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.

Take {H3947} the rod {H4294}, and gather {H6950} thou the assembly {H5712} together, thou, and Aaron {H175} thy brother {H251}, and speak {H1696} ye unto the rock {H5553} before their eyes {H5869}; and it shall give forth {H5414} his water {H4325}, and thou shalt bring forth {H3318} to them water {H4325} out of the rock {H5553}: so thou shalt give {H8248} the congregation {H5712} and their beasts {H1165} drink {H8248}.

"Take the staff, assemble the community, you and Aharon your brother; and before their eyes, tell the rock to produce its water. You will bring them water out of the rock and thus enable the community and their livestock to drink."

โ€œTake the staff and assemble the congregation. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will pour out its water. You will bring out water from the rock and provide drink for the congregation and their livestock.โ€

Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes, that it give forth its water; and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock; so thou shalt give the congregation and their cattle drink.

Commentary

Numbers 20:8 records God's specific instruction to Moses regarding how to provide water for the murmuring Israelites at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin. This pivotal moment precedes a significant event that impacts Moses' leadership and entry into the Promised Land.

Historical and Cultural Context

This event occurs near the end of the Israelites' forty years of wandering in the wilderness, specifically at Kadesh, a significant encampment in the Wilderness of Zin. The people, once again, complain bitterly about the lack of water, echoing their previous grievances (compare Exodus 17:3). God, in His steadfast faithfulness, responds to their need, not their rebellion, by providing a miraculous solution. This is a crucial moment for understanding the wilderness narrative and the leadership of Moses and Aaron.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Provision: Despite the Israelites' constant complaining and lack of faith, God remains faithful to His covenant promises, providing water for them and their livestock. This highlights His enduring grace and care for His people (see also Psalm 105:41).
  • Specific Obedience: The verse emphasizes a crucial change in God's instruction to Moses. While in a previous instance at Rephidim, Moses was commanded to strike the rock, here he is explicitly told to "speak unto the rock." This distinction is vital for understanding the consequences that follow in Numbers 20:12.
  • The Rod of God: Moses is instructed to "Take the rod," which has been a symbol of God's power and authority throughout the Exodus narrative, used in various miracles and judgments.

Linguistic Insights

The key instruction in this verse is "speak ye unto the rock." The Hebrew verb used here is dabber (ื“ึทึผื‘ึตึผืจ), meaning "to speak" or "to command." This is in stark contrast to the earlier command in Exodus 17:6, where Moses was told to nakah (ื ึธื›ึธื”), meaning "to strike" or "to smite." This shift from striking to speaking signifies a progression in God's dealing with His people and the representation of His power. The first striking symbolized Christ being smitten for our sins; a second striking would imply insufficiency. The subsequent command to speak represents our ability to receive living water simply by faith and confession (compare John 7:38).

Significance and Reflection

This verse sets the stage for Moses' great trespass, recorded in Numbers 20:11, where he disobeys God's specific command by striking the rock twice instead of speaking to it. This act of disobedience, born out of frustration and perhaps a lack of trust in God's simple instruction, cost Moses and Aaron entry into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12, Deuteronomy 32:51). The rock itself is later interpreted by Paul as a spiritual type of Christ, who provides living water (1 Corinthians 10:4).

Practical Application

Numbers 20:8 reminds us of the importance of precise obedience to God's instructions, especially for those in leadership. Even seemingly small deviations can have significant consequences. It also powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to provide for His people, even when they are undeserving. Just as the rock provided water, Jesus Christ is the source of living water, freely given to all who believe and ask.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 4:17

    And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.

  • Exodus 17:5

    And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 43:20

    The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

  • Revelation 22:17

    And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

  • Numbers 21:15

    And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab.

  • Luke 11:13

    If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?