Moses' Big Mistakes (Numbers 20)

Do we complain a lot like ancient Israel or wait patiently upon the Lord? Do we give God glory or ourselves? Do we change when God reveals something new or stick with old ways? Let’s look at Numbers 20.

Did Israel complain again? What was their bellyaching about this time?

In the first month of the year, the whole community of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Zin and camped at Kadesh. While they were there, Miriam died and was buried. There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. The people blamed Moses and said, “If only we had died in the Lord’s presence with our brothers! Why have you brought the congregation of 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, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates, and no water to drink!” (Numbers 20:1-5 NLT)

Was God merciful despite their rebellion? What did God instruct Moses to do?

Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and fell on their faces. Yahweh’s glory appeared to them. Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, “Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it pour out its water. You shall bring water to them out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.” (Numbers 20:6-8 WEB)

Did Moses follow new understanding or stay with the old by striking the rock instead of speaking to it as God had instructed? Did he give credit for the miracle to God or himself?

Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence, as the Lord had commanded him. Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly before the rock. He said to them, “Listen, you rebels! Should we produce water from the rock for you?” Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice. Out flooded water so that the community and their animals could drink. (Numbers 20:9-11 CEB)

What was Moses’ punishment for taking credit instead of giving glory to God?

But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you refused to believe in my power, these people did not respect me. And so, you will not be the ones to lead them into the land I have promised.” The Israelites had complained against the Lord, and he had shown them his holy power by giving them water to drink. So they named the place Meribah, which means “Complaining.” (Numbers 20:12-13 CEV)

Did Moses ask Edom for safe transit through their land?

Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom: “Thus says your brother Israel: You know all the hardship that we have met: how our fathers went down to Egypt, and we lived in Egypt a long time. And the Egyptians dealt harshly with us and our fathers. And when we cried to the Lord, he heard our voice and sent an angel and brought us out of Egypt. And here we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory. Please let us pass through your land. We will not pass through field or vineyard, or drink water from a well. We will go along the King's Highway. We will not turn aside to the right hand or to the left until we have passed through your territory.” (Numbers 20:14-17 ESV)

What was the king of Edom’s reply to Moses’ request for safe transit?

But Edom answered him, “You must not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.” “We will go on the main road,” the Israelites replied to them, “and if we or our herds drink your water, we will pay its price. There will be no problem; only let us travel through on foot.” Yet Edom insisted, “You must not travel through.” And they came out to confront them with a large force of heavily-armed people. Edom refused to allow Israel to travel through their territory, and Israel turned away from them. (Numbers 20:18-21 HCSB)

Was Aaron also guilty in Moses’ bragging at Meribah? Was his life cut short?

They traveled from Kadesh, and then the entire community of the Israelis arrived at Mount Hor. Then the Lord told Moses and Aaron at Mount Hor, near the territory of Edom, “Aaron is to be gathered to his people, since he is not to enter the land that I’m about to give the Israelis. After all, you both rebelled against my command at the Meribah Springs. So take Aaron and his son Eleazar and ascend Mount Hor. Remove Aaron’s vestments and place them on his son Eleazar, because Aaron is to be gathered to his people and die there.” (Numbers 20:22-26 ISV)