Numbers 20:8 - “Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it pour out its water. You shall bring water to them out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Numbers 20:8" mean?
Numbers 20:8 is a pivotal verse in the story of Moses striking the rock. Let's break down its meaning:
"Take the rod...": The "rod" refers to the staff that Moses carried, which was associated with God's power and used in previous miracles, like parting the Red Sea.
"...and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your brother...": Moses and Aaron, as leaders, are instructed to gather the Israelites. This emphasizes the public nature of the miracle that is about to occur. It's not a private event; it's meant for the whole community.
"...and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it pour out its water...": This is the crucial part. God commands Moses to speak to the rock. The intention is for the water to come forth through God's word, spoken by Moses.
"You shall bring water to them out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.”: This outlines the purpose of the miracle: to provide water for the thirsty Israelites and their animals in the wilderness. God is showing his provision and care for his people.
Key Interpretations and Significance:
Obedience and Faith: The verse highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions. The intended action was to speak to the rock, demonstrating faith in God's power to provide.
God's Provision: The miracle of water from the rock is a demonstration of God's provision for His people in the desert. He meets their physical needs in a miraculous way.
The Disobedience: It is critical to know that in Numbers 20:10-12, Moses disobeys God. Instead of speaking to the rock, he strikes it twice in anger, claiming, "Must we bring water for you out of this rock?" (emphasis added). This disobedience, and his taking credit for God's miracle, has significant consequences for Moses, resulting in him not being allowed to enter the promised land.
Symbolic Interpretations: The rock itself has often been interpreted symbolically as representing Christ, who was "struck" for our sins and provides "living water" (spiritual nourishment and salvation). Moses speaking to the rock and water flowing out is akin to believers speaking and praying to Jesus to receive spiritual nourishment.
In summary, Numbers 20:8 is more than just an instruction to get water. It's a test of faith, a demonstration of God's provision, and, in its complete narrative, a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and pride. God wants Moses to get water for the people. And he is instructing him to do it by speaking to a rock. Moses then disobeys that simple instruction.
Numbers 20:8 - “Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it pour out its water. You shall bring water to them out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.”
What does "Numbers 20:8" mean?
Numbers 20:8 is a pivotal verse in the story of Moses striking the rock. Let's break down its meaning:
"Take the rod...": The "rod" refers to the staff that Moses carried, which was associated with God's power and used in previous miracles, like parting the Red Sea.
"...and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your brother...": Moses and Aaron, as leaders, are instructed to gather the Israelites. This emphasizes the public nature of the miracle that is about to occur. It's not a private event; it's meant for the whole community.
"...and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it pour out its water...": This is the crucial part. God commands Moses to speak to the rock. The intention is for the water to come forth through God's word, spoken by Moses.
"You shall bring water to them out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.”: This outlines the purpose of the miracle: to provide water for the thirsty Israelites and their animals in the wilderness. God is showing his provision and care for his people.
Key Interpretations and Significance:
Obedience and Faith: The verse highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions. The intended action was to speak to the rock, demonstrating faith in God's power to provide.
God's Provision: The miracle of water from the rock is a demonstration of God's provision for His people in the desert. He meets their physical needs in a miraculous way.
The Disobedience: It is critical to know that in Numbers 20:10-12, Moses disobeys God. Instead of speaking to the rock, he strikes it twice in anger, claiming, "Must we bring water for you out of this rock?" (emphasis added). This disobedience, and his taking credit for God's miracle, has significant consequences for Moses, resulting in him not being allowed to enter the promised land.
Symbolic Interpretations: The rock itself has often been interpreted symbolically as representing Christ, who was "struck" for our sins and provides "living water" (spiritual nourishment and salvation). Moses speaking to the rock and water flowing out is akin to believers speaking and praying to Jesus to receive spiritual nourishment.
In summary, Numbers 20:8 is more than just an instruction to get water. It's a test of faith, a demonstration of God's provision, and, in its complete narrative, a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and pride. God wants Moses to get water for the people. And he is instructing him to do it by speaking to a rock. Moses then disobeys that simple instruction.