BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Across the barren expanse of wilderness, the exhausted Israelites walk on and on. What should have been a relatively short trip to the promised land stretches into decades. The people reach a breaking point as their water runs out, and panic whips them into rebellious rage against Moses. They accuse him of bringing them into the desert to die.

Moses and Aaron seek God’s counsel, but they fail to follow God’s instructions. When God tells Moses to “speak to the rock” to bring forth water, Moses angrily smacks it with his staff. Even worse, Moses and Aaron take credit for God’s miraculous provision. As Israel’s leaders, Moses and Aaron bear tremendous responsibility for high-stakes decisions. Their unbelief forfeits their opportunity to lead the people into the promised land, so they will die in the wilderness with the rest of the unbelieving generation.

However, things take a turn with the next generation. When a Canaanite king attacks them, they ask God for help. When they rebel against God and find themselves swarmed by venomous snakes, they repent and humbly ask Moses to intercede. And when Sihon and Og block their way to the promised land, the Israelites easily conquer the rival kings’ armies. Will this be the generation that learns from their parents’ mistakes?

Reflection Questions

• Compare Moses and Aaron’s failure in Numbers 20 to the people’s rebellion in Numbers 14. What similarities and differences do you notice?
• Despite his high status as Israel’s leader, Moses still makes the same mistakes as everyone else and faces the same consequences. What does this tell us about God’s view of leaders and their calling?