Numbers 20:10

Translations

Modern

Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, “Listen now, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?”

Traditional

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?

Literal

And Moses and Aaron gathered together the assembly to the face of the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels; shall we bring forth for you water from this rock?”

Latin

…congregata multitudine ante petram: dixitque eis: Audite, rebelles et increduli: num de petra hac vobis aquam poterimus ejicere?

Original

Hebrew

English

Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, “Listen now, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?”

Notes

Numbers 20:10–12

Instead of obeying God's instructions with respect, Moses criticized the people (Must we bring you water out of this rock?). Moses then hit the rock twice with his staff (20:11). God considered the words and actions of Moses as a serious lack of faith. Moses "spoke rashly" (Psalm 106:32–33; compare James 1:20). Moses did not trust God enough to show God’s holiness to the people.

God had told Moses exactly what to do. By acting differently, Moses showed a lack of faith that God would provide for his people. His angry words also revealed this lack of trust.

The Lord requires obedience and faith. Anything less dishonors his holy character (Numbers 20:24; 27:14). Such a serious lack of obedience and faith led to the same outcome as earlier (14:20–23; see also 1 Corinthians 10:4–12).

Numbers 20:2–13

The people of Israel complained again about not having water and food (compare 11:4–35; 21:4–5; Exodus 15:22–25). So, Moses and Aaron disobeyed the Lord. As a result, they lost the privilege of entering the promised land.

Theme notes and profiles

Aaron Eleazar Moses

Related verses

Psalm 106:32–33
At the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them.
James 3:2
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.
Daniel 2:28–30
But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these:
Luke 9:54–55
When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”
Deuteronomy 9:24
You have been rebelling against the LORD since the day I came to know you.
Romans 15:17–19
Therefore I exult in Christ Jesus in my service to God.
Acts 23:3–5
Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.”
Genesis 41:16
“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”
Acts 14:9–15
This man was listening to the words of Paul, who looked intently at him and saw that he had faith to be healed.
Acts 3:12–16
And when Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
Genesis 40:8
“We both had dreams,” they replied, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”
Numbers 11:22–23
If all our flocks and herds were slaughtered for them, would they have enough? Or if all the fish in the sea were caught for them, would they have enough?”

Parallels

Exodus 17:1–7

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Aaron Aaron’s Rod Deuteronomy, Book of Kadesh, Kadesh-Barnea Mount Hor Numbers, Book of Wilderness of Zin Wilderness Wanderings

Topics

Aaron: His Presumption, when the Rock is Smitten Anger: Moses, Toward Pharaoh Anger: Sinful: Moses Blessing: Temporal, from God in Egypt: Water Desert, Journey of Israel Through The: Moses Striking the Rock Instead of Speaking to It, Disobeys God: Supplying Water at Meribah Israel: Complain for Lack of Water in Meribah; the Rock is Struck Miracles: Catalogue of Water from the Rock in Kadesh Moses: Character of Impatience of Rashness: when he Struck the Rock Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Murmuring Against Him Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites Rocks: Meribah in Kadesh Trouble: About Water

Numbers 20:10

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