Moses' Disobedience: Not Sanctifying God at Meribah

Numbers 20:12

12 And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, Because you believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

In Numbers 20:12 when the Lord declared that Moses did not "sanctify" Him, it means that Moses failed to honor God and demonstrate His holiness in the eyes of the Israelites through his actions. Instead of giving God the glory for providing water, Moses acted in a way that suggested the power came from himself, thereby misrepresenting God's character and authority.18LtMs, Ms 9, 1903, par. 17+2

Here's a breakdown of what this signifies:

• Understanding "Sanctify": To "sanctify" means to set apart for a holy, sacred, or religious use, or to make holy. It involves treating something as sacred and distinct from the common. This concept is clearly illustrated when God commanded Moses to set bounds around Mount Sinai and "sanctify" it, meaning the people were to treat the mountain as sacred because of God's presence.ChSa 17.1+10

• Moses' Failure at Meribah: Moses was instructed to speak to the rock to bring forth water for the thirsty Israelites. However, instead of simply speaking to the rock as commanded, Moses struck it twice and questioned the people, saying, "Must we fetch you water out of this rock?" This action made it appear as though the power to bring forth water resided with Moses and Aaron, rather than with God alone.18LtMs, Ms 9, 1903, par. 17+2

• Consequences of Disbelief and Self-Exaltation: Moses' actions demonstrated a distrust of God and a degree of self-exaltation. This was a grave offense because it obscured God's power and magnified human agency in the eyes of a rebellious and murmuring people. It failed to fully attribute the miracle to God's unlimited power and care.18LtMs, Ms 9, 1903, par. 17+3. Such willful disobedience and the tendency towards self-glorification are dangerous, and God will not accept imperfect obedience.4MR 346.2+2. This disobedience had significant consequences, as Moses and Aaron were not permitted to lead the congregation into the Promised Land.18LtMs, Ms 9, 1903, par. 17+1

• The Importance of Obedience: This event underscores that God deals with humanity based on the critical question of obedience or disobedience. Obedience brings joy and blessings, while disobedience leads to sorrow and grave repercussions. The history of God's chosen people, including Moses' actions, serves as a warning that greater light brings greater accountability, and refusal to walk in that light leads to increased sin and retribution.RH February 18, 1902, par. 12+2. God requires perfect, unquestioning obedience to His holy commandments, and no excuse is accepted for disobedience.14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 21+1.