Daily Devotions
Moses' Sin
Title: Moses' Sin
Reading for February 15: Numbers 20-21
Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, "Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?" And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock."
Numbers 20:10-11
What was Moses' sin at Meribah?
There are different possible answers suggested. Some say it is because Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to the rock, as God had commanded (20:8). Others say it was because Moses took credit for the miracle, saying "shall WE bring water for you." Still others point to the tone of Moses' response to the people: "Hear now, you rebels..."
The fact is we're not told exactly what Moses' transgression was. It may be any of those answers that have been suggested or even a combination of the three.
I'm more interested in what God does say about this incident (which explains the severity of the punishment for Moses and Aaron): "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." (20:12)
With those words in mind, here are a couple of personal questions to consider:
1. Am I BELIEVING in God? Do my actions demonstrate true faith in God? Am I trusting in God's wisdom to the point that I am willing to go against my own thoughts about how things should be done?
2. Am I HALLOWING God before others? Am I demonstrating proper respect and reverence for others, especially before those who follow me and are subject to me? Do I have steadfast and calm confidence in God? Do I give God the credit for all I do?
Father, help us to believe in you and regard you as holy in all we do.
