Numbers 20:9
And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּטֶּ֖ה
the rod
H4294
הַמַּטֶּ֖ה
the rod
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
4 of 8
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
מִלִּפְנֵ֣י
from before
H6440
מִלִּפְנֵ֣י
from before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The rod was Aaron's budded rod (17:10), kept before the testimony as perpetual sign of God's chosen leadership. Using this specific rod connected the miracle to divine authority and past demonstrations of God's power. The very rod confirming God's choice became instrument of Moses' disqualifying failure.
Questions for Reflection
- How do good beginnings sometimes breed presumption that leads to eventual disobedience?
- What incomplete obedience in your life needs to be brought to full completion?
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses took the rod 'from before the LORD, as he commanded him'—beginning with proper obedience. Yet subsequent actions violated God's specific instruction to speak to the rock. Partial obedience ending in disobedience nullifies initial correctness. God measures complete faithfulness, not merely good beginnings.