Numbers 20:13 - These are the waters of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with Yahweh, and he was sanctified in them.
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What does "Numbers 20:13" mean?
Numbers 20:13 refers to a specific event at a place called Meribah (meaning "strife" or "contention"). To understand the verse, let's break it down:
"These are the waters of Meribah...": This establishes the location as Meribah and associates the event with the source of water that came forth.
"...because the children of Israel strove with Yahweh...": This points to the cause of the naming of the place. The Israelites were complaining to God (Yahweh) about the lack of water. They were questioning His leadership and provision, essentially arguing or "striving" against Him. This demonstrates a lack of faith and trust in God's ability to provide for them.
"...and he was sanctified in them.": This is the key to understanding the verse. "Sanctified" means to be set apart as holy, to be honored and revered. Despite the Israelites' rebellious actions, God demonstrated His holiness and power by providing water miraculously.
In essence, the verse means:
Even though the Israelites argued with God and questioned His ability to provide, God displayed His holiness and power by providing water for them. In doing so, He demonstrated His character and was, in a sense, "sanctified" or honored in their midst, despite their unfaithfulness.
Different Interpretations and nuances:
God's Justice: Some commentaries also highlight that while God provided the water, Moses and Aaron (who struck the rock when God only commanded them to speak to it) did not properly sanctify God. They took credit for the miracle, which is why they were later barred from entering the promised land (Numbers 20:12). This adds a layer of God's justice to the narrative.
Contrast: The verse creates a contrast between the Israelites' behavior and God's response. They were faithless and contentious, but God remained faithful and powerful.
Lessons for Readers: The passage serves as a reminder to trust God even in difficult circumstances and to honor Him through obedience and faith, even when we face trials.
In summary, Numbers 20:13 captures a pivotal moment where the Israelites tested God's patience, yet He still demonstrated His power and holiness, even if it meant pointing to the faithlessness of his chosen leaders, Aaron and Moses.
Numbers 20:13 - These are the waters of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with Yahweh, and he was sanctified in them.
What does "Numbers 20:13" mean?
Numbers 20:13 refers to a specific event at a place called Meribah (meaning "strife" or "contention"). To understand the verse, let's break it down:
"These are the waters of Meribah...": This establishes the location as Meribah and associates the event with the source of water that came forth.
"...because the children of Israel strove with Yahweh...": This points to the cause of the naming of the place. The Israelites were complaining to God (Yahweh) about the lack of water. They were questioning His leadership and provision, essentially arguing or "striving" against Him. This demonstrates a lack of faith and trust in God's ability to provide for them.
"...and he was sanctified in them.": This is the key to understanding the verse. "Sanctified" means to be set apart as holy, to be honored and revered. Despite the Israelites' rebellious actions, God demonstrated His holiness and power by providing water miraculously.
In essence, the verse means:
Even though the Israelites argued with God and questioned His ability to provide, God displayed His holiness and power by providing water for them. In doing so, He demonstrated His character and was, in a sense, "sanctified" or honored in their midst, despite their unfaithfulness.
Different Interpretations and nuances:
God's Justice: Some commentaries also highlight that while God provided the water, Moses and Aaron (who struck the rock when God only commanded them to speak to it) did not properly sanctify God. They took credit for the miracle, which is why they were later barred from entering the promised land (Numbers 20:12). This adds a layer of God's justice to the narrative.
Contrast: The verse creates a contrast between the Israelites' behavior and God's response. They were faithless and contentious, but God remained faithful and powerful.
Lessons for Readers: The passage serves as a reminder to trust God even in difficult circumstances and to honor Him through obedience and faith, even when we face trials.
In summary, Numbers 20:13 captures a pivotal moment where the Israelites tested God's patience, yet He still demonstrated His power and holiness, even if it meant pointing to the faithlessness of his chosen leaders, Aaron and Moses.