Numbers 20:11
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)
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The text highlights that Moses struck the rock twice. While it looks like a simple, abundant miracle to provide water, this repeated action—contrary to God's direct instruction to speak to the rock—reveals Moses' frustration and, more importantly, his failure to fully honor God as the sole source of the miracle in the people's eyes.
After Miriam's death in Kadesh, the Israelites again cry out to Moses and Aaron because there is no water. God instructs Moses and Aaron to speak to a rock to bring forth water, but in their frustration with the people's rebellion, Moses strikes the rock twice with his staff instead of speaking to it. Water does abundantly flow, yet God declares that because they failed to sanctify Him in the eyes of the people, Moses and Aaron will not lead Israel into the promised land.
Water flowed from the rock, yet this miracle led to Moses and Aaron's downfall. What went wrong when God provided so generously?
The Israelites were thirsty, and God, in His faithfulness, commanded Moses to bring water from a rock. The command was clear: 'Speak to the rock' (Numbers 20:8). However, Moses, perhaps weary from the people's constant grumbling, struck the rock not once, but twice with his staff. This act, seemingly minor, was a significant departure from God's instruction. It wasn't just about getting water; it was about how they got it and who got the glory.
The Heart of the Matter
The text mentions that both the people and their livestock drank. Is there more to this water than just quenching thirst?
While the water from the rock was a physical necessity for everyone, including the animals, for the Israelites, it held a deeper spiritual meaning. The Apostle Paul explains this in his letter to the Corinthians.
A Spiritual Feast
This event, occurring near the end of Israel's 40-year wilderness wandering, highlights the consequence of both the people's persistent rebellion and Moses' failure to fully obey God, even in a moment of miraculous provision.
c. 1440 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites leave Egypt after centuries of slavery, beginning their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1440 BC
Water from the Rock at Rephidim
Early in their wilderness journey, the Israelites face a severe water shortage and demand Moses provide water. God instructs Moses to strike a rock at Horeb, and water flows out.
c. 1440 BC
Miriam's Death
Miriam, Moses' and Aaron's sister, dies at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. Her death marks a significant loss for the people.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Israel Demands Water at Kadesh
After nearly 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites arrive at Kadesh and again face a critical water shortage, leading to widespread rebellion and complaints against Moses and Aaron.
This passage directly connects the water from the rock to Christ, calling it 'spiritual rock' and the water 'spiritual drink,' highlighting the symbolic and sacramental nature of this event for believers.
Psalm 78:15-16The Psalmist recounts this very event, emphasizing God's miraculous provision of water from rocks and the subsequent rebellion of the people, underscoring the theme of God's faithfulness despite Israel's ingratitude.
Exodus 17:6This passage describes an earlier incident where Moses struck a rock for water, serving as a parallel to this event and showing a pattern of God providing for His people's needs through miraculous means, while also highlighting Moses' earlier obedience.
Psalm 106:32-33This psalm explains that Moses' anger and striking the rock twice were a result of the people's provocation, showing how human sin and frustration can affect even God's chosen leaders and lead to missteps.
John 19:34The commentary suggests a parallel between the water from the rock and the blood and water that flowed from Jesus' pierced side, symbolizing spiritual life and cleansing for humanity.
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…
gillNumbers 20:11: "And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also."
And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice,.... At first it only brought out some drops, as Jarchi conjectures, and therefore Moses smote again, when it brought forth water plentifully: the Targum of Jonathan says,"at the first time it dropped blood, at the second time came out much water.''Coul…
The text highlights that Moses struck the rock twice. While it looks like a simple, abundant miracle to provide water, this repeated action—contrary to God's direct instruction to speak to the rock—reveals Moses' frustration and, more importantly, his failure to fully honor God as the sole source of the miracle in the people's eyes.
After Miriam's death in Kadesh, the Israelites again cry out to Moses and Aaron because there is no water. God instructs Moses and Aaron to speak to a rock to bring forth water, but in their frustration with the people's rebellion, Moses strikes the rock twice with his staff instead of speaking to it. Water does abundantly flow, yet God declares that because they failed to sanctify Him in the eyes of the people, Moses and Aaron will not lead Israel into the promised land.
After Miriam's death in Kadesh, the Israelites again cry out to Moses and Aaron because there is no water. God instructs Moses and Aaron to speak to a rock to bring forth water, but in their frustration with the people's rebellion, Moses strikes the rock twice with his staff instead of speaking to it. Water does abundantly flow, yet God declares that because they failed to sanctify Him in the eyes of the people, Moses and Aaron will not lead Israel into the promised land.
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c. 1406 BC
Moses Strikes the Rock
Instead of speaking to the rock as commanded, Moses strikes it twice in anger. Water still gushes out abundantly, but this act of disobedience has consequences.
c. 1406 BC
Judgment for Disobedience
Because Moses and Aaron did not sanctify God before the people by obeying His command precisely, they are told they will not lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
The Place Named Meribah
The site is named Meribah (meaning 'strife' or 'contention') to commemorate the Israelites' rebellion and God's provision of water amidst their disputes.
"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." — The text highlights that Moses struck the rock twice. While it looks like a simple, abundant miracle to provide water, this repeated action—contrary to God's direct instruction to speak to the ro…
