Articles
A Costly Mistake
“Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.’” (Numbers 20:12)
Moses is now 120 years old. For 80 years he waited to enter the Promised Land. The generation that sinned in the wilderness 37 years ago was almost gone. Moses was troubled to find the new generation to be as impatient as the previous. Thus, this servant of the Lord allowed his emotion to rule rather than his heart. It was a costly mistake that resulted in a sentence that would not be reversed (Deuteronomy 3:25).
The transgression of Moses was at first simple disobedience. Moses had been commanded to “speak” to the rock, but he “smote” the rock instead. Surely after years of service, Moses and Aaron should have learned of the importance giving attention to the details of God’s commands.
The root of Moses’ disobedience appears to be a temporary failure of faith. The words “must we” bring you water implies unbelief. Thus, when God confronts Moses, he goes right to the heart of the matter, “You did not believe Me.” Moses failed in faith! Thus, God ascribes the sin with its serious consequences to unbelief.
To make matters worse, when Moses did speak, he did so “rashly” (Psalms 106:33). In haste and with a hot temper, Moses dishonored God with his words, “Must we bring water for you out of this rock" (vs.10)? He failed to sanctify the Lord before the people. God was ready to demonstrate his mercy to these rebels, but Moses spoils the moment by failing to give God the glory.
In human eyes it would seem unfair that God would not allow Moses to enter Canaan. Moses had suffered long with Israel, and had patiently led, yet his own disbelief brought bitter disappointment.
