Numbers 17-20
Does the story of “The Waters of Meribah” in Num. 20:2-13 feel like déjà vu? Perhaps that is because we have a very similar story in Exodus 17:1-7. In both cases, the people of Israel quarrel with Moses, grumbling about the lack of water. In both cases Moses pleads with the LORD to provide water. In both cases Moses strikes a rock and water gushes forth. In both cases the place is called “Meribah”, which means “quarreling” or “strife”.
But these two stories also have differences. The Exodus incident occurs at Mount Horeb (aka Mt. Sinai). Here we are at Kadesh. In Exodus the LORD tells Moses to strike the rock. Here the LORD tells Moses to speak to the rock. In Exodus Moses does exactly what the LORD tells him to do. Here Moses strays from the LORD’s instructions; he takes it upon himself to strike the rock (twice, even) while speaking to the people (not to the rock, as directed), saying, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” (Num. 10:10b) In Exodus Moses is fine. Here the LORD rebukes Moses for his own aggrandizement and failure to glorify the LORD. The consequence is that Moses and Aaron are barred from entering the Promised Land.
On first blush it may seem that the LORD is overly harsh here, that the penalty is more severe than the mistake deserves. We tend to think that Moses’ years of meritorious service should buy him a little extra leniency. But the reality is that sin is sin, and Moses and Aaron — of all people — should know better. Moses and Aaron both enjoy positions of honor and privilege. Moses especially enjoys an intimate relationship with the LORD, speaking with Him “face to face”. (Ex. 33:11; Num. 12:8) But Moses and Aaron are not perfect, and in anger and frustration they do the very thing that they so often oppose in others: they disregard the LORD’s holiness. It’s one thing for the LORD to place Moses and Aaron in an exalted position. It’s quite another thing for Moses and Aaron to exalt themselves — and to take the glory and honor that rightfully belongs to God alone.
One lesson for us in all of this is not to presume upon God’s grace. We are not to take our status as children of God for granted. We are not to think that we can “get away with” doing what we urge others not to do. Let’s especially strive always to believe in [the LORD], to uphold [Him] as holy in the eyes of the people. (Num. 20:12)
Wow! I wouldn’t blame Moses if he felt the punishment was a bit too severe. Think of all the laws that God had hammered him with over the years which he faithfully carried out. And the one he didn’t cost him a trip to the promised land. I dunno, this seems a little extreme to me. Personally, I don’t think he was thinking about self ennoblement, he was probably thinking that he had struck the rock once, and it worked before, so why not do it again, failing to think he should have spoken, rather than act. The Israelites were really on his back to give them water!
Hmmm… My guess, Dick, is that you said what most of us think and feel. Your words certainly reflect my own first reaction, one that I clung to for years. But I would urge us all to consider that position more carefully and thoughtfully. What are the implications of saying that the punishment is too severe or too extreme? Do you really mean to say that God made a mistake? Do you really mean to be judging God and finding Him in the wrong? I doubt that is your intent, but that is the end result. There is plenty in the Bible that rubs us wrong, and this is one of them. But the problem doesn’t lie with the Bible or with God. The problem is in us.