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Book of Numbers - Chapter 20 - Verse 10

20:10
And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Numbers, Moses and Aaron are leading the Israelites through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. The Israelites are thirsty and in need of water, so God instructs Moses to bring forth water from a rock. However, instead of following God's command to speak to the rock, Moses reacts out of frustration and anger. By referring to the people as rebels and taking credit for bringing forth water from the rock, Moses is disobeying God's specific instructions. This moment of disobedience ultimately leads to Moses and Aaron being denied entry into the Promised Land. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's commands and demonstrating patience and trust in His plans. It also highlights the consequences of allowing anger and frustration to dictate our actions, even in moments of challenge or difficulty.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Numbers, Moses and Aaron are tasked with bringing forth water from a rock to quench the thirst of the Israelites. However, in a moment of frustration, Moses addresses the congregation harshly, calling them "rebels." This outburst reveals Moses' inner struggle with his leadership role and the challenges he faced in shepherding the often disobedient Israelites. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the complexities of human emotions, even in those chosen by God for a divine purpose. It also underscores the importance of humility and reliance on God's strength rather than one's own. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the meaning of terms such as "rebels" and "water," shedding light on the underlying themes of obedience, faith, and the miraculous provision of God in the face of human doubt. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the tensions that can arise in spiritual leadership and the need for steadfast faith in God's promises.

American Standard Version

And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; shall we bring you forth water out of this rock?
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