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Moses lifted up his hand, and struck the rock with his rod twice: and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their cattle.

Verse Takeaways

1

A Leader's Costly Failure

All three commentators agree that Moses sinned grievously. Worn out and provoked by the people, he disobeyed God's specific command to speak to the rock, instead striking it twice in anger. He also took credit by asking, "Must we fetch water?" This failure to honor God publicly was so severe that it ultimately barred him from entering the Promised Land.

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Commentaries

3

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Numbers 20:11–12

18th Century

Theologian

The command (Numbers 20:8) was Speak ye unto the rock. The act of striking it, and especially with two strokes, indicates viol…

John Gill

John Gill

On Numbers 20:11

17th Century

Pastor

And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the
rock twice

At first it …

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Numbers 20:1–13

17th Century

Minister

After thirty-eight years of a tiresome stay in the wilderness, the armies of Israel advanced towards Canaan again. There was no water for the congr…