Numbers 20:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

As we all understand, it was solely due to this transgression—the irony lies in that such an exceptional servant could not achieve what his followers had attained. After enduring arduous trials, a remarkable journey, numerous battles, and victories, he perished outside the land that he had labored so diligently for; after braving the perils of the sea, he was denied the rewards of reaching the shore. Notice that not only those who usurp the priesthood, but also those who inherit it through the efforts of others, cannot be justified in their wrongdoings. If those who persistently rejected divine selection faced such consequences, and neither Aaron nor Elijah nor that blessed man—holy and prophetic, "the meekest of all men on earth" (Num. 12:3)—who spoke with God as a friend (Ex. 33:11) could escape judgment, we, who fall so short of his excellence, can hardly justify ourselves simply because we have not sought this authority, especially when many of these appointments arise not from divine favor but from human effort.

We do not enter the inheritance of the saints or the true land of promise through the law, which reflects types and shadows, nor through the frailty of the priesthood established by that law. It is neither by the blood of animals that we attain favor with God, nor can earthly achievements elevate our standing before Him. Rather, we are called to ascend to the highest city and claim the inheritance of our forebears, following Christ, our leader. Through Him and with Him, may glory be ascribed to God the Father along with the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

This truth is echoed by the righteous David in his song: “Moses was angered against them, for his spirit was troubled, and his words were conflicted” (Psalms 105:32-33); for, in his wrath, he spoke with uncertainty. This uncertainty resided not in his heart, but rather on his lips, as captured in David's words, “He has divided his mouth.” It should be noted, however, that God's judgment was pronounced in a manner that requires further explanation, which we will address in due time.

However, he was reprimanded because he did not speak to the rock as the Lord instructed for His glory but instead addressed the people with frustration and carelessness. Therefore, he endured consequences from God, who declared to Aaron and Moses that because they had not trusted Him or honored Him before the children of Israel, they would not lead this community into the land He promised them. The reason behind Moses’ words was the distress he felt due to the Israelites' murmuring and their malicious words against him; this led him to neglect the command God had given him. The phrase “divided in his mouth” indicates that Moses spoke uncertainly, doubting that water would genuinely flow from the rock; he might have thought that the rock would not yield water, as the Israelites had frequently shown ingratitude to God despite His great kindness. According to the Goldsmith’s perspective, Moses lamented his fate, saying to the Israelites, The Lord God was angry with me because of your actions and swore that I would not cross this Jordan, nor enter the land your God would give you as an inheritance (Deuteronomy 4:21); and also, The Lord was displeased with me because of you and did not listen to me, saying it is enough for you; you shall not speak anymore such words to me (Deuteronomy 3:26). This can be interpreted as a reminder to reflect and take heed. If I, the one chosen by God, was not spared for my transgression, consider the punishment you will face if you persist in wrongdoing. It is evident that a person who has committed a serious offense in secret, without leading others astray, will receive a lesser punishment than one who sins less but does so openly and influences many. The esteemed Basil, recognizing this truth, observed that Moses, the faithful servant of God, faced severe consequences simply for questioning the murmuring people about drawing water from the stone. For this, he was immediately warned that he would not enter the promised land, the most significant of the promises given to the Israelites. Seeing this, I find myself in agreement with the Apostle concerning the severity of God; I am convinced of the truth that if the righteous are scarcely saved, what becomes of the wicked and the sinner? (As Theodoret remarked) Though it seems that the Creator of the universe punished Moses by not allowing him to enter the holy land, He orchestrated this for Moses’ benefit, knowing the folly of the Israelites. By preventing Moses from fully fulfilling the promise, God ensured they would not mistake him for God Himself. Thus, God also concealed Moses’ burial site. Furthermore, He wished to demonstrate through this action the temporary nature of the law. According to Cyril, we can understand that Moses represents the law, Aaron embodies the priesthood, and Miriam symbolizes the one who serves the divine law. Therefore, neither the law, the subordinate priesthood, nor a symbolic worship can bring us into the realm of holiness or the true promised land. We cannot please God through blood sacrifices. Conversely, we will enter the heavenly city and inherit the inheritance of our forebears under the guidance of Christ, just as the Israelites did under Joshua.

When we consider the incident of Moses striking the rock to produce water, there doesn't seem to be any clear reason for God’s displeasure towards Moses and Aaron. Nevertheless, we must acknowledge that their actions drew God’s rebuke and punishment due to their lack of faith. The transgression of Moses serves as a significant lesson for us; it highlights human frailty and encourages us to be vigilant over our own conduct, relying not on our own understanding or righteousness, but seeking the Lord's guidance to avoid stumbling.

Furthermore, the falls of David, a key ancestor of the Messiah, and Peter, the foremost apostle who was ready to lay down his life, stand as powerful reminders of our humanity's vulnerabilities. Therefore, as the Apostle Paul advises, let those who think they stand take heed, ensuring they remain steadfast and avoid falling (1 Cor. 10:12).