Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses and Aaron are not just frustrated; they're questioning their own authority and ability ("must we fetch you water?") rather than boldly proclaiming God's power to provide, revealing a moment of doubt that deeply displeased God. This subtle shift from "God will bring water" to "will we bring water" is precisely where their sin and its severe consequences lie.
Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Miriam's death in Kadesh, the Israelites again face a severe water shortage, prompting them to harshly criticize Moses and Aaron. God instructs Moses to gather the people and speak to a specific rock, which will then miraculously provide water. However, in his frustration with their rebellion, Moses, in this moment, addresses the people with anger and strikes the rock instead of speaking to it.
Imagine being called a 'rebel' by your leaders. What does it take for God's chosen leaders, Moses and Aaron, to use such harsh language? It speaks volumes about the Israelites' persistent defiance.
Moses, a man known for his meekness, addresses the crowd with a sharp rebuke: 'Hear now, you rebels!' (Numbers 20:10). This isn't just a passing frustration; it reflects a deep-seated pattern of defiance from the Israelites.
A History of Disobedience
This isn't the first time the Israelites have grumbled. Years earlier, at Rephidim, they demanded water, questioning God's presence among them (Exodus 17:1-7). Despite experiencing God's provision then and enjoying daily manna, their hearts quickly forgot. This time, their complaints escalate, questioning not just Moses and Aaron, but God's very act of bringing them out of Egypt only to die of thirst.
Leaders Under Fire
For Moses and Aaron, this constant rebellion is a heavy burden. They are God's representatives, tasked with leading a people who repeatedly challenge divine authority. Their sharp words, while seemingly harsh, stem from years of dealing with ungratefulness and disobedience, and perhaps a sense of utter exasperation at the people's refusal to trust God's power, which they had already witnessed.
Moses and Aaron delivered water, but God was displeased. What subtle, yet critical, element was missing in their obedience?
The miracle of water from the rock was indeed a powerful display of God's provision. However, the way Moses and Aaron handled it led to severe consequences.
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Speaking to the Rock vs. Striking It
God's instruction was clear: 'Speak to the rock' (Numbers 20:8). This action would have been a direct, faith-filled obedience, emphasizing God's power through His word. Instead, in his frustration and haste, Moses 'smote the rock twice' (Numbers 20:11).
The Core Issue: Sanctifying God
The critical failure wasn't necessarily the act of striking, but the underlying attitude and its effect on God's reputation. The text states God’s reason for their punishment: 'Because you did not believe me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel' (Numbers 20:12).
Understand the original words
marah · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
A word used to describe those who stubbornly refuse to submit to God’s authority or trust His word, often reflecting a heart of defiance against divine guidance.
This event at the Waters of Meribah is particularly poignant because it happens near the end of their 40-year wilderness journey, just before entering the Promised Land. The people's persistent rebellion, even after witnessing so many miracles, highlights their deep-seated unfaithfulness, while Moses and Aaron's flawed obedience carries severe consequences, underscoring the immense responsibility leaders have before God and His people.
~1440 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, after centuries of slavery, are miraculously led out of Egypt by God, initiating their 40-year journey in the wilderness.
~1440 BC
Water from the Rock at Rephidim
Early in their wilderness journey, the Israelites grumble about lack of water at Rephidim. God instructs Moses to strike a rock, and water flows out, meeting the people's need.
~1405 BC— this verse
Miriam's Death and Israel's Arrival in Kadesh
The Israelites arrive in the desert of Zin near Kadesh. Miriam, Moses' sister, dies and is buried there. This marks a significant moment as they are nearing the Promised Land.
~1405 BC
Rebellion at the Waters of Meribah
The congregation again lacks water, leading them to rebel against Moses and Aaron. Moses, in anger and frustration, strikes the rock twice instead of speaking to it as God commanded, and Aaron is also implicated.
~1405 BC
Consequences for Moses and Aaron
Because they failed to fully trust and obey God, and thus did not sanctify Him before the people, Moses and Aaron are told they will not enter the Promised Land.
~1405 BC
The Journey Continues
After the incident at Meribah, the Israelites continue their journey, eventually reaching the borders of the Promised Land.
This passage describes an earlier instance where Moses struck a rock to bring forth water, but in Numbers 20, he was specifically instructed to speak to it, highlighting a change in God's command and Moses' failure to follow it precisely.
Psalm 106:32-33This psalm directly references the event in Numbers 20, stating that Moses and Aaron provoked God's spirit, leading Moses to 'speak rashly with his lips,' which underscores the anger and frustration evident in his words to the people.
Numbers 27:14This verse reiterates the reason for Moses and Aaron not entering the Promised Land, stating it was 'because you rebelled against my command at the waters of Meribah,' directly linking their disobedience in this event to severe consequences.
Deuteronomy 8:3This verse reminds Israel that God 'fed you in the wilderness with manna, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.' This contrasts with their rebellious attitude in Numbers 20, where they forgot God's provision and tested Him again.
calvinNumbers 20:1-13: "Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there."
And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there ally water to drink.
Et quare ascendere fecistis nos ex AEgypto, ut venire faceretis nos ad locum malum istum, n…
ellicottNumbers 20:10: "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?"
(10) Must we fetch you water out of this rock?— In the case of the former miracle at Rephidim the rock is spoken of only under the Hebrew word zur ( Exodus 17:6 ). Throughout the present narration the rock is invariably spoken of under the word sela. In Psalm 78:15-16 , where reference appears to be made to both miracles,…
Moses and Aaron are not just frustrated; they're questioning their own authority and ability ("must we fetch you water?") rather than boldly proclaiming God's power to provide, revealing a moment of doubt that deeply displeased God. This subtle shift from "God will bring water" to "will we bring water" is precisely where their sin and its severe consequences lie.
Following Miriam's death in Kadesh, the Israelites again face a severe water shortage, prompting them to harshly criticize Moses and Aaron. God instructs Moses to gather the people and speak to a specific rock, which will then miraculously provide water. However, in his frustration with their rebellion, Moses, in this moment, addresses the people with anger and strikes the rock instead of speaking to it.
Following Miriam's death in Kadesh, the Israelites again face a severe water shortage, prompting them to harshly criticize Moses and Aaron. God instructs Moses to gather the people and speak to a specific rock, which will then miraculously provide water. However, in his frustration with their rebellion, Moses, in this moment, addresses the people with anger and strikes the rock instead of speaking to it.
"Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?”" — Moses and Aaron are not just frustrated; they're questioning their own authority and ability ("must we fetch you water?") rather than boldly proclaiming God's power to provide, revealing a moment o…
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Last reviewed October 2026