In chapter 20, through God’s power, Moses draws water from a rock, Edom refuses to allow Israel to pass through their land, and Aaron and Miriam die.
At this time, the Israelites had made it to the wilderness of Zin and had camped at a place called Kadesh. Miriam died and was buried there. The people began to complain again, blaming Moses saying, “We wish we had died in the Lord’s presence with our brothers! Did you bring the Lord’s people into this wilderness to die, along with all our livestock? Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place? This land has no grain, figs, grapes, or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!” (Numbers 20:3-5) Wow...the total opposite of the Promised Land...a land flowing with milk and honey. Aren’t they still in the wilderness because of their actions, not Moses’ actions? Proof that it’s easier to blame others than to blame ourselves.
At this point, God gave Moses some specific directions after Moses and Aaron fell to the ground in prayer, but Moses failed to exercise those directions accurately. The Lord said, “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, command the rock over there to pour out its water. You will get enough water from the rock to satisfy all the people and their livestock.” (Numbers 20:8) Moses took the staff, gathered the people, as God had instructed, and said, “Listen, you rebels!” He shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” (Sounds like Moses is feeling himself.) Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So all the people and their livestock drank their fill. (Numbers 20:10-11) The Lord was displeased with Moses and Aaron, and said, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” (verse 12)
Ok, let’s unpack this. God didn’t tell him to strike the rock at all, let alone twice, so Moses was definitely operating outside of God’s instructions. However, I believe, it was Moses’ words that caused God’s displeasure. Moses said, “Must WE bring…” Who’s getting the glory? It certainly isn’t God. Moses glorified him and Aaron with his bold question to the people. Listen to God’s words, “...you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people…” How many times have WE taken credit for what God has done?
Now the land of Kadesh, where the Israelites are camping, borders Edom, and Moses wants to cross through their country. He tries to assure the king of Edom that the people of Israel would not eat of their vineyards or drink water from their wells, but the king denied their request. The Israelites were "forced to turn around." (Numbers 20:20)
Let's take a look at this for a moment. The question that came to mind as I read this is…. I thought God was leading them? When God (the cloud) moved, the Israelites would break camp and move, and travel until God (the cloud) would stop.. Essentially, God was denied passage through Edom. How did this happen, if God is leading Israel? And then it hit me! It happened when the Israelites continually rejected and complained about the Lord...to the point that God told Moses, while staring into the land of Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey, to lead these ungrateful people back into the wilderness where they will wander for 40 years. Guess what? They are wandering; God is no longer leading them. Wow!
The chapter ends with Aaron dying, and his son, Eleazar, takes his place as the high priest, and Moses places Aaron’s priestly garments on Eleazar.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to give YOU the glory in ALL the good that we do. We are absolutely nothing without you. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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