron out of Canaan? They
honored not God; they struck the rock when they ought to have spoken to it. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the sin of unbelief.htm

The Waters of Meribah
... reassembled might have taught them the sin of unbelief; their parents ... indeed, murmur
directly against God, because they regard Moses and Aaron as responsible ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the waters of meribah.htm

Weighed, and Found Wanting
... Note the bad bargain which unbelief is ready to make. ... Moses and Aaron, Caleb and
Joshua, are the only Abdiels in that crowd of unbelieving dastards. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/weighed and found wanting.htm

The Bread of God
... And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children
of Israel ... And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 12. ... Unbelief has a short memory ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the bread of god.htm

Numbers
... by their report, and for their unbelief the whole ... the signal vindication of the
authority of Moses, the privileges ... exclusive right of the sons of Aaron to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/numbers.htm

The Census of Israel
... in our numbers if we grieve the Spirit of God, and if by our unbelief we drive ... But
among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
... Hardened in unbelief unto insensibility, they brought upon themselves overwhelming ...
to the priesthood and government equal with Moses and Aaron, and so ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/ninth sunday after trinity carnal.htm

Refutation of the Jews
... of what has taken place; but indeed all Scripture teems with disproof of Jewish
unbelief. ... Was not Judah begotten by Jacob and Moses and Aaron by Ameram? ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 6 refutation of the.htm

Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter.
... Thou knowest, says Aaron to Moses, that this people is set ... For the beginning of the
law was by Moses: and in ... And by your unbelief in Jesus you make it appear ...
/.../answer to the jewish rabbys.htm

The Epistle of Saint Jude.
... For Christ is our Aaron and chief-priest, whom we ... iii., makes mention of two that
opposed Moses, Jannes and ... works are indeed the fruits of unbelief, but we ...
/.../the epistle of saint jude.htm