Numbers 20:9-13
Summary for Num 20:10-12: 20:10-12 a Instead of reverently obeying God’s instructions, Moses rebuked the people (Must we bring you water from this rock?) and angrily struck the rock twice with the staff (20:11 b). God regarded Moses’ words and actions as a serious breach of faith; Moses “spoke foolishly” (Ps 106:32-33 c; cp. Jas 1:20 d) and did not trust God enough to demonstrate his holiness. By not doing exactly as he was told, Moses demonstrated a lack of faith in God to provide for his people. This lack of faith is also apparent in Moses’ words to the people. The Lord requires obedience and faith; anything less is an affront to his holy character (Num 20:24 e; 27:14 f). Such serious lack of obedience and faith had the same result as it had earlier (14:20-23 g; see also 1 Cor 10:4-12 h).20:13 i Meribah: As they had at Rephidim (Exod 17:1-7 j), the Israelites coined a name (“Arguing”) that referred more to the incident than to a geographical location.
• God demonstrated his holiness through his judgment on Aaron and Moses’ sin.
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