Numbers 20 Commentary

Miriam’s death in Kadesh marked the end of her faithful life and underscored Israel’s growing anticipation for entrance into the Promised Land.

The Israelites found themselves in a place without water, blaming their leaders in desperation.

They voiced their complaints against Moses, reflecting the danger of losing faith in God’s purpose.

They question Moses’ leadership because they fear dying of thirst, revealing their struggle to believe that God will provide.

Despite the Israelites’ complaining, God remains faithful in His covenant and His care for them.

In this verse, Moses and Aaron respond with humility before the tent of meeting, and God’s presence immediately provides the direction they seek.

God directly speaks to Moses here, setting the stage for a display of His power and emphasizing Moses’ critical role in leading Israel.

God mercifully meets physical needs while desiring our obedient faith.

Here, the central teaching is that the LORD’s instructions must be followed carefully, for even the most faithful leaders are accountable for their actions.

God disciplines disobedience but remains faithful to His promises.

This verse demonstrates how God’s mercy can prevail despite human weakness.

Their failure to honor God by trusting Him reminds us that true faith acknowledges Him as holy and sovereign.

God’s holiness shone through when the Israelites contended with Him, and He provided water at Meribah.

This verse reminds us that God’s people are to seek peace with humility, trusting God’s guidance through challenging circumstances.

God graciously watches over His people through every season of hardship and delivers them in His perfect time.

God hears cries of distress and delivers those who trust Him.

The Israelites humbly seek permission to travel, demonstrating their trust in God’s guidance while ensuring they do not take what is not theirs.

This verse highlights Edom’s hostile refusal to grant passage, adding to the Israelites’ burdens on their journey to the Promised Land.

They offered a price for water and passage, but Edom said no—showing that even good intentions do not guarantee peaceful accord.

This verse emphasizes Edom’s denial of passage and the Israelites’ redirected journey.

Edom’s denial delayed Israel’s journey, but it did not hinder God’s larger purpose for His people.

They left Kadesh and gathered at Mount Hor, marking a pivotal stage in their wilderness journey.

Moses and Aaron were summoned at Mount Hor by God, marking a significant turning point near the end of their wilderness journey.

Aaron’s death exemplifies the sobering reality that disobedience, however minor it may seem, has significant consequences.

Aaron’s passing of the high priesthood to Eleazar on Mount Hor symbolizes a faithful handoff of responsibility.

Aaron’s high priestly garments are transferred to his son Eleazar at Mount Hor, marking a significant change in Israel’s priestly leadership and the peaceful passing of Aaron’s life.

God’s faithfulness endures even when leaders change or fail.

The verse reveals the transfer of Aaron’s priestly office to Eleazar upon Aaron’s death, highlighting the continuity of God’s plan and gracious leadership among His people.

The verse shows Israel’s collective mourning for Aaron, their high priest, honoring his leadership and service for thirty days.