Numbers 27:14
For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.
Original Language Analysis
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֩
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֩
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מְרִיתֶ֨ם
For ye rebelled
H4784
מְרִיתֶ֨ם
For ye rebelled
Strong's:
H4784
Word #:
2 of 16
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
פִּ֜י
against my commandment
H6310
פִּ֜י
against my commandment
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 16
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
מִדְבַּר
in the desert
H4057
מִדְבַּר
in the desert
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
4 of 16
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
הָֽעֵדָ֔ה
of the congregation
H5712
הָֽעֵדָ֔ה
of the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
7 of 16
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
לְהַקְדִּישֵׁ֥נִי
to sanctify
H6942
לְהַקְדִּישֵׁ֥נִי
to sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
8 of 16
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
מֵֽי
me at the water
H4325
מֵֽי
me at the water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
9 of 16
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
לְעֵֽינֵיהֶ֑ם
before their eyes
H5869
לְעֵֽינֵיהֶ֑ם
before their eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
10 of 16
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
מֵֽי
me at the water
H4325
מֵֽי
me at the water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
12 of 16
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Cross References
Deuteronomy 1:37Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither.Exodus 17:7And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?Numbers 20:24Aaron 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.Numbers 20:1Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.
Historical Context
This explanation appears multiple times (20:12, Deuteronomy 3:23-27, 32:51, Psalm 106:32-33), demonstrating its importance as lesson for all leaders. Moses' moment of anger cost him personal fulfillment of lifelong mission. One failure, even by a great saint, can have lasting consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your conduct as a Christian affect others' understanding of God's character?
- What responsibility do spiritual leaders bear for accurately representing God in word and deed?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God reminded Moses why he couldn't enter: 'ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin... to sanctify me at the water before their eyes.' Moses' striking the rock (20:7-12) instead of speaking to it failed to honor God properly before Israel. Leaders' public failures matter more because they teach wrong lessons about God. Representation of God's character is weighty responsibility.