Numbers 20:12
Numbers 20:12 in Multiple Translations
But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”
¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
And Jehovah said unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed not in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.
Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, Because you had not enough faith in me to keep my name holy before the children of Israel, you will not take this people into the land which I have given them.
But the Lord told Moses and Aaron, “Because you didn't trust me enough to demonstrate how holy I am to the Israelites, you will not be the ones to lead them into the country I've given them.”
Againe the Lord spake vnto Moses, and to Aaron, Because ye beleeued me not, to sanctifie mee in the presence of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this Congregation into the land which I haue giuen them.
And Jehovah saith unto Moses, and unto Aaron, 'Because ye have not believed in Me to sanctify Me before the eyes of the sons of Israel, therefore ye do not bring in this assembly unto the land which I have given to them.'
The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you didn’t believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”
And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron: Because you have not believed me, to sanctify me before the children of Israel, you shall not bring these people into the land, which I will give them.
But Yahweh said to Aaron and Moses/me, “You did not believe that I could demonstrate my power to the Israeli people and give them water without your striking the rock. So you will not lead them into the land that I am giving to them!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 20:12
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Numbers 20:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 20:12
Study Notes — Numbers 20:12
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 20:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 20:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 20:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 20:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 20:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 20:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 20:12
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 20:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 20:12
- Sermons on Numbers 20:12
Context — Water from the Rock
12But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”
13These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed His holiness among them. 14From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 1:37 | The LORD was also angry with me on your account, and He said, “Not even you shall enter the land. |
| 2 | Numbers 27:14 | for when the congregation contended in the Wilderness of Zin, both of you rebelled against My command to show My holiness in their sight regarding the waters.” Those were the waters of Meribah in Kadesh, in the Wilderness of Zin. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 36:23 | I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness in you before their eyes. |
| 4 | Numbers 20:24 | “Aaron will be gathered to his people; he will not enter the land that I have given the Israelites, because both of you rebelled against My command at the waters of Meribah. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 3:23–27 | At that time I also pleaded with the LORD: “O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your greatness and power to Your servant. For what god in heaven or on earth can perform such works and mighty acts as Yours? Please let me cross over and see the good land beyond the Jordan—that pleasant hill country as well as Lebanon!” But the LORD was angry with me on account of you, and He would not listen to me. “That is enough,” the LORD said to me. “Do not speak to Me again about this matter. Go to the top of Pisgah and look to the west and north and south and east. See the land with your own eyes, for you will not cross this Jordan. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 32:49–51 | “Go up into the Abarim Range to Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab across from Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites as their own possession. And there on the mountain that you climb, you will die and be gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people. For at the waters of Meribah-kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin, both of you broke faith with Me among the Israelites by failing to treat Me as holy in their presence. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 34:4 | And the LORD said to him, “This is the land that I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross into it.” |
| 8 | Joshua 1:2 | “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel. |
| 9 | Romans 4:20 | Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, |
| 10 | Matthew 17:20 | “Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” |
Numbers 20:12 Summary
[This verse shows that Moses and Aaron, two great leaders, made a mistake by not trusting God to provide water for the people. They were supposed to speak to the rock, but instead, Moses hit it with his staff, which was not what God told him to do (Numbers 20:8-11). As a result, God said they would not be able to lead the people into the promised land. This teaches us that trusting and obeying God is crucial, even when it's hard or doesn't make sense (Romans 4:20-21, Hebrews 11:6). We can learn from Moses and Aaron's mistake by surrendering our lives to God and trusting in His power and sovereignty.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Moses and Aaron do wrong in Numbers 20:12?
Moses and Aaron did not trust the Lord to show His holiness in the sight of the Israelites, and instead, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff, which was not in line with God's instructions (Numbers 20:8-11, Exodus 17:5-7).
Why did the Lord say Moses and Aaron would not bring the assembly into the promised land?
The Lord said Moses and Aaron would not bring the assembly into the promised land because they did not trust Him to show His holiness, which was a crucial aspect of their leadership and the people's faith (Numbers 20:12, Deuteronomy 32:51-52).
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and power, rather than relying on human efforts or methods, as seen in Moses' actions (Numbers 20:12, Hebrews 11:6, Romans 4:20-21).
What can we learn from Moses and Aaron's mistake in this verse?
We can learn that even the most well-intentioned leaders can make mistakes when they do not trust and obey God's instructions, and that faith and trust are essential for effective leadership and a deepening relationship with God (Numbers 20:12, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Proverbs 3:5-6).
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I struggle to trust God's sovereignty and power, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How can I, like Moses and Aaron, be tempted to take matters into my own hands, and what are the consequences of doing so?
- What does it mean to 'show God's holiness' in my daily life, and how can I reflect His character to those around me?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's promises and instructions, even when the outcome is uncertain or challenging?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 20:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 20:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 20:12
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 20:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 20:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 20:12
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 20:12
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 20:12
Sermons on Numbers 20:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Are You Destroying the Church by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the critical importance of unity within the church, warning against the destructive nature of division and gossip. He reflects on biblical examples of God's |
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Breaking Faith With God by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining God's holiness and not robbing Him of His glory, using the example of Moses' sin of anger and haste that led to severe conseque |
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Excluded From the Land of Promise by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking to God and believing in His power to release living water into our souls. The sermon references Numbers chapter 20 |
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Ger-04 the Necessary Death of Israel by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the condition of a sinful nation that has forsaken the Lord and despised the Holy One of Israel. He emphasizes the need for transformation th |
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Old Testament Survey - Part 20 by Dick Woodward | This sermon delves into the book of Numbers, focusing on the greatness, meekness, and intimate relationship of Moses with God. It explores the concept of meekness, Moses' sin that |
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"Go, Return!" by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the grave consequences of sin, illustrating how it can permanently hinder one's usefulness to God through the examples of Moses, Saul, and Elijah. He highligh |
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Letter 54 by James Bourne | James Bourne, in a letter to Mrs. Burrell, shares about the darkness caused by sin and the importance of spiritual vigilance to avoid falling into spiritual sloth. He reflects on t |







