Numbers 20:10

And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?

And Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175} gathered {H6950} the congregation {H6951} together before {H6440} the rock {H5553}, and he said {H559} unto them, Hear {H8085} now, ye rebels {H4784}; must we fetch {H3318} you water {H4325} out of this rock {H5553}?

But after Moshe and Aharon had assembled the community in front of the rock, he said to them, "Listen here, you rebels! Are we supposed to bring you water from this rock?"

Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, โ€œListen now, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?โ€

And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; shall we bring you forth water out of this rock?

Commentary

Numbers 20:10 captures a pivotal moment in the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites, revealing Moses' frustration and a crucial act of disobedience that would have profound consequences for him.

Context

This event takes place near the end of the Israelites' 40-year journey through the wilderness, specifically at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. After the death of Miriam (Numbers 20:1), the congregation once again faced a severe water shortage and began to complain bitterly against Moses and Aaron, echoing their earlier grumbling at Rephidim. God had commanded Moses to "speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water" (Numbers 20:8). However, Moses' response, fueled by exasperation with the people's persistent rebellion, deviated from God's specific instructions.

Key Themes

  • Disobedience in Leadership: Moses, a leader known for his faithfulness, directly disobeys God's clear command to "speak" to the rock. Instead, he strikes it twice (Numbers 20:11), acting out of anger and frustration.
  • Misrepresentation of God's Glory: By saying "must we fetch you water out of this rock?", Moses appears to take credit for the miracle or at least implies that he and Aaron are the source of the water, rather than God alone. This diminishes God's glory and holiness in the eyes of the people. God later clarifies that Moses "believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel" (Numbers 20:12).
  • Consequences of Sin: Even for a revered leader like Moses, disobedience carries severe consequences. This act of striking the rock, rather than speaking to it, ultimately led to Moses' exclusion from entering the Promised Land.

Linguistic Insights

The term "rebels" used by Moses is from the Hebrew word mรดrรฎm (ืžึนืจึดื™ื), which conveys a sense of stubbornness, obstinacy, and defiance. While the Israelites were indeed rebellious, Moses' use of this harsh term, combined with the question "must we fetch you water," highlights his personal frustration and a moment where his own spirit overshadowed his role as God's humble instrument. This phrase also subtly shifts the focus from God's power to Moses' own perceived ability or burden.

Practical Application

Numbers 20:10 offers profound lessons for all believers, especially those in positions of leadership. It reminds us that:

  • Obedience is Paramount: Even small deviations from God's specific instructions can have significant consequences. Our actions should always align with God's will, not our own impulses or frustrations.
  • Give God the Glory: We must be careful to attribute all power, provision, and miracles to God alone. Our words and deeds should sanctify Him, not elevate ourselves or diminish His sovereignty.
  • Manage Frustration Righteously: While dealing with difficult people or circumstances can be trying, we are called to respond with patience and faith, reflecting God's character rather than our own anger. This incident underscores the importance of self-control and a Spirit-led response.
This incident, often referred to as the waters of Meribah (meaning "contention"), serves as a powerful testament to God's holiness and the high standard of obedience expected from those who represent Him.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 106:32

    They angered [him] also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:

  • Psalms 106:33

    Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.

  • Deuteronomy 9:24

    Ye have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you.

  • Luke 9:54

    And when his disciples James and John saw [this], they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

  • Luke 9:55

    But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

  • Matthew 5:22

    But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

  • Acts 3:12

    ยถ And when Peter saw [it], he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?