“And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying,”
Context:The book of Numbers recounts the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness, after they were delivered from slavery in Egypt. In Numbers 20, the Israelites arrive at the Wilderness of Zin and face a shortage of water. They complain to Moses and Aaron, accusing them of bringing them into the wilderness to die of thirst. Moses and Aaron seek guidance from the Lord, who instructs Moses to gather the assembly, speak to the rock, and bring forth water for the people.
God’s Instruction:In verse 8 of Numbers 20, the Lord instructs Moses, saying, “Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.” God’s command was clear: Moses was to speak to the rock for water to flow out.
Moses’ Disobedience:In verses 9-11, Moses gathers the assembly as commanded, but instead of speaking to the rock, he strikes it twice with his rod out of frustration and anger, saying, “Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?” Water does come forth from the rock, but God is displeased with Moses’ actions.
Consequences:In verse 12, the Lord responds to Moses and Aaron, saying, “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.” Due to their disobedience, Moses and Aaron are informed that they will not be allowed to enter the Promised Land.
Lessons:
- Obedience to God’s Word:The incident at the rock highlights the importance of obeying God’s instructions precisely. God had specifically told Moses to speak to the rock, but Moses allowed his anger and frustration to lead him to disobedience. As believers, it is crucial to follow God’s commands and trust in His guidance, even when faced with challenging circumstances.
- Sanctifying God’s Name:God states that Moses and Aaron failed to sanctify Him before the people. Sanctification means to set apart as holy. Moses’ disobedience conveyed a lack of reverence and respect for God’s authority, as he took credit for bringing forth water rather than acknowledging God’s power. As followers of God, we should always strive to bring honor and glory to His name, recognizing that He alone deserves the credit for the miracles and blessings in our lives.
- Consequences of Disobedience:The consequences for Moses’ disobedience were severe. Despite leading the Israelites for many years, Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because of his actions. This serves as a reminder that even leaders and people of great faith can face consequences for disobedience. It emphasizes the need for humility, obedience, and the recognition that our actions have consequences.
Overall, Numbers 20:23 teaches us the significance of obeying God’s instructions, sanctifying His name, and the potential consequences of disobedience. It reminds us of the importance of trust, humility, and reverence as we seek to follow God’s will in our lives.
