March 15, 2021
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Reading along with us in Numbers? Here’s today’s reading:
Numbers 20 (NIV)
Water From the Rock
1 In the first month the whole Israelite community arrived at the Desert of Zin, and they stayed at Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried.
2 Now there was no water for the community, and the people gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron......Continue Reading
Moses’ unbelief and disobedience here is surprising. Again God provided for His people despite the disobedience of Moses but he still needed to provide a consequence for it.
I love how God provides a smooth transition of the priesthood upon Aaron’s passing to his son. God is always in control.
Numbers 20
Numbers 20
Numbers 20
Numbers 20
God’s standards are specific and for leaders they are high. I do wonder why Moses didn’t just talk to the rock. Maybe the harsh consequences speak to a lack of faith. Or maybe he thought he would look stupid. Or maybe it was because God was telling him something new. Striking the rock worked last time. Sounds like some of the reasons we come up with not to obey God. Certainly after the first strike Moses had an opportunity to change his direction. But instead of stopping and talking, he struck the rock again.
And remember that Edom are the descendants of Esau, so it appears the Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom) rivalry is rearing its ugly head again. It is interesting that Esau actually forgave Jacob quite enthusiastically in Genesis. So one wonders where this apparent animosity comes from. A lesson we can take from it is to make sure we do not let past offenses fester and be passed on so that it leads to inhospitable behavior in the future.
And a major figure of the past generation passes. God is gracious to offer this transition that honors him. Aaron’s priesthood is a study in grace…he sooo did not deserve it….
The generation of leadership is passing away or sealing their fate of not being able to enter the promised land. Miriam dies. Aaron dies. Moses disobeys the Lord.
I have always thought that God’s judgment on Moses was harsh, but I think I fail to grasp the importance of obedience in relationship with God, especially under the OT. I think probably it wasn’t that Moses struck the rock twice, but rather his anger and pride that were the disobedience resulting in his punishment. We (I!) should always strive to obey God’s commandments and to live a life worthy of the calling I have received…..in attitude, deed and thought.
8“Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. SPEAK TO that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.”
9So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence, just as he commanded him. 10He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” 11Then Moses raised his arm and STRUCK THE ROCK twice with his staff.