Numbers 20:10-11
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Instead of simply commanding the rock, Moses, in his frustration with the rebels, asks them sarcastically if "we" are supposed to miraculously bring water from it. This highlights his exasperation and his shift from relying solely on God's power to momentarily leaning on human ability and pride.
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?” And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Miriam's death and a new demand for water, God instructs Moses and Aaron to speak to a rock to bring forth water for the thirsty Israelites. Instead of obeying God's command to speak, Moses, in frustration with the "rebels" before him, strikes the rock twice in anger, and only then does water flow. This act, though bringing water, disobeys God and leads to severe consequences for Moses and Aaron.
The people are thirsty, and their complaints echo their parents' past grumbling. But this time, something more is at stake than just a lack of water.
The Israelites arrive at Kadesh after a long, circuitous journey through the wilderness. They are again without water, and their immediate reaction is to lash out at Moses and Aaron. They call the place 'evil' and lament leaving Egypt, ignoring God's daily provision of manna and the fact that their own stubbornness had prolonged their wandering.
The Echo of Past Sins
This isn't the first time they've faced a water crisis and responded with rebellion. Thirty-eight years earlier, at Rephidim, a similar situation arose. The people’s response now shows a deep-seated pattern of defiance. They accuse Moses and Aaron, but their real target is God, questioning His faithfulness and power.
Blame Shifting
Instead of trusting God or even asking for His help, they cast blame. They conveniently forget the miracles they've already witnessed and demand that Moses and Aaron produce water. It's a classic case of shifting responsibility from their own actions onto their leaders.
Moses, a man known for his patience, cracks under pressure. What exactly was his sin, and how does it reveal the human struggle even in those closest to God?
In this moment, Moses and Aaron are called by God to provide water for the thirsty congregation. The command is clear: speak to the rock, and it will yield water (Numbers 20:8). However, faced with the people's relentless rebellion and harsh words, Moses's righteous anger and frustration boil over.
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Speaking in Anger
Instead of speaking to the rock as commanded, Moses turns to the people and says, 'Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?' His words and tone are sharp, fueled by the repeated defiance of the Israelites. This outburst is a departure from his usual meekness and reveals the immense pressure he was under.
The Double Strike
Further compounding the issue, Moses strikes the rock twice with his staff (Numbers 20:11). This action, coupled with his angry words, deviates from God's specific instructions. While the water still flows—a testament to God's grace—the manner in which it was brought forth failed to properly honor God.
The consequence for Moses and Aaron's actions is severe: they will not enter the Promised Land. Why such a harsh penalty for what seems like a minor slip-up?
The ultimate issue in this event isn't just the lack of water for the people; it's about God's reputation and the recognition of His holiness among His people.
Faithlessness and Disobedience
God tells Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not believe me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel' (Numbers 20:12). Their actions—the angry words and the double strike instead of a spoken command—failed to demonstrate God's power and faithfulness in a way that would inspire awe and trust in the Israelites. Instead of sanctifying God, their actions risked making Him seem powerless or dependent on their own efforts.
The Price of Undermining Authority
The consequence is profound: they are barred from leading the people into the Promised Land. This wasn't a punishment for personal sin in the typical sense, but a consequence of failing to uphold God's holiness and authority before the very people they led. Their actions, though perhaps seemingly small to human eyes, had significant theological implications for Israel's faith.
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 occurs near the end of the Israelites' 40-year wilderness journey, shortly before they are to enter the Promised Land. The people's rebellion, and Moses' and Aaron's disobedience, highlight the deep-seated issues of faith and obedience that plagued the community throughout their desert sojourn.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
After 400 years of slavery in Egypt, God leads the Israelites out of bondage under Moses and Aaron. This marks the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1446 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.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Miriam's Death at Kadesh
The Israelites arrive at the Desert of Zin near Kadesh. Miriam, Moses' and Aaron's sister, dies and is buried here.
c. 1406 BC
Second Water from the Rock Incident
Facing thirst, the congregation rebels against Moses and Aaron. God instructs Moses to speak to a rock, but in anger, he strikes it twice.
c. 1406 BC
Punishment for Moses and Aaron
Because they did not believe God or sanctify Him before the people, Moses and Aaron are barred from entering the Promised Land.
c. 1300s BC - 1300s BC
Years of Wandering
The Israelites spent approximately 38 years wandering in the wilderness after the initial rebellion at the borders of Canaan. This period saw the death of the generation that refused to enter the land.
This passage directly references the incident in Numbers 20, highlighting how the people's provocation led Moses to 'speak rashly,' emphasizing the emotional and sinful reactions that can arise even in God's leaders.
1 Corinthians 10:4Paul refers to the water that flowed from the rock as 'spiritual drink,' connecting this miracle to Christ, who is the source of living water for believers, showing a deeper theological significance.
Exodus 17:6This is the earlier instance where God commanded Moses to strike the rock for water, showing a parallel event but with a crucial difference in God's instructions and Moses's obedience, which highlights the specific sin in Numbers 20.
Deuteronomy 1:37Here, Moses himself recounts that he was forbidden to enter the Promised Land because of his sin at Meribah, directly linking this specific event to severe consequences for leadership, even after years of faithful service.
John 7:37-39Jesus speaks of living water flowing from believers, a concept that echoes the miraculous water from the rock, pointing to the Holy Spirit as the ultimate source of spiritual refreshment, which is far greater than the physical water provided to Israel.
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,…
Instead of simply commanding the rock, Moses, in his frustration with the rebels, asks them sarcastically if "we" are supposed to miraculously bring water from it. This highlights his exasperation and his shift from relying solely on God's power to momentarily leaning on human ability and pride.
After Miriam's death and a new demand for water, God instructs Moses and Aaron to speak to a rock to bring forth water for the thirsty Israelites. Instead of obeying God's command to speak, Moses, in frustration with the "rebels" before him, strikes the rock twice in anger, and only then does water flow. This act, though bringing water, disobeys God and leads to severe consequences for Moses and Aaron.
After Miriam's death and a new demand for water, God instructs Moses and Aaron to speak to a rock to bring forth water for the thirsty Israelites. Instead of obeying God's command to speak, Moses, in frustration with the "rebels" before him, strikes the rock twice in anger, and only then does water flow. This act, though bringing water, disobeys God and leads to severe consequences for Moses and Aaron.
"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?” And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and wat…" — Instead of simply commanding the rock, Moses, in his frustration with the rebels, asks them sarcastically if "we" are supposed to miraculously bring water from it. This highlights his exasperation an…
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Last reviewed October 2026
