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Numbers 20

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‹ Chapter 19 Numbers — All Chapters Chapter 21 ›

1 In the first month, the whole congregation of Israel entered the Wilderness of Zin and stayed in Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried. 2 Now there was no water for the congregation, so they gathered against Moses and Aaron. 3 The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD! 4 Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here? 5 Why have you led us up out of Egypt to bring us to this wretched place? It is not a place of grain, figs, vines, or pomegranates—and there is no water to drink!" 6 Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. They fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. 7 And the LORD said to Moses, 8 “Take the staff and assemble the congregation. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will pour out its water. You will bring out water from the rock and provide drink for the congregation and their livestock." 9 So Moses took the staff from the LORD’s presence, just as he had been commanded. 10 Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, “Listen now, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink. 12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them." 13 These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed His holiness among them. 14 From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us, 15 how our fathers went down to Egypt, where we lived many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers, 16 and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory. 17 Please let us pass through your land. We will not cut through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway; we will not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory." 18 But Edom answered, “You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword." 19 “We will stay on the main road,” the Israelites replied, “and if we or our herds drink your water, we will pay for it. There will be no problem; only let us pass through on foot." 20 But Edom insisted, “You may not pass through.” And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong hand. 21 So Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their territory, and Israel turned away from them. 22 After they had set out from Kadesh, the whole congregation of Israel came to Mount Hor. 23 And at Mount Hor, near the border of the land of Edom, the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 24 “Aaron will be gathered to his people; he will not enter the land that I have given the Israelites, because both of you rebelled against My command at the waters of Meribah. 25 Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up Mount Hor. 26 Remove Aaron’s priestly garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron will be gathered to his people and will die there." 27 So Moses did as the LORD had commanded, and they climbed Mount Hor in the sight of the whole congregation. 28 After Moses had removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. 29 When the whole congregation saw that Aaron had died, the entire house of Israel mourned for him thirty days.

‹ Chapter 19 Numbers — All Chapters Chapter 21 ›

Study Notes — Numbers 20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Numbers 20 begins with the death of Miriam, Moses' sister, and the Israelites' complaint about the lack of water. God instructs Moses to speak to a rock to bring forth water, but Moses, in his anger, strikes the rock twice, resulting in God's judgment that he will not enter the Promised Land. The chapter also records the Israelites' encounter with the Edomites, who refuse to let them pass through their land. The Israelites then journey around Edom and arrive at Mount Hor, where Aaron dies and is succeeded by Eleazar as high priest. The chapter concludes with the Israelites' victory over the Canaanites at Hormah, demonstrating God's power and provision for His people, as seen in Numbers 20:1-13 and Numbers 20:14-29.

Context for the Chapter

Numbers 20 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, which is recorded in the book of Numbers. The chapter is situated between the Israelites' journey around Edom and their conquest of the Canaanites, as seen in Numbers 21:1-3. It highlights the importance of obedience and faith in the face of adversity, which is a central theme throughout the book of Numbers and the Old Testament, as referenced in Deuteronomy 8:1-5 and Psalm 95:7-11.

Heart Application

As believers, we can learn from Moses' disobedience and the consequences that followed, recognizing the importance of trusting in God's power and provision. We can also be encouraged by God's mercy and care for His people, demonstrated through the provision of water and the defeat of the Canaanites, as seen in Numbers 20:11 and Numbers 21:1-3.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Numbers 20 is about the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, where they face challenges and struggles, and God provides for their needs despite their disobedience. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience and faith, and demonstrates God's mercy and care for His people, as seen in Numbers 20:11. We can learn from Moses' disobedience and be encouraged by God's provision, as referenced in Numbers 20:1-13.

Voices from the Church

“The striking of the rock was a symbol of the smiting of Christ, who was struck for our transgressions, and from whom flows the living water of salvation, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 10:4 and John 7:37-38.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“Moses' disobedience was a grave offense, but it serves as a warning to us to obey God's commands and trust in His power and provision, as seen in Numbers 20:12 and referenced in Romans 5:19.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Death of Miriam and the Lack of Water (20:1-5) — The chapter begins with the death of Miriam and the Israelites' complaint about the lack of water, highlighting their lack of faith and trust in God's provision, as seen in Numbers 20:2-3.
  2. God's Instruction to Moses (20:6-8) — God instructs Moses to speak to a rock to bring forth water, demonstrating His power and care for His people, as seen in Numbers 20:8 and referenced in 1 Corinthians 10:4.
  3. Moses' Disobedience (20:9-12) — Moses, in his anger, strikes the rock twice, resulting in God's judgment that he will not enter the Promised Land, highlighting the importance of obedience and faith, as seen in Numbers 20:12.
  4. The Encounter with Edom (20:14-21) — The Israelites encounter the Edomites, who refuse to let them pass through their land, demonstrating the challenges and obstacles that God's people face in their journey, as seen in Numbers 20:14-21.
  5. The Death of Aaron and the Succession of Eleazar (20:22-29) — The chapter concludes with the death of Aaron and the succession of Eleazar as high priest, highlighting the importance of leadership and the transition of power in God's community, as seen in Numbers 20:22-29.

Core Doctrines

God's Holiness
The chapter emphasizes God's holiness and the need for His people to honor and reverence Him, as seen in Numbers 20:12 and referenced in Leviticus 11:44.
The Importance of Obedience
Moses' disobedience and its consequences serve as a warning to believers about the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Numbers 20:12 and referenced in Romans 5:19.
God's Mercy and Provision
The chapter demonstrates God's mercy and care for His people, despite their disobedience, as seen in Numbers 20:11 and Numbers 21:8-9.
The Role of Leadership
The chapter highlights the importance of leadership and the transition of power in God's community, as seen in Numbers 20:22-29 and referenced in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

Lessons from Numbers 20

  1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter teaches us that obedience to God's commands is essential for our spiritual growth and well-being, as seen in Numbers 20:12.
  2. God's Mercy and Provision — The chapter demonstrates God's mercy and care for His people, despite their disobedience, as seen in Numbers 20:11 and Numbers 21:8-9.
  3. The Role of Leadership — The chapter highlights the importance of leadership and the transition of power in God's community, as seen in Numbers 20:22-29 and referenced in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
  4. The Significance of the Rock — The rock that Moses strikes is a symbol of Christ, who provides living water for God's people, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 10:4 and John 7:37-38.
  5. The Importance of Faith — The chapter teaches us that faith and trust in God's power and provision are essential for our spiritual growth and well-being, as seen in Numbers 20:12 and referenced in Hebrews 11:1-3.

Themes from Numbers 20

  1. God's Holiness — The chapter emphasizes God's holiness and the need for His people to honor and reverence Him, as seen in Numbers 20:12 and referenced in Leviticus 11:44.
  2. The Importance of Obedience — Moses' disobedience and its consequences serve as a warning to believers about the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Numbers 20:12 and referenced in Romans 5:19.
  3. God's Mercy and Provision — The chapter demonstrates God's mercy and care for His people, despite their disobedience, as seen in Numbers 20:11 and Numbers 21:8-9.
  4. The Role of Leadership — The chapter highlights the importance of leadership and the transition of power in God's community, as seen in Numbers 20:22-29 and referenced in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
  5. The Significance of the Rock — The rock that Moses strikes is a symbol of Christ, who provides living water for God's people, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 10:4 and John 7:37-38.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What can we learn from Moses' disobedience and its consequences, and how can we apply this to our own lives, as seen in Numbers 20:12?
  2. How does God's provision of water demonstrate His power and care for His people, and what can we learn from this, as seen in Numbers 20:11?
  3. What is the significance of the rock that Moses strikes, and how does it relate to Christ, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 10:4?
  4. How does the chapter highlight the importance of obedience and faith, and what are the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Numbers 20:12?
  5. What can we learn from the Israelites' encounter with the Edomites, and how does it relate to our own journey as believers, as seen in Numbers 20:14-21?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Death of Miriam and the Lack of Water (20:1-5)

20:1 The chapter begins with the death of Miriam, Moses' sister, and the Israelites' complaint about the lack of water, highlighting their lack of faith and trust in God's provision, as seen in Numbers 20:2-3.
20:2 The Israelites complain about the lack of water, demonstrating their lack of faith and trust in God's provision, as seen in Numbers 20:2-3.
20:3 The people quarrel with Moses, and he cries out to God for help, as seen in Numbers 20:3-4.
20:4 Moses and Aaron fall on their faces, and God appears to them, as seen in Numbers 20:4-5.
20:5 God instructs Moses to take his staff and assemble the congregation, as seen in Numbers 20:5-6.

2. God's Instruction to Moses (20:6-8)

20:6 God instructs Moses to take his staff and assemble the congregation, as seen in Numbers 20:5-6.
20:7 God tells Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water, demonstrating His power and care for His people, as seen in Numbers 20:8 and referenced in 1 Corinthians 10:4.
20:8 God instructs Moses to speak to the rock, but Moses strikes it twice, resulting in God's judgment, as seen in Numbers 20:12.

3. Moses' Disobedience (20:9-12)

20:9 Moses takes his staff and assembles the congregation, as seen in Numbers 20:9-10.
20:10 Moses asks the people if they believe God will provide for them, and then he strikes the rock twice, as seen in Numbers 20:11.
20:11 Water comes out of the rock, but God is not honored, and Moses is judged for his disobedience, as seen in Numbers 20:12.
20:12 God tells Moses that he will not enter the Promised Land because he did not trust in Him enough to honor Him as holy, as seen in Numbers 20:12.

4. The Encounter with Edom (20:14-21)

20:14 The Israelites send a message to the king of Edom, asking to pass through their land, as seen in Numbers 20:14-17.
20:15 The Edomites refuse to let the Israelites pass through, and the Israelites are forced to journey around them, as seen in Numbers 20:18-21.
20:16 The Israelites explain their situation to the Edomites, but they still refuse to let them pass through, as seen in Numbers 20:18.
20:17 The Israelites ask again to pass through, but the Edomites refuse, and the Israelites are forced to journey around them, as seen in Numbers 20:19-21.
20:18 The Edomites come out with a large army, and the Israelites are forced to journey around them, as seen in Numbers 20:20-21.
20:19 The Israelites send a message to the Edomites, asking to pass through, but they refuse, as seen in Numbers 20:19.
20:20 The Edomites come out with a large army, and the Israelites are forced to journey around them, as seen in Numbers 20:20-21.
20:21 The Israelites journey around the Edomites, as seen in Numbers 20:21.

5. The Death of Aaron and the Succession of Eleazar (20:22-29)

20:22 The Israelites arrive at Mount Hor, and God tells Moses and Aaron to go up the mountain, as seen in Numbers 20:22-23.
20:23 God tells Moses to take Aaron's garments and put them on Eleazar, as seen in Numbers 20:24-26.
20:24 Moses does as God instructs, and Aaron dies on the mountain, as seen in Numbers 20:27-28.
20:25 Moses takes Aaron's garments and puts them on Eleazar, as seen in Numbers 20:25-26.
20:26 Aaron dies on the mountain, and the Israelites mourn for him, as seen in Numbers 20:27-29.
20:27 Aaron dies on the mountain, and the Israelites mourn for him, as seen in Numbers 20:27-29.
20:28 The Israelites mourn for Aaron, and Moses and Eleazar come down from the mountain, as seen in Numbers 20:28-29.
20:29 The Israelites mourn for Aaron for thirty days, as seen in Numbers 20:29.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the rock that Moses strikes?

The rock that Moses strikes is a symbol of Christ, who provides living water for God's people, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 10:4 and John 7:37-38.

Why did God judge Moses for his disobedience?

God judged Moses for his disobedience because he did not trust in Him enough to honor Him as holy, as seen in Numbers 20:12 and referenced in Romans 5:19.

What can we learn from the Israelites' encounter with the Edomites?

The Israelites' encounter with the Edomites teaches us about the challenges and obstacles that God's people face in their journey, and the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, as seen in Numbers 20:14-21.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Numbers 20:1 → Exodus 17:1-7 The Israelites' complaint about the lack of water in Numbers 20:1-5 is similar to their complaint in Exodus 17:1-7, highlighting their lack of faith and trust in God's provision.
2 Numbers 20:8 → 1 Corinthians 10:4 The rock that Moses strikes in Numbers 20:8 is a symbol of Christ, who provides living water for God's people, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 10:4 and John 7:37-38.
3 Numbers 20:12 → Romans 5:19 Moses' disobedience and its consequences serve as a warning to believers about the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Numbers 20:12 and referenced in Romans 5:19.
4 Numbers 20:14 → Deuteronomy 2:1-8 The Israelites' encounter with the Edomites in Numbers 20:14-21 is similar to their encounter in Deuteronomy 2:1-8, highlighting the challenges and obstacles that God's people face in their journey.
5 Numbers 20:22 → Deuteronomy 10:6 The death of Aaron and the succession of Eleazar in Numbers 20:22-29 is referenced in Deuteronomy 10:6, highlighting the importance of leadership and the transition of power in God's community.
6 Numbers 20:1 → Psalm 95:7-11 The Israelites' complaint about the lack of water in Numbers 20:1-5 is similar to their complaint in Psalm 95:7-11, highlighting their lack of faith and trust in God's provision.
7 Numbers 20:8 → John 7:37-38 The rock that Moses strikes in Numbers 20:8 is a symbol of Christ, who provides living water for God's people, as referenced in John 7:37-38 and 1 Corinthians 10:4.
8 Numbers 20:12 → Hebrews 3:1-6 Moses' disobedience and its consequences serve as a warning to believers about the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Numbers 20:12 and referenced in Hebrews 3:1-6.
9 Numbers 20:14 → Genesis 36:1-43 The Israelites' encounter with the Edomites in Numbers 20:14-21 is similar to their encounter in Genesis 36:1-43, highlighting the challenges and obstacles that God's people face in their journey.
10 Numbers 20:22 → Leviticus 10:1-7 The death of Aaron and the succession of Eleazar in Numbers 20:22-29 is similar to the death of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-7, highlighting the importance of leadership and the transition of power in God's community.

Sermons on Numbers 20

SermonDescription
Francis Chan Are You Destroying the Church by Francis Chan Francis Chan emphasizes the critical importance of unity within the church, warning against the destructive nature of division and gossip. He reflects on biblical examples of God's
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 17:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the smitten rock and its significance in relation to spiritual blessings. He emphasizes that although God has blessed us abund
Richard Owen Roberts Breaking Faith With God by Richard Owen Roberts This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining God's holiness and not robbing Him of His glory, using the example of Moses' sin of anger and haste that led to severe conseque
Carter Conlon Excluded From the Land of Promise by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking to God and believing in His power to release living water into our souls. The sermon references Numbers chapter 20
B.B. Caldwell With Nothing but God by B.B. Caldwell In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and how God stripped him of his wealth and health to deliver him from the pitfalls of Phariseeism. The preacher emphasizes t
Leonard Ravenhill Is the Lord Among Us, or Not by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the advancements of technology, particularly the TV camera, and how it has brought both incredible discoveries and disturbing events into ou
Jim Cymbala Enduring the Test by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites as they were led by God out of Egypt towards the land of Canaan. The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusti
Art Katz Ger-04 the Necessary Death of Israel by Art Katz In this sermon, the preacher discusses the condition of a sinful nation that has forsaken the Lord and despised the Holy One of Israel. He emphasizes the need for transformation th
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Exodus 16-18 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine fear of God and the accountability that comes with being a teacher of the Word. He shares his personal str
Sandeep Poonen How God Shows Himself as Holy-1 by Sandeep Poonen This sermon delves into the concept of holiness and how God reveals His holiness to us through trials and afflictions. It emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call to h

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Numbers 20

In Numbers 20, we see the Israelites' continued disobedience and lack of faith, despite God's provision and care for them. Moses' disobedience in striking the rock twice results in God's judgment, and he is not allowed to enter the Promised Land. The chapter also records the death of Aaron and the succession of Eleazar as high priest, highlighting the importance of leadership and the transition of power in God's community. Throughout the chapter, God's holiness and mercy are on display, as He provides for His people despite their disobedience, as seen in Numbers 20:11 and Numbers 21:8-9. As believers, we can learn from the Israelites' mistakes and be encouraged by God's provision and care for us, as seen in Numbers 20:1-13 and referenced in Romans 5:1-5. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

Pattern of Disobedience

The Israelites' complaint about the lack of water and Moses' subsequent disobedience demonstrate a pattern of disobedience that is consistent throughout the book of Numbers, as seen in Numbers 11:1-3 and Numbers 14:1-4.

God's Provision

Despite the Israelites' disobedience, God still provides for their needs, demonstrating His mercy and care for His people, as seen in Numbers 20:11 and Numbers 21:8-9.

Leadership Transition

The chapter records the death of Aaron and the succession of Eleazar as high priest, highlighting the importance of leadership and the transition of power in God's community, as seen in Numbers 20:22-29.

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