Numbers 20

The story of Miriam had a very difficult moment that we encountered in an earlier chapter. She was put outside the camp for seven days because of her rebellion against her brother, Moses. But like her brother, she would not go into the promised land. She died in the wilderness, and was buried there.

The events that led to the disappointing news that even Moses would not enter the promised land are recorded for us here and in other places. The problem, no water, and the grumbling of the people, are plainly written. Moses and Aaron brought this before the Lord, and the Lord gave His specific instructions to the mediator of the Old Covenant.

The words and actions of Moses are recorded for us here. What is clear is that Moses committed a serious breach in the eyes of the Lord. Rather than theorize too much on that breach, it is best for us to consider the Lord's own words very carefully, since God knows the heart, and observes things that people cannot see.

“Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” The key words here are “believe” and “holy.”

Moses' failure was, at root, a problem of unbelief. This does not mean that Moses was not one of God's children. He appeared with Jesus at the Transfiguration. Yet he too tasted unbelief, and that showed up in this situation.

He forgot to show the Lord as “holy.” The Lord is set apart. He alone can bring water from a rock to supply His sons and daughters. We have streams of living water flowing from the Rock, which is Christ. Moses is not our rock. He is not the Water from the Rock. He is not the Provider of the Water from the Rock. These honors are reserved for the Triune God.

There are ways of ministering to others where we get in the way of the grace and glory of God. The water may still come forth, but our unbelief has put the focus more on us than on the holiness of the Lord. We may still be used in the Lord's service, but He will show Himself as holy. There may be sad consequences that come to us and others because of our unbelief.

The Lord disciplined His people in the wilderness, but He did not abandon them or His promises. Though the descendants of Esau, the Edomites, would not have charity to the Israelites in their journey, God would carry them through this and every trial.

This chapter began with the death of Moses' sister and it ends with the death of Moses' brother. In between, the Lord records an episode of unbelief, not just the unbelief of the congregation, but even of Moses himself. These are the facts, but they are not the only facts.

The congregation wept for Aaron for thirty days. We mourn the sorrows that families face and we regret our own sin and unbelief. Yet we do not grieve as those who have no hope. The Rock has come for us. He has poured out the gift of refreshing Water from on high, a Water that will last for all eternity. The Provider of every good gift has kept His promises to His people. Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.