Numbers chapter 20—the story of Moses angrily striking the rock at Kadesh as the cantankerous Israelites traveled toward the promised land—is one of those tricky passages that can leave us scratching our heads and wondering, “Huh. What just happened?”
During Israel’s forty years of wilderness wanderings, they perfected a nasty habit of complaining. If you have kids who complain about long car rides, too much homework, or eating green veggies, just be thankful that they aren’t the Moses-era Israelites! That bad-tempered bunch wrote the book on boorishness!
Shortly after leaving Egypt, the Israelites had complained for water near Horeb, so God told Moses to strike a rock. Water miraculously gushed forth and satiated the people’s thirst (Exodus 17:6). Many years later, as the community entered Kadesh, they again complained for water. This time, God told Moses to “speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water” (Numbers 20:8).
Instead, Moses barked, “Listen, you rebels! Must we bring you water out of this rock?” and hit the rock twice with his staff (vv.10–11). Water still gushed forth—a gracious gift from God!—but God told Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them” (v.12).
Huh.
“My goodness, God,” many of us wonder, “don’t you think that’s a little harsh? It doesn’t seem like the punishment fits the crime. It’s not like Moses killed anybody!”
In other words, we attempt to play defense attorney for Moses, who clearly violated God’s command. This response shows more concern for excusing a guilty lawbreaker—someone like us—rather than defending God’s glory. And therein lies the heart of the matter. Sin—whether a miniscule peccadillo or a pernicious whopper—is an affront to God’s holiness. To be clear, God doesn’t need us to defend Him. He calls for us to honor Him. Moses pridefully and impatiently took matters into his own hands and called attention to himself. In a moment of anger and hubris, he dismissed God’s words and dishonored God’s holiness.
The apostle Paul marveled at this centuries later. “Now,” Paul writes, “I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors….drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ” (1Corinthians 10:1,4).
In great anger toward the people, Moses struck the rock at Kadesh and thirst-quenching water gushed forth. In great love for His people, God struck His own Son on Calvary and the redeeming blood of Christ gushed forth.
Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him” (John 7:37–38).
Today, drink deeply from the life-giving waters of Christ, our great Rock and Redeemer.
Written by Josh Cooley
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54 thoughts on "Water from the Rock"
Moses’ disobedience and the way he spoke to the Israelites revealed to the Lord that the social contagion of bitterness had gotten to Moses at last. The Lord had already told that grumbling generation of Israelites that that they would not see the promised land. Moses not respecting the holiness of God showed Him that Moses had been afflicted with that same root of bitterness and therefore, could not see the promised land. Praise the Lord that we are covered by grace, but we should also never allow our hearts to grow hard to the holiness of our Heavenly Father.
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This is so hard to reckon with. We’ve read chapter after chapter of God feeling angry with the grumbling of the Israelites and ready to smite them. He literally has sent plagues, had the earth swallow people up and had people burned. And over and over Moses has interceded for mercy for the people. But now Moses has this one moment of anger and he can’t enter the promised land. It feels so unfair and really like a double standard. What is helping me a bit is this idea that the better promised land is heaven and Moses is there now. I think I have this limited view that when we do good things we deserve a material reward. I feel like Moses deserved the promised land for all of his work and leadership- but none of us “deserve the promised land”, we get to go only by the grace and sacrifice of Christ. And because of God’s grace He isn’t finished with Moses after this one act of sin, He is going to continue to use him to lead the Israelites for almost the whole rest of their time in the wilderness after this.
Reading about Moses’ actions and inevitable punishment made me look at Moses in a different light. He was human! Although he obeyed God up until that point, he was still human. Next to verses 20:3-5 I literally wrote “This is getting old with how much they complain!” I was getting frustrated just reading about the Israelites complaint AGAIN. I can only imagine the very real and human feelings of anger that Moses felt hearing it in real time. Moses constantly went to bat for the Israelites and it’s almost as if they weren’t grateful for all he had done and all the times he asked God to provide for them. And then God did! When Moses struck the rock out of anger it showed me that he was human too. He felt these emotions too and even though he did his best, he still went against God’s command. It was so upsetting to read his punishment but at the end of the day, as many have already stated, God had to do it because He expects nothing but obedience from us. I am praying for you all and hope you have a wonderful Friday ❤️
I find this the saddest part of the Bible. Moses has always been my favorite prophet. I understand that God had to do this, but it broke my heart. Thank you God for the new covenant and thank you Jesus for what you have done for us.
❣️ amen. I agree with that wholeheartedly.
I understand God dealing with Moses so much better after today’s readings. This is an area I need so much work in. Taking back control from God.
I too have always struggled with this passage and the seemingly harsh judgment shown to Moses. But…as stated by others, our God is a Holy God. He demands obedience – complete obedience in action and in spirit…It does remind us that Moses is human with the same sinful nature as me and you. And it also reminds me that temptations will come but I need to flee them, draw near to God and He will draw near to me. We can over come sin and temptation because we have the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. Praise God!
Thank you Holy, Magnificent Father for sending us your Holy Spirit – to teach us, guide us, comfort us, protect us and helps us to not yield to sin and temptation.
Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
Have a blessed Friday & weekend. Keep on looking up!
In HIS great love, for HIS people, God struck HIS OWN SON on Calvary and the redeeming blood of Christ gushed forth! Wow! I’ve never heard that way! How GREAT is our GOD to LOVE us SO much! I’m taken by HIS love for us this morning! Happy Friday SWEET She’s! PLEASE continue to pray for direction as to where to apply for temporary Summer work! The LORD gave me this job, I took it in faith know that Summer was not guaranteed work, I’m trusting my Jehovah Jireh!
To words stand out to me bitter and angry. I think we have watch ourselves so we do not fall into bitterness and anger. Moses was perfectly justified in his anger but He didn’t obey God. He acted out of anger and bitterness. He didn’t do as god commanded Him. Be angry and sin not. Also obedience is better than sacrifice.
I’ve done this! Someone was wrong but I responded out of frustration not obeying God! I’m thankful for the Living Water! That I can drink from times like these and respond how God tells me to respond.
I can see how Moses became exasperated with this ungrateful, alwayss complaining people. The way I have heard his punishment explained was yes,he did nnot obey God’s instructions, but more. Christ is the rock from whom living waters flow. Moses had already struck the Rock once in another passage. Christ only eeded to be struck once (on the cross) so all that was needed wwas to come to Him. Speak, ask and rivers of living water would flow. By striking the rock, twice even, Moses was not only disobeying God’s instructions, but dishonoring Him.I Cor 10:3-4 says the rock was Christ.
Very sobering to think that EVERY TIME I sin, Jesus takes the hit/strike. Thinking of my sin that way is really convicting.
We can all be rebels at times. Pride, I think, is the instigator much of the time.
Praying I (we all) keep our eyes on Jesus!
Deuteronomy 32:4
New Living Translation
4 He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect.
Everything he does is just and fair.
He is a faithful God who does no wrong;
how just and upright he is!
1 Samuel 2:2
New Living Translation
2 No one is holy like the Lord!
There is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
Good Morning She’s!!
Wanted share a verse from Daniel that myprayer partner shared with me.. (my notes are at the bottom) may it be encouraging to you!!
Daniel 10:12 “Do not be afraid, Daniel,” he said, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.
*Wow!! SO good!!! Lord, help me purpose and humble myself before You!!! Thank You for showing me that You SEE, hear and respond to me, even when I think I am unseen/unnoticeable!! Incredibly GRATEFUL!!!!
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Today’s scriptures and notes.. hoping that a scripture link is created when I post!
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Numbers 20:7-12
*Wow!! I’ve read this hundreds of thousands of times…but this morning it hits differently!! God wanted the water to be SPOKEN forth, not forcibly driven out!! How many times have I forcibly struck or driven out something (impatience, frustration, anger, disappointment, pride) that God wanted spoken forth? Yikes!! Very convicting!! It is also very much impressed on me how God followed through with the miracle of abundant water even though it wasn’t followed through with the way HE asked and wanted!! Yet another example of how merciful, gentle, faithful, loving and compassionate our God is!!! Wow!!!
Help me to TRUST You to do the impossible!!! And help me Lord, NOT to set my selfish hand to Your HOLY plans and desires!! I want You noticed and acknowledged, not me!! Thank You Father, SO grateful Lord. Amen!
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John 7:39
*those who BELIEVE, GLORIFY God!!! Wow!!! Such a small simple yet POWER-packed TRUTH!!! Help us BELIEVE so that You alone may be glorified!!! Thank You Father. Amen.
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Have an AMAZING and BLESSING filled day!! Xoxo
This is one of the passages that my son used to defend why he decided to turn his back on his faith. He just couldn’t reconcile the harshness of God toward Moses. I am still flabbergasted by his thought process. Even though it does seem a bit harsh, why do we humans continually put ourselves above God. The older I get and the more I study scripture and mature in my faith, the more I see this in myself (and others). I believe when we see God face to face in Heaven we will fall on our faces, in awe of His holiness. If only we could understand that now. God has really been working on my proud heart lately. Humility has been a word that keeps coming up in various studies and readings. Help me Lord, to humble myself and to glorify and honor You.
Joel Muddamalle has a new book out on humility.
My teen likes to point to the weird story of Elisha cursing children with bear maulings (2 Kings 2:23-24) to partly explain her unbelief. Sigh.
On another note..There will always be consequences to our sin, small and big, but God always forgives us when we repent. So thankful for Jesus, that we can go straight to Him and not have to go through priest and animal sacrifice and rituals. We have to remember not to sacrifice our future for momentary anger and exasboration. Happens way too often for me. Make me humble Lord.
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Really the punishment of Jesus didnt fit the crime as He never sinned…but we get what He deserved, life and love and hope, and He got what we deserved. It’s not fair but I’m so grateful!!!
I can understand why God got angry with Moses, but I always wondered why God provided the water even though Moses didn’t follow His instructions… He could just not have responded, right?
BUT GOD and the gracious gift of His abundant grace…
Even when we complain, He listens.
Even when we blame Him, He cares.
Even when we disobey, He provides.
He is bigger than our sins.
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Dear Father,
Thank You for Your perfect provision and abundant grace.
May we trust Your holiness instead of taking matters into our own hands.
May we rely on the life-changing power of Your sacrifice.
May we “drink deeply from the life-giving waters of Christ, our great Rock and Redeemer”.
AMEN.
AMEN!!! ❤️
“Listen, you rebels!” Side note… Wasn’t Moses being a rebel, as he struck the rock twice? (I, like others have mentioned, thought his punishment was a bit harsh. But I’m not God. He expects complete obedience.)
Aren’t WE rebels?
And another side note… the Israelites were unclean if they were in contact with a dead body. So. Many. Sacrifices. Wouldn’t they have been unclean through all those sacrifices?
Don’t rebel today sweet She’s. Do what He commands.
“God doesn’t need us to defend Him. He calls for us to honor Him.”
^^^ This! How often do I try to explain and defend God when unbelievers ask how a “good” God lets all the evil happen? He is Holy and Just…I don’t need to defend Him, just honor Him! Yes, Lord, help me to know You are holy and I am to keep being made more holy in following after your heart. Guide me daily and give me your living water and manna for my soul. You bring water from the rock, you do miracles every day for us rebellious and stiff-necked people. Help me to remember all you have done and are doing for me, so I will keep my cool. When people come against me and grumble and complain, keep I am called to be different, Lord change my heart and keep me humble and patient.
Back to old school..
@Kelly- Love that song, it was amazing in concert with Brandon Lake.
@Tina- Love Rock of Ages as well.
@Michelle- Prayers
@Mercy-heart
I am thirsty Lord. Please forgive all my sins. Let your love flow through me always. Amen.
Almost finished with doctor appointments and tests – all is good – GOD IS GOOD! One more appointment, a visit with my daughter, and flying home tomorrow. Thankful,grateful and blessed!
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Hi friends… can I ask for prayer? I had a conflict at work with another coworker (who is a Christian) who deeply hurt my feelings and he never apologized. I think I still need to address it, today, when I see him.
I’m also feeling very frustrated. I’ve mentioned on here that I’ve been in a season of God intentionally testing my heart with finances. I have been diligent in keeping it in prayer. But this new job continues to show me that I still very much need Him to do a miracle for me financially. This job does not pay great and I’ve had several car repairs recently that have left me feeling stressed.
Please pray I continue to have faith and lean on God to provide for what I need. He has put me in this position, financially, so I am truly depending on Him to deliver me. I’ve been very prayerful and diligent to do exactly what I believe is financially wise. So, it’s really a set up for a miracle (whether it happens through my own hands or some other way).
I feel very vulnerable sharing that as it feels the story is still in progress. I hope to have a testimony one day of God’s faithfulness in this area.
Thank you. ❤️
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Prayers said!
Praying for you.
You got it. I had a similar situation with my MIL years ago. She has never asked for forgiveness. I have forgiven her for that and have to continually forgive her for what she says now. She is very self-centered., and so doesn’t realize how hurt I was and that what she said (and what she STILL says and does) was/is inappropriate. I have not forgotten but have forgiven. (I’ve read MANY articles about forgiveness and that “not forgetting” is NOT a measure of forgiveness. Some would say that not forgetting is not forgiving, you know?)
I’m sorry, my friend. Maybe he, too, doesn’t realize how his words hurt you. Prayers for your contact with him later.
Praying for you Michelle. ❤️
I too have always struggled with Moses’ punishment. After all he did to lead the Israelites through the wilderness and deal with their complaining…I would have snapped way sooner!
But God is merciful and gracious. Moses did see the promised land at the transfiguration. Thank you Jesus for your cleansing blood that wipes away my sins…so many sins! So grateful for this reminder of God’s holiness and all sins need forgiveness, even what we consider to be “small” sins. Lord, help me see my sins for what they are and not minimize them.
He also got to look into the Promised Land right before he died.
Father forgive me my sins. Thank You that I am saved by Grace, not works. Holy Spirit help me to not sin. In Jesus name, Amen
KELLY (NEO) ❤️ thanks for lyrics, I was humming that tune as soon as I read the devo title.
What happened, Moses? You had already followed countless instructions from the Lord that were way more complicated. We see that you were frustrated and angry – were you, as we say, at your wits end and then let those emotions control your actions? Were you purposefully listening to God’s specific instructions? With both ears? Or only half listening, expecting the instructions to be the same as before?
Lord, as I pray for guidance and wisdom in dealing with issues needing resolution, problems that need solving and praying to see Your path and plan, help me to keep frustration and anger tamped down and to focus on Your answers.
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I have always struggled with Moses’ punishment for this incident – mostly because of all the other times he fell on his face pleading for God to spare the grumbling Israelites. Grateful for the reminder that this means I am taking God’s holiness way to casually! His word is not to be dismissed. Father, give me the strength to follow Your word diligently.
Sally – such good insight on how we view our sin. I join you in your prayer for myself as well.
“In great anger toward the people, Moses struck the rock at Kadesh and thirst-quenching water gushed forth. In great love for His people, God struck His own Son on Calvary and the redeeming blood of Christ gushed forth.” Thank you Josh for this parallel accounts.
Truly human anger does not result in godly righteousness, though the outward result may still present a good outcome. Moses’ anger was still addressed as sin. I am so thankful for these great lessons. Lord help us to be slow to anger, and repent from complaining. Help us to count our blessings and offer you praise and thanksgivings from our heart.
Be blessed dear sisters ❤.
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Thank you for the book of Numbers, Lord. Though it does seem harsh for Moses to get that punishment.
Thank you Lord, for the reminder that You expect Your words and instruction to be followed. You know best. When we don’t follow Your will we can expect, even though we are saved by grace, that we will still suffer the consequences of our actions.
Lord, I pray that we would drink from the Living Water and be satisfied.
Have a blessed weekend, dear Sisters!
From the song “Honey in the Rock”:
There’s honey in the rock, water in the stone
Manna on the ground, no matter where I go
I don’t need to worry now that I know
Everything I need You’ve got
There’s honey in the rock
Praying for a miracle
Thirsty for the living well
Only You can satisfy
Sweetness at the mercy seat
Now I’ve tasted, it’s not hard to see
Only You can satisfy
There’s honey in the rock
There’s honey in the rock
There’s honey in the rock
There’s honey in the rock
Yeah
Freedom whеre the Spirit is
Bounty in the wildеrness
You will always satisfy, yeah
There’s honey in the rock, water in the stone
Manna on the ground, no matter where I go
I don’t need to worry now that I know
Everything I need You’ve got
There’s honey in the rock, purpose in Your plan
Power in the blood, healing in Your hands
Started flowing when You said it is done
Everything You did’s enough
I keep looking, I keep finding
You keep giving, keep providing
I have all that I need
You are all that I need
I keep praying, You keep moving
I keep praising, You keep proving
I have all that I need
You are all that I need (repeat)
There’s honey in the rock, water in the stone
Manna on the ground, no matter where I go
I don’t need to worry now that I know (I know)
Everything I need You’ve got
There’s honey in the rock, purpose in Your plan
Power in the blood, healing in Your hands
Started flowing when You said it is done (Jesus)
Jesus, who You are is enough
There’s honey in the rock, ooh
(There’s honey in the rock, ooh)
There’s honey in the rock, ooh
(There’s honey in the rock)
Oh, how sweet, how sweet it is
To trust in You Jesus
Oh, how sweet, how sweet it is
To trust in You Jesus
Oh, how sweet, how sweet it is
To trust in You Jesus
As soon as I saw today’s title, my mind went to that song and I was going to share the lyrics. Thanks for doing that! ❤
Kelly (NEO)…. i don’t think i have ever heard this song, but i love the words. i’ll look for it. thanks for sharing!
Never heard this song before and JUST listened to it!! Wow!!! SOOO GOOD!!! Thank you for sharing it Kelly (Neo)!!
Kelly, as soon as I saw the title of today’s reading – I immediately thought of this song! ❤️
Love this, thank you Tricia
Lord God, I pray I don’t colour outside the lines of instruction by adding my own twist to your Life giving Word.
The song Rock of ages is playing in my head..
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure..
I AM thirsty, Lord.
Jesus, BELIEVING and THIRSTY Lord, I come..
AMEN.
Happy Friday Shes!
Much, much love,
Tina❤️
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