Numbers Chapter 20 — Water from the Rock and Aaron's Death
Israel struggles with a lack of water at Meribah, leading to Moses' disobedience and the announcement that he and Aaron will not enter the Promised Land.
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Notable Verses
Numbers 20:11
“Moses lifted up his hand, and struck the rock with his rod twice, and water came out abundantly. The congregation and their livestock drank.”
This verse describes the act of disobedience that led to Moses being barred from the Promised Land.
Numbers 20:12
“The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you didn’t believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.””
It establishes the specific consequence for the leaders' lack of faith at the waters of Meribah.
Numbers 20:28
“Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them on Eleazar his son. Aaron died there on the top of the mountain, and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain.”
This verse marks the formal transition of the high priesthood from Aaron to the next generation.
Chapter Summary
Numbers 20 records several pivotal transitions for the nation of Israel as they reach the end of their forty years of wilderness wandering. The chapter begins with the death and burial of Miriam at Kadesh. When the congregation faces a severe water shortage, they once again complain against Moses and Aaron. Though God instructs Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water, Moses strikes it twice with his staff while addressing the people as rebels. Because of this failure to sanctify God before the assembly, the Lord declares that Moses and Aaron will not lead the people into the Promised Land. Later, Moses requests passage through Edom, but the king refuses, forcing Israel to detour. The chapter concludes at Mount Hor, where Aaron's high priestly garments are transferred to his son Eleazar. Aaron dies on the mountain, and the Israelites mourn him for thirty days.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to verse 12, Moses and Aaron were barred because they did not trust God enough to sanctify Him before the Israelites. Instead of speaking to the rock as commanded, Moses struck it twice in anger and took credit for the miracle.
Aaron's son, Eleazar, succeeded him. Before Aaron's death on Mount Hor, Moses stripped Aaron of his priestly garments and placed them on Eleazar in the presence of the congregation as a sign of the transfer of authority.
Despite Israel's promise to stay on the main highway and pay for any water consumed, the king of Edom feared the size of the Israelite assembly and threatened to use military force to block their passage.
Study Note
The name 'Meribah' means 'quarreling' or 'strife,' serving as a memorial to the people's lack of faith and the leaders' disobedience.
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