“But the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.”
Context: The book of Numbers is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, which consists of the first five books of the Old Testament. Numbers primarily focuses on the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In Numbers 20, we find the account of the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness of Zin.
Situation: In Numbers 20:1-13, the Israelites find themselves in a waterless place called Kadesh, and they begin to complain to Moses and Aaron about the lack of water. Moses and Aaron seek the Lord’s guidance and receive instructions on how to bring forth water from a rock.
Moses and Aaron’s Actions: Instead of following God’s explicit instructions to speak to the rock, Moses and Aaron struck the rock twice with their staffs in the presence of the Israelites (Numbers 20:9-11). Water did indeed come out of the rock, and the people’s thirst was quenched.
God’s Response: In Numbers 20:12, God speaks to Moses and Aaron, expressing His disappointment. He states that they did not believe Him and failed to sanctify Him in the eyes of the Israelites. Due to this act of disobedience and lack of faith, God declares that Moses and Aaron will not be allowed to bring the congregation of Israel into the land He had promised them.
Lessons and Application:
- Obedience and Faith: This passage highlights the importance of obedience to God’s instructions and the significance of faith. God had specifically instructed Moses and Aaron to speak to the rock, but they acted out of frustration and struck the rock instead. Their disobedience demonstrated a lack of faith in God’s power and provision.
- Sanctifying God: God wanted Moses and Aaron to sanctify Him before the eyes of the people. Sanctification means to set apart as holy and to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and holiness. By following God’s instructions, they could have demonstrated His power and faithfulness to the Israelites.
- Consequences of Disobedience: Moses and Aaron faced severe consequences for their disobedience. They were not allowed to enter the Promised Land-a land they had been leading the people towards for many years. This serves as a reminder that disobedience can have long-lasting repercussions, even for those who have been faithful in other aspects.
- Trusting in God’s Promises: Despite Moses and Aaron’s disobedience, God’s promise to bring the people into the land was not voided. Joshua and Caleb, two of the twelve spies who had explored the Promised Land earlier (Numbers 13-14), eventually led the Israelites into the land.
Overall, Numbers 20:12 highlights the importance of obedience, faith, and sanctifying God in our lives. It serves as a cautionary example of the consequences of disobedience and reminds us to trust in God’s promises even when faced with challenging situations.
