Numbers 20:24
Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah.
Original Language Analysis
יֵֽאָסֵ֤ף
shall be gathered
H622
יֵֽאָסֵ֤ף
shall be gathered
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
1 of 20
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
עַמָּ֔יו
unto his people
H5971
עַמָּ֔יו
unto his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 20
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָבֹא֙
for he shall not enter
H935
יָבֹא֙
for he shall not enter
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 20
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָתַ֖תִּי
which I have given
H5414
נָתַ֖תִּי
which I have given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
11 of 20
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לִבְנֵ֣י
unto the children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֣י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
13 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עַ֛ל
H5921
עַ֛ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מְרִיתֶ֥ם
because ye rebelled against
H4784
מְרִיתֶ֥ם
because ye rebelled against
Strong's:
H4784
Word #:
16 of 20
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פִּ֖י
my word
H6310
פִּ֖י
my word
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
18 of 20
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Cross References
Genesis 25:8Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.Deuteronomy 32:50And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people:Numbers 31:2Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.Numbers 27:13And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.
Historical Context
The change from striking to speaking tests whether Moses would obey God's specific method or rely on previously successful patterns. This highlights the necessity of present obedience over past precedent in following God's instructions.
Questions for Reflection
- How can past success in ministry become hindrance to present obedience if methods change?
- What does God requiring only spoken word teach about faith in His power versus human effort?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God commands Moses and Aaron to 'speak ye unto the rock before their eyes,' promising water will flow. This method differed from the earlier rock-striking (Exodus 17:6), requiring simple obedience to God's word rather than dramatic action. Speaking to rock demonstrates faith in God's word alone to accomplish miracles—no additional human action needed beyond obedience.