They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:
At the waters of strife, that is Meribah, Israel by continual murmuring and rebellion angered and provoked God, so that it went ill with Moses and trouble came upon him for their sakes and because of their conduct. Commanded to speak to the rock, Moses instead rebelled against God's Spirit and spoke rashly and unadvisedly with his lips in anger and impatience. Before striking he spoke as though he and Aaron themselves would bring out the water, then lifted his hand and struck the rock twice when the people murmured.
In doing so he took the work to himself instead of telling the people God would show another evidence of His power. He failed to ascribe the power and glory to God for causing water to flow again from the flinty rock, not magnifying and sanctifying Him in the eyes of the children of Israel, and thus bringing dishonor to God. Satan tempted Moses to take for himself the glory that belonged to God, and Moses' unadvised words gave Satan an opportunity to triumph over God's people. For that failure God did not allow Moses to lead Israel into the promised land of Canaan.
Together with Psalms 105, 106, and 107, the verse teaches all who claim to be children of God the necessity of appreciating the goodness, mercy, and love of God. As part of the record of Israel's wilderness experience, the verse serves as a warning and example for God's people in the last days. That record contains warnings that need to be studied and should be studied regularly. The verse warns God's servants and ministers that even under irritation and provocation they must keep a gentle spirit, guard their words and avoid unwise and rash speech, and undergo a thorough transformation of character.
At the waters of strife, that is Meribah, Israel by continual murmuring and rebellion angered and provoked God, so that it went ill with Moses and trouble came upon him for their sakes and because of their conduct. Commanded to speak to the rock, Moses instead rebelled against God's Spirit and spoke rashly and unadvisedly with his lips in anger and impatience. Before striking he spoke as though he and Aaron themselves would bring out the water, then lifted his hand and struck the rock twice when the people murmured.
In doing so he took the work to himself instead of telling the people God would show another evidence of His power. He failed to ascribe the power and glory to God for causing water to flow again from the flinty rock, not magnifying and sanctifying Him in the eyes of the children of Israel, and thus bringing dishonor to God. Satan tempted Moses to take for himself the glory that belonged to God, and Moses' unadvised words gave Satan an opportunity to triumph over God's people. For that failure God did not allow Moses to lead Israel into the promised land of Canaan.
Together with Psalms 105, 106, and 107, the verse teaches all who claim to be children of God the necessity of appreciating the goodness, mercy, and love of God. As part of the record of Israel's wilderness experience, the verse serves as a warning and example for God's people in the last days. That record contains warnings that need to be studied and should be studied regularly. The verse warns God's servants and ministers that even under irritation and provocation they must keep a gentle spirit, guard their words and avoid unwise and rash speech, and undergo a thorough transformation of character.