The people neared their destination. They were again quarrelling with Moses due to having no water (2-5). Moses and Aaron cried out to God, who responded with grace: "Speak to the rock… and it will pour out its water (8)." God provided manna and water in the desert by his grace! Yet all who drank would die in the wilderness because of their rebellion. We have spiritual food and drink from Christ; let's take warning from their example not to set our hearts on evil (1Co 10:4-6).

Moses grew impatient and angry with the people, calling them rebels, and struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it as God had told him (9-11). This lack of trust displeased God. God proved himself holy among the people: Moses would not enter the Promised Land (12). He too would die in the wilderness with the complaining people.

Edom refused them passage at first, causing them to take the long way around (Dt 2:2), but would later be afraid and let them pass (Dt 2:8). God had his own timetable for their entry into the Promised Land. Aaron was not permitted to enter and died on Mount Hor, succeeded by Eleazer (22-26). In spite of human failures, God would keep his promises to the next generation.


Application: Father, thank you for spiritual water from Jesus. Help me not to set my heart on evil, but to trust you fully, whatever you say.
One Word: Honor God as holy