“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.”
This verse is part of a larger narrative found in Numbers 20:1-13, where the Israelites are wandering in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. During this time, they faced various challenges and tests of faith.
In this particular instance, the Israelites were thirsty and complaining to Moses and Aaron about the lack of water. They expressed their discontent and even went so far as to question why they had been brought out of Egypt, a land where water was more accessible. In response to their complaints, Moses and Aaron sought the Lord for guidance.
God instructed Moses to gather the assembly together and speak to a rock, which would then bring forth water for the people and their livestock to drink. However, Moses, frustrated with the people’s constant grumbling, took his rod and struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it. Despite his disobedience, water gushed out abundantly, and the needs of the congregation were met.
Although the immediate result was the provision of water, Moses’ action had consequences. In Numbers 20:12, God rebuked Moses and Aaron for not believing in Him and for not hallowing Him in the eyes of the Israelites. As a result, God declared that Moses and Aaron would not enter the Promised Land, the land of Canaan.
This event is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the Israelites’ ongoing struggle with faith and trust in God’s provision. Despite the numerous miracles they had witnessed, they were prone to complain and doubt whenever they faced difficulties. Secondly, it highlights the importance of obedience to God’s instructions. Moses’ act of striking the rock instead of speaking to it revealed a lack of faith and reverence for God’s authority. It is essential to note that the rock represented Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4), and Moses’ actions did not align with God’s intended representation.
Furthermore, this incident serves as a reminder that leaders, even great ones like Moses, are not exempt from the consequences of their actions. Moses was a remarkable leader and prophet, but his failure to follow God’s command precisely led to his exclusion from entering the Promised Land. This outcome emphasizes the significance of obedience, even for those in positions of authority and responsibility.
In summary, Numbers 20:11 reveals both God’s provision for the Israelites’ needs and the importance of obedience and faith in God’s instructions. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience, even for respected leaders. This passage encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness, follow His commands diligently, and remember that our actions have consequences.
