Numbers 20:11

KJV

And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts [also].

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} lifted up {H7311} his hand {H3027}, and with his rod {H4294} he smote {H5221} the rock {H5553} twice {H6471}: and the water {H4325} came out {H3318} abundantly {H7227}, and the congregation {H5712} drank {H8354}, and their beasts {H1165} also.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Moshe raised his hand and hit the rock twice with his staff. Water flowed out in abundance, and the community and their livestock drank.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink.

American Standard Version

And Moses lifted up his hand, and smote the rock with his rod twice: and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their cattle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 20:11 records a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness wanderings at Meribah, where Moses, exasperated by the people's incessant grumbling for water, disobediently struck the rock twice with his staff instead of speaking to it as commanded by God. Despite Moses' failure to sanctify God's name before the congregation, the Lord, in His unfailing faithfulness, caused abundant water to gush forth, satisfying the thirst of the Israelites and their livestock. This act of disobedience, though seemingly minor, carried profound consequences for Moses and Aaron, barring them from entering the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 20 begins with the death of Miriam, followed immediately by the familiar crisis of water scarcity at Kadesh, echoing earlier complaints in the wilderness (e.g., [Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17-1-7 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim")). The people's renewed contention (hence "Meribah," meaning "strife") drives Moses and Aaron to the tabernacle, where God graciously instructs Moses to "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" ([Numbers 20:8](/numbers/20-8 "Numbers 20:8 - God's Command to Moses to Speak to the Rock")). Numbers 20:11 directly details Moses' deviation from this explicit command, leading to the divine pronouncement in [Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - God's Judgment on Moses and Aaron"), where God declares that Moses and Aaron will not bring the congregation into the Promised Land because they "believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel." The immediate narrative then shifts to Edom's refusal of passage and the death of Aaron.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The incident at Meribah occurs near the end of the Israelites' forty-year wilderness journey, a period marked by repeated cycles of divine provision, human rebellion, and divine judgment. The setting is Kadesh, a significant oasis and encampment site in the Wilderness of Zin, near the border of Edom. Water was a constant, life-or-death concern in the arid desert environment, making the people's complaints understandable on a human level, yet their persistent lack of faith and tendency to test God were deeply problematic. Moses, as the primary mediator between God and Israel, bore immense responsibility for representing God's character and commands accurately. The cultural expectation for leaders in the ancient Near East often involved demonstrating power and authority, but for Israel, this authority was always derived from and subject to Yahweh's specific instructions.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several critical themes. Firstly, **disobedience and its severe consequences** are central; Moses' failure to follow God's precise instruction to *speak* to the rock, choosing instead to *strike* it twice, was deemed a profound act of unbelief that failed to "sanctify" God in the eyes of the people ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - God's Judgment on Moses and Aaron")). Secondly, it highlights **God's unfailing provision** despite human failure; even in the face of Moses' sin and the people's grumbling, God's covenant faithfulness ensured water still flowed abundantly. This demonstrates God's sovereignty and commitment to His people, even when His chosen instruments falter. Thirdly, the event underscores the **high standard of leadership and faith** required of those who represent God; Moses' actions, perhaps born of exasperation, did not properly reflect God's holiness and glory to the congregation, serving as a stark warning about the gravity of misrepresenting God. Finally, the **significance of the rock** as a spiritual type of Christ is a profound theme, particularly as interpreted in the New Testament ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ as the Spiritual Rock")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nāḵāh'_):** This verb, used here for Moses' action, means "to strike," "to hit," or "to beat." Its use emphasizes a forceful, physical action, standing in direct contrast to God's command to "speak" (דָּבַר, _dāḇar_). The choice of this verb highlights Moses' deviation from the divine instruction, suggesting an act driven by human frustration and a reliance on a past method (striking the rock at Horeb in [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Horeb")) rather than present obedience.
* **Twice (Hebrew, _paʿămayim'_):** The explicit mention of Moses striking the rock "twice" is significant. It underscores the deliberateness of his action and potentially amplifies the degree of his disobedience. It suggests not a single, impulsive strike, but a repeated, perhaps angry, exertion of his own will rather than God's. The repetition also subtly hints at a lack of faith in the sufficiency of a single, obedient act of speaking.
* **Rod (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** This refers to Moses' staff, which had become a symbol of God's miraculous power and Moses' divine authority (e.g., parting the Red Sea, bringing plagues). While God commanded Moses to "take the rod" ([Numbers 20:8](/numbers/20-8 "Numbers 20:8 - God's Command to Moses to Take the Rod")), the rod was to be a visual aid, a sign of God's presence and authority, not the instrument of the forbidden striking. Moses' use of the rod to strike rather than merely hold it as he spoke further emphasizes his deviation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses lifted up his hand":** This initial action signifies Moses' preparation to act decisively. It could imply a gesture of authority or a prelude to a physical exertion, setting the stage for the subsequent striking. It highlights Moses' personal involvement and initiative in the act that follows.
* **"and with his rod he smote the rock twice":** This is the core of Moses' disobedience. Instead of speaking to the rock as God commanded in [Numbers 20:8](/numbers/20-8 "Numbers 20:8 - God's Command to Moses to Speak to the Rock"), Moses resorted to a physical act of striking, repeating it for emphasis. This act demonstrated a lack of faith in God's word alone and perhaps an expression of his own frustration and anger towards the rebellious Israelites.
* **"and the water came out abundantly":** Despite Moses' disobedience, God's faithfulness and power are unequivocally displayed. Water, a vital necessity, gushed forth in great quantity, demonstrating that God's provision is not dependent on human perfection but on His own sovereign will and covenant promises. This underscores God's mercy and His commitment to sustain His people even when His servants falter.
* **"and the congregation drank, and their beasts [also]":** This final clause confirms the immediate, positive outcome of God's provision. The thirst of both the people and their animals was quenched, highlighting the practical and life-sustaining nature of the miracle. It shows that God's primary concern was the well-being of His people, even as He held His leader accountable for his actions.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 20:11 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, specifically between God's explicit command to "speak" to the rock ([Numbers 20:8](/numbers/20-8 "Numbers 20:8 - God's Command to Moses to Speak to the Rock")) and Moses' action of "smoting" it twice. This stark opposition highlights Moses' direct disobedience and the gravity of his deviation. The **Repetition** of the word "twice" ("smote... twice") emphasizes the deliberateness of Moses' action, suggesting not a single, impulsive error but a compounded act of will. There is also a strong element of **Irony**; Moses, the great prophet who had witnessed countless miracles and mediated God's word, failed to trust the simple power of God's spoken word, resorting instead to a physical act. Finally, the **Symbolism** of the rock is profound, particularly when viewed through a New Testament lens, where it foreshadows Christ as the source of living water. Moses' action here, therefore, takes on deeper symbolic significance in the broader biblical narrative of redemption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 20:11 is a profoundly significant verse, revealing much about God's character, the nature of leadership, and the seriousness of obedience. It underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand to be sanctified—set apart and honored—in the eyes of His people. Moses' failure to trust God's word alone, instead acting out of frustration and striking the rock, diminished God's glory before the congregation. This incident serves as a stark reminder that even the most faithful and beloved servants are held to account for their actions, particularly when those actions misrepresent God's character or undermine His commands. Yet, even in judgment, God's steadfast love and provision shine through, as the water still flowed abundantly, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

* [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Horeb")
* [1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ as the Spiritual Rock")
* [Deuteronomy 32:51](/deuteronomy/32-51 "Deuteronomy 32:51 - Moses' Transgression at Meribah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 20:11 offers timeless lessons for believers today, particularly concerning obedience, trust, and the representation of God's character. Moses' experience reminds us that God's commands are not suggestions; even seemingly small deviations from His explicit instructions can have significant spiritual consequences, especially when they misrepresent His holiness or diminish His glory in the eyes of others. It challenges us to examine our own lives: do we truly trust God's methods, even when they seem counterintuitive or when our patience is tested? Are we quick to act in our own strength or frustration, rather than waiting on and obeying God's specific word? This passage also serves as a powerful call to integrity for those in leadership, emphasizing the immense responsibility to faithfully reflect God's character and commands. We are called to sanctify God in all our actions, ensuring that our lives bear witness to His truth, power, and grace, rather than our own impatience or unbelief.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to deviate from God's clear instructions, perhaps out of impatience or a desire for immediate results?**
* **How does Moses' failure challenge my understanding of God's holiness and the seriousness of obedience, even for mature believers?**
* **How can I better trust in the power of God's spoken word, rather than relying on my own efforts or past methods?**
* **What does it mean for me to "sanctify" God in the eyes of those around me, and how might my actions either uphold or diminish His glory?**

### FAQ

**Why was Moses punished so severely for striking the rock? Was it just the striking, or something more?**

Answer: Moses' punishment, being barred from entering the Promised Land, was indeed severe, indicating that his transgression was more than a minor infraction. While striking the rock was the outward act, the core issue, as stated in [Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - God's Judgment on Moses and Aaron"), was that Moses and Aaron "believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel." This implies several layers of sin:
* **Disobedience to a specific command:** God explicitly told Moses to *speak* to the rock ([Numbers 20:8](/numbers/20-8 "Numbers 20:8 - God's Command to Moses to Speak to the Rock")), but Moses *struck* it. This was a direct defiance of God's word.
* **Lack of faith/unbelief:** By striking, Moses demonstrated a lack of trust in the efficacy of God's word alone. He may have felt the need for a more dramatic, physical display of power, or simply acted out of exasperation.
* **Failure to sanctify God:** Moses' actions misrepresented God's character to the people. Instead of showcasing God's gracious provision through a simple word, Moses' angry outburst ("Hear now, ye rebels; must *we* fetch you water out of this rock?") and the striking suggested impatience, human frustration, and perhaps even that the power resided in Moses or his rod, rather than solely in God's command. It failed to elevate God's holiness and sovereignty before a rebellious people who desperately needed to see God clearly.
* **Public nature of the sin:** As the leader and mediator, Moses' actions had a profound public impact. His sin, committed before the entire congregation, undermined the very message of faith and obedience he was meant to embody.

**What is the significance of Moses striking the rock "twice"?**

Answer: The emphasis on Moses striking the rock "twice" (פַּעֲמַיִם, _paʿămayim_) highlights the deliberateness and perhaps the intensity of his disobedience. It wasn't a single, impulsive act but a repeated, forceful action. The first time water came from a rock, at Horeb, God *commanded* Moses to strike it ([Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Horeb")). This time, the command was to *speak*. Striking it twice, therefore, could signify:
* **Compounded disobedience:** It emphasizes that Moses' action was not an accident but a willful deviation from God's specific instruction.
* **Lack of faith in God's singular power:** It might suggest a doubt that a single, spoken word would be sufficient, or that the first strike wasn't enough, requiring a second.
* **Human frustration and anger:** The double strike could be an expression of Moses' deep exasperation with the people's persistent grumbling, leading to an uncontrolled, forceful reaction rather than a calm, obedient response.
* **Typological significance:** In a Christ-centered reading, the rock represents Christ ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ as the Spiritual Rock")). Christ was "struck" once for our sins on the cross. To strike the "rock" a second time, after being told to speak to it, could be seen as diminishing the singular, sufficient, and complete sacrifice of Christ. After Christ's one-time sacrifice, we are to *speak* to Him in faith and prayer to receive the living water of the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 20:11, particularly the imagery of the rock providing life-giving water, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul explicitly states that the "rock was Christ" ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ as the Spiritual Rock")), establishing a powerful typology. The first striking of the rock in [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Horeb") foreshadows Christ being "struck" once for our sins on the cross, a singular, sufficient, and unrepeatable sacrifice that opened the way for humanity to receive the living water of the Holy Spirit. Moses' disobedience at Meribah, where he struck the rock a second time after being commanded to speak to it, takes on immense theological significance in this light. It represents a failure to grasp the once-for-all nature of Christ's sacrifice. After Christ has been struck, we are no longer to "strike" Him again through our works or repeated sacrifices, but rather to "speak" to Him in faith, prayer, and confession to receive the abundant spiritual provision He offers. Just as the physical water flowed abundantly despite Moses' sin, the spiritual living water flows limitlessly from the crucified and resurrected Christ, available to all who believe and call upon His name ([John 7:37-39](/john/7-37-39 "John 7:37-39 - Rivers of Living Water")). He is the true source of eternal life, the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), from whom flows the gracious provision that satisfies the deepest thirst of the human soul.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 10:4

And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Exodus 17:6

Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

Deuteronomy 8:15

Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, [wherein were] fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where [there was] no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;

Numbers 20:8

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.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

James 1:20

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Psalms 78:16

He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.