E. FROM KADESH TO THE PLAINS OF MOAB (CHAPTER S 20-25). The New Beginning. After the gap for the wilderness wanderings and the return to Kadesh, there now follows a series of historical events which bring Israel to the plains of Moab, and point to a new beginning. History has become important aga... [ Continue Reading ]
1). THE WATERS OF MERIBAH (NUMBERS 20:1). This first incident occurred through lack of water (Numbers 20:1). Shortage of water in the hot and dry desert and semi-desert areas had been a continuing problem throughout the wilderness experience and it raised its head here seemingly for the last time.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PEOPLE COMPLAIN BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN DRAGGED AWAY FROM THE PLEASURES OF EGYPT AND MOSES AND AARON INTERCEDE BEFORE YAHWEH (NUMBERS 20:4). Numbers 20:4 “ And why have you (ye) brought the assembly of Yahweh into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our beasts?” Why, the only resu... [ Continue Reading ]
YAHWEH PROMISES WATER FROM A ROCK AT THE VOICE OF MOSES' COMMAND (NUMBERS 20:7). Yahweh's response was gracious and generous. He recognised the strain under which His people were, and He responded accordingly. There was no hint of criticism in that response. He was ready to meet His people's needs.... [ Continue Reading ]
MOSES STRIKES THE ROCK IN ANGER AND WATER GUSHES OUT (NUMBERS 20:9). But Moses and Aaron were seething with anger. They had had enough of these treacherous people. First it had been their fathers, and now it was them. They were almost reluctant to act to provide the water. They considered that the... [ Continue Reading ]
YAHWEH COMPLAINS AT MOSES AND AARON BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT SANCTIFIED HIM IN THE EYES OF ISRAEL AND PUNISHES THEM BY EXCLUSION FROM THE LAND (NUMBERS 20:12). Numbers 20:12 ‘And Yahweh said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel,... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PLACE IS CALLED THE WATERS OF MERIBAH (MRYBH) BECAUSE ‘THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL' STROVE (RYB) THERE WITH YAHWEH AND HE WAS SANCTIFIED (YQDSH) IN THEM (NUMBERS 20:13). Numbers 20:13 ‘These are the waters of Meribah, because the children of Israel strove with Yahweh, and he was sanctified in them.... [ Continue Reading ]
2). THE APPEAL TO EDOM (NUMBERS 20:14). The incident at Meribah was followed by an appeal to Edom to be allowed to use the King's Highway through their territory. Compare here Deuteronomy 2:4. The march on Yahweh's land had begun in earnest. But in the event they were required to skirt the territor... [ Continue Reading ]
3). THE DEATH OF AARON (NUMBERS 20:22). This advance forward was evidence of a new beginning. This was confirmed by the fact that as a result of his sins over the Cushite wife of Moses (Numbers 12:11) and at Meribah (Numbers 20:12) Aaron was to die and be replaced by his son who would introduce the... [ Continue Reading ]