Numbers 20:1-13

Numbers 20:1-13

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Moses’ Error at Kadesh 20 Then the children of Israel, the whole congregation, came into the Wilderness of Zin in the first month, and the people stayed in Kadesh; and Miriam died there and was buried there. 2 Now there was no water for the congregation; so they gathered together against Moses and Aaron. 3 And the people contended with Moses and spoke, saying: “If only we had died when our brethren died before the LORD! 4 Why have you brought up the assembly of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our animals should die here? 5 And why have you made us come up out of Egypt, to bring us to this evil place? It is not a place of grain or figs or vines or pomegranates; nor is there any water to drink.” 6 So Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and they fell on their faces. And the glory of the LORD appeared to them. 7 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 8 “Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals.” 9 So Moses took the rod from before the LORD as He commanded him. 10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank. 12 Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” 13 This was the water of Meribah, because the children of Israel contended with the LORD, and He was hallowed among them. The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Nu 20:1–13.


Discussion on the Book of Numbers

  • The narrative focuses on a passage from the Book of Numbers, detailing the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, their struggles with faith, and their interactions with Moses and Aaron.

  • The passage discusses a moment of crisis due to a lack of water and the Israelites' complaint against Moses and Aaron, leading to a divine intervention where God instructs Moses to speak to a rock to bring forth water.

  • The discussion emphasizes Moses' failure to follow God's instructions precisely, resulting in consequences for him and Aaron but also showcasing God's mercy and provision despite the people's rebellion.

Key Verses Highlighted

  • Verses Numbers 20:1-13 are discussed, with a particular focus on the moments of divine instruction, the mistake made by Moses, and the ultimate provision of water for the Israelites.

Lessons and Applications

  • The video draws parallels between the biblical story and contemporary Christian life, focusing on themes of trust, obedience to God, and the grace of God in the face of human failure.

  • It emphasizes the importance of turning to God in times of difficulty rather than succumbing to despair or complaint.

  • The host reflects on the concept of "hallowing" God's name, understanding and respecting God's holiness and goodness, and applying these lessons in daily life to avoid the pitfalls of rebellion and ingratitude.

Closing Prayer

  • The session ends with a prayer of thanks for God's mercy and a petition for the strength to not emulate the rebellious nature of the Israelites in the wilderness but instead to live in gratitude and obedience.

Bryan SchneiderComment