Numbers 20:12

Translations

Modern

But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”

Traditional

And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

Literal

And YHWH said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to show My holiness in the eyes of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”

Latin

Dixitque Dominus ad Moysen et Aaron: Quia non credidistis mihi, ut sanctificaretis me coram filiis Israël, non introducetis hos populos in terram, quam dabo eis.

Original

Hebrew

English

But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”

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

Deuteronomy 1:37
The LORD was also angry with me on your account, and He said, “Not even you shall enter the land.
Numbers 27:14
…for when the congregation contended in the Wilderness of Zin, both of you rebelled against My command to show My holiness in their sight regarding the waters.” Those were the waters of Meribah in Kadesh, in the Wilderness of Zin.
Numbers 20:24
“Aaron will be gathered to his people; he will not enter the land that I have given the Israelites, because both of you rebelled against My command at the waters of Meribah.
Ezekiel 36:23
I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness in you before their eyes.
Deuteronomy 3:23–27
At that time I also pleaded with the LORD:
Deuteronomy 32:49–51
“Go up into the Abarim Range to Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab across from Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites as their own possession.
Luke 1:20
And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”
Joshua 1:2
“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel.
Luke 1:45
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord’s word to her will be fulfilled.”
Deuteronomy 34:4
And the LORD said to him, “This is the land that I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross into it.”
Isaiah 8:13
The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded.
Matthew 17:20
“Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Parallels

Exodus 17:1–7

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

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

Topics

Aaron: His Presumption, when the Rock is Smitten Aaron: Inspiration of Aaron: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan Israel: Complain for Lack of Water in Meribah; the Rock is Struck Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin: Moses and Aaron Punished Rashness: when he Struck the Rock Rebellion Against God: Moses and Aaron Trouble: About Water Unbelief: General Scriptures Concerning Unbelief: Moses and Aaron

Numbers 20:12

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