Numbers 20

Devotional:
“You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the whole community and their livestock.”

So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” (Numbers 20:8-10)

Once again, the people of Israel complain to Moses and wish they were back in Egypt as they do not have water. The children of Israel had learned nothing from the sins of their fathers. Moses also forgets who God is, as when commanded to tell the rock to spring forth water, Moses instead strikes it dramatically with his staff, asking the people, “Must we bring water out of this rock for you?” He is claiming credit for the water rather than pointing to God who provides for His people once again. Because of this, Moses and Aaron will also not enter into the Promised Land (20:12), with Aaron dying at the end of this chapter. May we learn from the example of God’s people and Moses here, trusting in God to provide and follow His instructions rather than doing things our own way.

Pray it:
Father, help me not to trust or depend upon my past faithfulness to you but rather pay close attention to your word and guidance each day, even when it is difficult. Enable me to treat you as holy, accepting your provision and instructions and praising you rather than complaining to or about you. Amen.

Share it:
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?