Numbers 20:10
And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פְּנֵ֣י
together before
H6440
פְּנֵ֣י
together before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 19
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַסֶּ֣לַע
out of this rock
H5553
הַסֶּ֣לַע
out of this rock
Strong's:
H5553
Word #:
8 of 19
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
שִׁמְעוּ
unto them Hear
H8085
שִׁמְעוּ
unto them Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
11 of 19
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
נָא֙
H4994
נָא֙
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
12 of 19
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
הַמֹּרִ֔ים
now ye rebels
H4784
הַמֹּרִ֔ים
now ye rebels
Strong's:
H4784
Word #:
13 of 19
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
הֲמִן
H4480
הֲמִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַסֶּ֣לַע
out of this rock
H5553
הַסֶּ֣לַע
out of this rock
Strong's:
H5553
Word #:
15 of 19
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
Historical Context
This incident contrasts with earlier water-from-rock miracle at Rephidim (Exodus 17:6), where Moses obeyed exactly. Years of patient leadership under constant complaint apparently accumulated, resulting in this flash of frustrated pride.
Questions for Reflection
- How can accumulated frustration in ministry lead to taking credit for God's work?
- What practices help you maintain humility in spiritual leadership despite opposition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses and Aaron gather the assembly before the rock, and Moses addresses them: 'Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?' Moses' frustration erupts in harsh words and the plural 'we' (instead of crediting God alone). This momentary lapse—taking credit for God's miracle—cost Moses entry into Canaan, showing how even great leaders must guard against pride in ministry.