There is so much happening in this chapter, we can’t cover it all. Minor events include the death of Miriam and denial of passage through the land of Edom (that one has interesting back story). There are also two major intertwined events I’ll try to cover.
“Now there was no water for the congregation. And they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. ‘Why have you brought the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness, that we should die here, both we and our cattle?’ …and the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water.’ 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. And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them. Take Aaron and Eleazar his son and bring them up to Mount Hor. And strip Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son. And Aaron shall be gathered to his people and shall die there.’ ” (v2,4,7-8a,11-12,25-26)
Moses, commanded by God to speak to a rock so it brings forth water, disobeys God and strikes the rock twice with his staff. God still brings forth abundant water from the rock, however, for their disobedience Moses and Aaron are not allowed to enter the promised land with the people. In fact, Aaron dies shortly after this incident.
This passage really speaks to the generosity and love of God – God still chooses to provide abundant water from the rock, despite their disobedience. It looks like God would have doubly blessed Moses and Aaron with both water for Israel, and their continued leadership into the promised land, however, He withheld the second part of the blessing. Often when we sin against God, our punishment is a withheld blessing.
For me, this line really hit home: “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel…”. God says that their disobedience, though sinful, failed to uphold God’s holiness in the eyes of Israel. Let’s explore this for a moment.
We are image bearers of God (Gen 1:26) and ambassadors/representatives of Christ (2 Cor 5:20). When we fail to obey God, not only do we testify to our broken state, we mar the image of our holy God/Jesus, whom we represent. It’s not the sin God has the biggest problem with, it’s us tarnishing His reputation and blaspheming His name that hurts Him the most.
I know that’s grim, but there’s plenty of hope for reconciliation – “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance… Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” (Ac 3:17-20 abr) “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble” (Psa 107:1-2)
Take heart – God will redeem us from our sin, even when we defame Him, so that we can proclaim His steadfast love and glory in a newly recognized way. Praise the Lord so that all nations may hear us, for we have been reconciled to Him through Christ Jesus.
Father God, Holy One of Israel, we praise and lift up Your name. You bring forth abundant water from rocks, yet withhold some blessing in place of the punishment we rightfully deserve. Father please forgive us our blasphemes and sin, for we are an ignorant and broken people. Please help us to praise Your holy name and speak of the reconciliation we have received, so that all may hear our testimony and know You are the one true God, full of mercy and grace. All honor praise and glory be to You, O Lord God Almighty. In the redemptive name of Jesus we thank You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training