CHAPTER 20

THE previous narrative on the Book of Numbers (see article) stated that it might better have been called The Book of Warnings. Events in Numbers primarily focus on Moses’ authority and leadership and God’s care for the Israelites.

The second narrative from the Book of Numbers is based on Chapter 20, verses 1–13.

Moses’ patience snaps at last

Moses sounds like an exasperated parent of a demanding child, frustrated, angry and giving in at the same time: “Oh, all right then – have it!”

Early in the journey, Moses had struck the rock at Sinai and tapped into an underground aquifer (Exodus 17: 1-7). Now at Kadesh, near the end of the journey, he is told to speak to the rock, but he strikes it as well.

God’s reaction, to bar Moses from Canaan, seems harsh. But Moses’ words are revealing: “Must we bring you water out of this rock?” Although renowned for his humility (12:3), he is not now acting as God’s servant but as his deputy, as he decides on the method he will use to bring about God’s will.

The balance of doing God’s will in God’s way is always difficult to achieve. Moses was not alone in failing, and the example is a salutary one for Christians eager to see “results”; ends do not justify means.

He may also have assumed that because God acted in one way in an identical situation before, he would so the same second time around. It would be more true biblically – and in experience – to say that God rarely works in the same way twice. He shows his holiness – his supremacy – by varying his methods and seeking his people’s trust (Deuteronomy 32:51). As detailed in the previous narrative, hardship is never a reason to question God but an opportunity to trust him. It’s a major lesson from the Old Testament Book of Numbers for today.