Faith Tested at the Waters of Meribah

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Numbers 20 takes place during Israel's wilderness wanderings after their exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Sinai. The people have been journeying toward the Promised Land but face hardships that test their faith and obedience. The previous chapters describe their travels and challenges, including earlier complaints and God's provision. Understanding this chapter requires recognizing Israel’s ongoing struggle to trust God fully and the leadership role Moses and Aaron hold as mediators of God’s covenant promises.

What You'll Learn

• How Israel’s lack of faith in God’s provision leads to rebellion and consequences during their wilderness journey.
• The significance of God’s command to Moses to speak to the rock and the importance of obedience in leadership.
• Why God’s holiness must be sanctified before the people, especially by those in spiritual authority.
• The impact of Miriam’s death and Aaron’s impending death on Israel’s leadership and covenant transition.
• The refusal of Edom to allow Israel passage and its implications for Israel’s journey and God’s sovereign plan.
• How God’s judgment on Moses and Aaron illustrates the seriousness of unbelief even in God’s chosen leaders.

God’s provision requires faith and obedience, and His holiness must be honored by His people and leaders.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Numbers 20:1 Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.

Numbers 20:2 And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.

Numbers 20:3 And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!

Numbers 20:4 And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?

Numbers 20:5 And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.

Numbers 20:6 And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them.

Numbers 20:7 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 20:8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

Numbers 20:9 And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.

Numbers 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?

Numbers 20:11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

Numbers 20:12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

Numbers 20:13 This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.

Numbers 20:14 And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:

Numbers 20:15 How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers:

Numbers 20:16 And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:

Numbers 20:17 Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king’s high way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.

Numbers 20:18 And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.

Numbers 20:19 And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet.

Numbers 20:20 And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.

Numbers 20:21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.

Numbers 20:22 And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor.

Numbers 20:23 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying,

Numbers 20:24 Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah.

Numbers 20:25 Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:

Numbers 20:26 And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.

Numbers 20:27 And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.

Numbers 20:28 And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.

Numbers 20:29 And when all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel.

Numbers 20:1

Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.

Study: This verse sets the scene at Kadesh in the desert of Zin, marking a significant moment as the entire congregation arrives and Miriam, a key leader and prophetess, dies and is buried. Miriam’s death signals a transition in Israel’s leadership and spiritual life, reminding readers of the fragility of human life even amid God’s ongoing covenant promises.

Numbers 20:2

And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.

Study: The absence of water creates a crisis that unites the people in complaint against Moses and Aaron. This verse highlights the vulnerability of the Israelites and their dependence on God’s provision, which is a recurring theme in their wilderness journey, emphasizing the tension between divine provision and human doubt.

Numbers 20:3

And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!

Study: The people’s words express deep despair and regret, wishing they had died earlier rather than face the current hardship. Their complaint reveals a lack of trust in God’s plan and a failure to remember His past faithfulness, illustrating how fear and hardship can lead to rebellion against God’s appointed leaders.

Numbers 20:4

And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?

Study: This verse intensifies the complaint by questioning the purpose of their wilderness journey and accusing Moses and Aaron of leading them to death. It reflects the people’s misunderstanding of God’s covenant promise and the testing nature of the wilderness, where faith must grow despite difficult circumstances.

Numbers 20:5

And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.

Study: The people describe the land as barren and unfit for sustaining life, highlighting their focus on immediate physical needs rather than trusting God’s provision. This complaint contrasts with God’s promise of a fruitful land, showing how Israel’s faith wavers when faced with present difficulties.

Numbers 20:6

And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them.

Study: Moses and Aaron respond to the crisis by seeking God’s presence at the tabernacle, demonstrating their dependence on divine guidance. The appearance of God’s glory reassures them of His nearness and power, underscoring the importance of turning to God in times of crisis.

Numbers 20:7

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Study: God’s direct communication to Moses emphasizes His ongoing leadership role and the specific instructions He gives. This verse marks a moment of divine intervention, showing that God remains actively involved in providing for His people despite their complaints.

Numbers 20:8

Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

Study: God commands Moses to take the rod and speak to the rock to bring forth water, a test of obedience and faith. The instruction to sanctify God before the people by following His command highlights the covenant purpose of demonstrating God’s holiness and power publicly.

Numbers 20:9

And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.

Study: Moses’ obedience in taking the rod as commanded shows his willingness to follow God’s instructions, setting the stage for the forthcoming miracle. This act symbolizes God’s authority and the means by which He will provide for Israel.

Numbers 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?

Study: Moses’ words to the people reveal his frustration by calling them rebels, which contrasts with God’s command to speak to the rock. This moment exposes Moses’ human weakness and foreshadows the consequences of not fully trusting God’s instructions.

Numbers 20:11

And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

Study: Instead of speaking to the rock, Moses strikes it twice, yet water still flows abundantly. This action, though resulting in provision, disobeys God’s command and fails to sanctify Him before Israel, highlighting the importance of precise obedience in leadership.

Numbers 20:12

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

Study: God’s rebuke explains that Moses and Aaron’s unbelief and failure to honor God’s holiness disqualify them from leading Israel into the Promised Land. This verse teaches that even great leaders are accountable to God’s standards and that faithfulness in small acts matters deeply.

Numbers 20:13

This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.

Study: The naming of the water as Meribah, meaning 'strife,' memorializes Israel’s conflict with God and the sanctification of His name through judgment. This verse connects the event to Israel’s ongoing covenant relationship and the seriousness of rebellion.

Numbers 20:14

And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:

Study: Moses sends messengers to Edom’s king, appealing as a brother nation and recounting Israel’s history and hardships. This diplomatic approach reflects Israel’s desire for peaceful passage and respect for neighboring nations, fitting the covenant ethic of peace.

Numbers 20:15

How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers:

Study: The message recalls Israel’s long sojourn in Egypt and the oppression they endured, emphasizing God’s deliverance. This historical reminder serves to justify Israel’s request and highlight God’s faithfulness in their past.

Numbers 20:16

And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:

Study: Moses recounts how God heard their cries and sent an angel to lead them out of Egypt, underscoring divine intervention and protection. This testimony affirms God’s active role in Israel’s history and covenant fulfillment.

Numbers 20:17

Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king’s high way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.

Study: Israel promises to respect Edom’s land by not damaging crops or drinking water, showing their intention to honor boundaries and avoid conflict. This careful proposal reflects Israel’s commitment to peaceful coexistence under God’s guidance.

Numbers 20:18

And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.

Study: Edom’s refusal to allow passage and threat of violence reveals the harsh realities Israel faced even among kin nations. This rejection forces Israel to alter their route, demonstrating God’s sovereign control over their journey despite human opposition.

Numbers 20:19

And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet.

Study: Israel offers to compensate Edom for any water their cattle might drink, showing integrity and respect for property. This offer highlights Israel’s desire to maintain peace and fairness, consistent with God’s covenant principles.

Numbers 20:20

And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.

Study: Edom’s continued refusal and military opposition illustrate the dangers Israel encountered and the limits of human cooperation. This opposition serves as a reminder that God’s people often face resistance but must trust His protection.

Numbers 20:21

Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.

Study: Israel’s decision to turn away from Edom marks a significant detour in their journey, emphasizing reliance on God’s guidance rather than human approval. This moment underscores the theme of trust amid obstacles.

Numbers 20:22

And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor.

Study: The congregation’s move to Mount Hor signals a new phase in their wilderness experience and sets the stage for leadership transition. This geographic detail connects the narrative to the unfolding covenant story.

Numbers 20:23

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying,

Study: God’s command to Moses and Aaron at Mount Hor introduces the impending death of Aaron, linking it directly to their earlier disobedience. This divine instruction reveals the seriousness of their failure and the holiness of God’s covenant.

Numbers 20:24

Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah.

Study: Aaron’s death is decreed because of rebellion at Meribah, showing that even leaders are subject to God’s judgment. This verse teaches accountability and the cost of unbelief within covenant leadership.

Numbers 20:25

Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:

Study: God instructs Moses to transfer Aaron’s priestly garments to Eleazar, symbolizing the continuation of priestly authority and covenant responsibilities. This act ensures the stability of worship and leadership despite loss.

Numbers 20:26

And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.

Study: Stripping Aaron of his garments and clothing Eleazar signifies the formal passing of the high priest office, emphasizing God’s orderly provision for leadership succession. This moment highlights the importance of covenant continuity.

Numbers 20:27

And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.

Study: Moses obeys God’s command publicly, demonstrating transparency and respect for God’s instructions before the congregation. This public act reinforces the covenant community’s awareness of leadership changes and God’s sovereignty.

Numbers 20:28

And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.

Study: Aaron’s death atop Mount Hor marks the end of an era for Israel’s priesthood, while Moses and Eleazar descend to continue the journey. This event reminds readers of human mortality and God’s faithfulness to provide new leaders.

Numbers 20:29

And when all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel.

Study: The congregation’s thirty days of mourning for Aaron reflect the deep respect and love for their high priest, underscoring the significance of his role in mediating God’s presence. This mourning period also marks a solemn transition in Israel’s covenant life.

Numbers 20 captures a critical moment in Israel’s wilderness journey marked by crisis, rebellion, and leadership transition. The people’s complaint over water scarcity leads to Moses’ disobedience in striking the rock instead of speaking to it, resulting in God’s judgment forbidding him and Aaron from entering the Promised Land. The chapter also records Miriam’s death, the refusal of Edom to grant passage, and Aaron’s death on Mount Hor, emphasizing themes of faith, obedience, God’s holiness, and covenant leadership.

Lord, help us to trust Your provision even when circumstances seem difficult and to honor Your holiness in all we do. Strengthen our faith to obey Your commands fully and to respect the leaders You appoint. Teach us through Your Word to rely on Your guidance and to walk humbly with You each day. Amen.

• Pray daily for increased faith to trust God’s provision in difficult times.
• Memorize Numbers 20:12 to remind yourself of the importance of obedience and honoring God’s holiness.
• Reflect in a journal on areas where you may be doubting God’s promises and ask for His help to trust more fully.
• Encourage and pray for your spiritual leaders this week, acknowledging their role in God’s plan.
• Read about Aaron’s priestly role in Exodus to deepen understanding of his significance.
• Practice obedience in small daily decisions as a way to honor God’s commands.
• Worship God for His faithfulness and holiness, acknowledging His sovereign care over your life.

Numbers 20 reveals the tension between God’s provision and Israel’s unbelief, highlighting the consequences of disobedience even for leaders like Moses and Aaron. The chapter underscores the necessity of faith, reverence for God’s holiness, and the importance of covenant leadership as Israel continues its journey toward the Promised Land.

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