Moses Strikes the Rock

​Moses Strikes the Rock

In the first month of the year, the whole community of Israel… arrived, in the wilderness of Zin, and camped at Kadesh. 

While they were there, Miriam died and was buried. 

There was no water, for the people to drink, at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron (again). 

The people blamed Moses and said,…

“If only we had died, in the Lord’s presence, with our brothers! 

Why have you brought the congregation, of the Lord’s people, into this wilderness to die, along with all our livestock? 

Why did you make us leave Egypt …and bring us here, to this terrible place? This land has no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates, and no water to drink!” 

Moses and Aaron turned away, from the people …and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. 

Then, the glorious presence, of the Lord, appeared to them and the Lord said to Moses, 

“You and Aaron must take the staff, and assemble the entire community. 

As the people watch, speak to the rock …over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water, from the rock, to satisfy the whole community …and their livestock.” 

So, Moses did as he was told. 

He took the staff, from the place where it was kept, before the Lord. 

Then, he and Aaron summoned the people, to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. 

“Must we bring you water from this rock?” 

Then, Moses raised his hand and struck the rock, twice, with the staff, and water gushed out. 

So, the entire community, and their livestock, drank their fill. 

But, the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 

“Because you did not trust Me enough to demonstrate My holiness, to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land, which I am giving them!” 

This place was known, as the waters of Meribah (which means “arguing”) …because there, the people of Israel …argued, with the Lord, …and there, He demonstrated His holiness, among them. 

Numbers 20:1–13 (NLT)

Praise be to God!


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