Chapter 12 Research Paper

The story of the splitting of the rock is one where many lessons can be learned, and many themes are revealed. Overall, it is shown that God is almighty, and that he will always take care of his people. The value of this great miracle from God actually develops before said miracle happens. Although this event takes place in chapter 20 of the book of Numbers, the true value of themes and lessons learned start in Exodus. Many people are aware of the story where God makes water flow from the rock for the first time on Mt. Sinai. However, the lesser known second happening of this miracle in the wilderness of Zin contributes greatly to God’s message to us in the Bible.

After liberation from slavery in Egypt the Israelites were on their way

As Numbers 20:2 goes on to say, “There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron.” So Moses had went into the Tabernacle and fell face down before the presence of God. “Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the tent of meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the Lord appeared to them. The Lord said to Moses, “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.” Moses and Aaron gathered the people before the rock, and this is where one of the greatest downfalls of the Bible happens. Moses shouts at the people, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” (Numbers 20:10) He goes on to lift his hand, and strike the rock twice with his staff, and water gushed

How mighty would God’s power have looked if the rock had produced water without a finger being laid on it, but by simply speaking to it? In doing things his way, Moses took glory from God. The Father goes on to tell Moses he did not trust the Lord enough to display his holiness. In this moment, Moses was no better than the people he looked down upon. For we are to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5). As a punishment for acting in distrust, just as those who did not wish to enter the Promise Land, he too was told that he would not enter “The LAnd of Milk and Honey”. This is the fall of Moses. To end this section of chapter 20, Moses continues to tell us, “These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the Lord and where he was proved holy among them.” (Numbers 20:13) Here again we are exposed to God’s true nature, his power, his