Numbers 20:1-13

The LORD Gives Israel Water Out of the Rock

1 In the first month the whole community of Israel arrived at the Desert of Zin. They stayed at Kadesh. Miriam died there. Her body was also buried there.

2 The people didn't have any water. So they gathered together to oppose Moses and Aaron.

3 They argued with Moses. They said, "We wish we had died when our people fell dead in front of the Lord.

4 "Why did you bring the LORD's people into this desert? We and our livestock will die here.

5 Why did you bring us up out of Egypt? Why did you bring us to this terrible place? It doesn't have any grain or figs. It doesn't have any grapes or pomegranates. There isn't even any water for us to drink!"

6 Moses and Aaron left the people. They went to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. There they fell with their faces to the ground. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to them.

7 The LORD spoke to Moses. He said,

8 "Get your wooden staff. You and your brother Aaron gather the people together. Then speak to that rock while everyone is watching. It will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community. Then they and their livestock can drink it."

9 So Moses took the wooden staff from the tent. He did just as the LORD had commanded him.

10 He and Aaron gathered the people together in front of the rock. Moses said to them, "Listen, you who refuse to obey! Do we have to bring water out of this rock for you?"

11 Then Moses raised his arm. He hit the rock twice with his staff. Water poured out. And the people and their livestock drank it.

12 But the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron. He said, "You did not trust in me enough to honor me. You did not honor me as the holy God in front of the people of Israel. So you will not bring this community into the land I am giving them."

13 Those were the waters of Meribah. That's where the people of Israel argued with the Lord. And that's where he showed them he is holy.

Numbers 20:1-13 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 20

In this chapter is an account of the children of Israel coming to the wilderness of Zin, where Miriam died, and where wanting water they murmured, Nu 20:1-5, upon which Moses and Aaron applied to the Lord, who ordered Moses to speak to a rock, which should give forth water, and which being smitten by him, accordingly did, Nu 20:6-11, but Moses and Aaron, in their conduct of this affair, displeased the Lord, Nu 20:12,13, after this, Moses sent to the king of Edom to desire a passage through his country, which request was refused, Nu 20:14-21, upon Israel's coming to Mount Hor, Aaron, by order, went up to the mount, and, when stripped of his clothes, which were put on his son Eleazar, he died, lamented by all the people, Nu 20:22-29.