“This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the Lord, and he was sanctified in them.”
Numbers 20:13 recounts an event that took place during the wilderness journey of the Israelites. To fully understand the significance of this verse, it’s helpful to explore the context surrounding it.
In Numbers 20, the Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness for some time after their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. They were in the region known as Kadesh, and the people began to complain about the lack of water. Moses and Aaron, the leaders of the Israelites, went before the Lord seeking guidance on how to provide water for the people.
In verses 7-12, God instructed Moses to gather the assembly, speak to the rock, and bring forth water for the people. However, in a moment of frustration and impatience, Moses struck the rock with his staff instead of speaking to it. Water still came forth, but because of this disobedience, Moses and Aaron were subsequently told by God that they would not enter the Promised Land.
Now, let’s focus on Numbers 20:13 itself: “This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the Lord, and he was sanctified in them.”
Meribah:The word “Meribah” means “contention” or “strife.” It refers to a place where the Israelites quarreled with God. This specific location is different from another place called Meribah mentioned earlier in Exodus 17:7, where the Israelites also complained about water.
Children of Israel strove with the Lord:The Israelites expressed their discontent and frustration to Moses and Aaron, but ultimately, they were contending with God Himself. Their complaint was not merely against human leaders but against the provision and guidance of the Lord.
God sanctified Himself:The word “sanctified” means to set apart or make holy. In this context, God sanctified Himself by demonstrating His power and holiness through the consequences of Moses’ disobedience. God revealed that He is holy and expects obedience from His chosen leaders.
This passage teaches several important lessons:
- Obedience to God:Moses’ disobedience and striking the rock instead of speaking to it serve as a reminder that obedience to God’s instructions is vital. Even in moments of frustration, it is essential to follow God’s commands faithfully.
- Honoring God’s holiness:God’s holiness demands reverence and respect. The Israelites’ lack of trust and their contention with God displayed a failure to honor His holiness. We, too, must recognize God’s holiness and approach Him with reverence and trust.
- Consequences of disobedience:Moses and Aaron’s punishment of not entering the Promised Land highlights the seriousness of disobedience. Even leaders who have faithfully served God can face consequences for their actions. This emphasizes the importance of obedience and the need for leaders to model righteousness.
- God’s provision and patience:Despite the people’s complaints, God still provided water for them. His patience and mercy were evident, even in the face of their contention. It serves as a reminder that God is patient with us, even in our moments of doubt and frustration.
In summary, Numbers 20:13 teaches us about the importance of obedience, the reverence due to God’s holiness, the consequences of disobedience, and God’s provision and patience. It encourages us to trust in God’s guidance and to honor His commands, recognizing that He is holy and deserving of our obedience.
