Numbers 27:14

for when the congregation contended in the Wilderness of Zin, both of you rebelled against My command to show My holiness in their sight regarding the waters." Those were the waters of Meribah in Kadesh, in the Wilderness of Zin.

Study Bible

for when the congregation contended in the Wilderness of Zin,
The Wilderness of Zin is a desert region located in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula. It is significant in the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The congregation's contention here reflects a recurring theme of Israel's complaints and lack of faith during their wilderness wanderings. This incident is part of a broader narrative of testing and rebellion against God, which is a central theme in the Pentateuch.

both of you rebelled against My command
This phrase refers to Moses and Aaron, who were leaders of the Israelites. Their rebellion is detailed in Numbers 20:7-12, where God instructed Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water, but instead, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. This act of disobedience is seen as a failure to uphold God's holiness and a lack of trust in His provision. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, especially for those in leadership.

to show My holiness in their sight regarding the waters.”
God's holiness is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing His separateness, purity, and divine nature. In this context, Moses and Aaron's failure to follow God's instructions prevented the demonstration of His holiness to the Israelites. The incident underscores the importance of leaders reflecting God's character and the consequences of failing to do so.

Those were the waters of Meribah in Kadesh,
Meribah, meaning "quarreling" or "strife," is a location associated with the Israelites' complaints and God's provision of water. Kadesh is a significant site in the wilderness journey, serving as a base for the Israelites. The naming of Meribah serves as a reminder of the people's contentious nature and the testing of God's patience.

in the Wilderness of Zin.
The repetition of the location emphasizes the geographical and historical context of the event. The Wilderness of Zin is a harsh, arid environment, which contributed to the Israelites' struggles and complaints. This setting serves as a backdrop for God's miraculous provision and the testing of faith. The wilderness experience is often seen as a metaphor for spiritual testing and growth in the Christian life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He is central to this passage as one who failed to uphold God's holiness.

2. Aaron
Moses' brother and the first high priest of Israel. He also participated in the rebellion against God's command at the waters of Meribah.

3. The Wilderness of Zin
A desert region where the Israelites wandered. It is significant as the location of the Israelites' rebellion and Moses' and Aaron's failure.

4. The Waters of Meribah
The site where Moses struck the rock to bring forth water, disobeying God's command to speak to the rock, thus failing to sanctify God before the people.

5. The Israelites
The community of God's chosen people, who frequently quarreled and tested God during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Moses and Aaron's failure at Meribah underscores the critical nature of obeying God's commands fully. Partial obedience is disobedience.

Sanctifying God Before Others
As leaders, Moses and Aaron were responsible for demonstrating God's holiness. Believers today are called to reflect God's character in their actions.

Consequences of Disobedience
The passage serves as a sobering reminder that disobedience, especially from those in leadership, can have significant consequences.

God's Holiness
The incident at Meribah highlights the importance of recognizing and upholding God's holiness in all circumstances.

Learning from Past Mistakes
The account encourages believers to learn from the past, both their own and others', to avoid repeating the same errors.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the incident at the waters of Meribah illustrate the importance of obedience to God's specific instructions?

2. In what ways can we, like Moses and Aaron, fail to sanctify God in our daily lives, and how can we correct this?

3. What are some modern-day "wilderness" experiences where we might be tempted to quarrel or doubt God's provision?

4. How can the consequences faced by Moses and Aaron serve as a warning for leaders in the church today?

5. Reflect on a time when you learned from a past mistake. How can the lessons from Numbers 27:14 help you in future situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17
This passage describes an earlier incident at Rephidim where Moses struck the rock to provide water, which was done in obedience to God's command, contrasting with the disobedience at Meribah.

Deuteronomy 32
Moses recounts the events leading to his exclusion from the Promised Land, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the consequences of failing to honor God.

Psalm 106
Reflects on Israel's history, including the rebellion at Meribah, highlighting the people's forgetfulness and God's enduring mercy.

1 Corinthians 10
Paul uses the events in the wilderness, including Meribah, as examples for Christians to learn from, emphasizing the need for faithfulness and obedience.