Moses?

[damooster]

I’m familiar with the story of Moses breaking a rock to give the Israelites water, and that when he did so, he did something to prevent him from crossing the Jordan river. What did he do that displeased God?

Thanks.

 

[SHW]

I’m familiar with the story of Moses breaking a rock to give the Israelites water, and that when he did so, he did something to prevent him from crossing the Jordan river. What did he do that displeased God?

Thanks.

God commanded Moses to verbally order the rock to give its waters for the Israelites’ use. Moses did not believe that it would happen so he struck the rock twice with his staff (rod) instead. Because of Moses’ disbelief and disobedience, he was forbidden to enter the Promised Land as his punishment for these sins. (Numbers 20:5-13)

Pax,
SHW

 

[JeanneH]

Hi

God commanded Moses to verbally order the rock to give its waters for the Israelites’ use. Moses did not believe that it would happen so he struck the rock twice with his staff (rod) instead. Because of Moses’ disbelief and disobedience, he was forbidden to enter the Promised Land as his punishment for these sins. (Numbers 20:5-13)

From the Haydock Commentary

Ver. 10. Rock. Your frequent murmurs will stop the course of God’s bounty. If God had not condemned the conduct of his ministers on this occasion, we could hardly find any reason to blame them. But the Fathers observe, that they betrayed a want of resolution, and intended to throw the blame upon the incredulity of the people, in case they failed of success. Because they exasperated his spirit, and he distinguished with his lips, Psalm cv. 33. See St. Chrysostom and St. Augustine on this psalm. They were not commanded to strike the rock at all; and when the water did not come at first, they struck again, (Calmet) being afraid lest they should now be taken for impostors. (Haydock) — They speak as if the work was their own. — Can we, &c. They exasperate the people, instead of promoting their conversion. In a word, they did not glorify God, (Calmet) by representing him as the sovereign holiness and mercy; and the God of unbounded power. (Haydock)
Ver. 11. The rock. This rock was a figure of Christ, and the water that issued out from the rock, of his precious blood, the source of all our good; (Challoner) while the striking twice with the rod, denoted the cross, composed of two pieces of wood. (St. Augustine, q. 35.) (Worthington)
Ver. 12. You have not believed, &c. The fault of Moses and Aaron, on this occasion, was a certain diffidence and weakness of faith: not doubting of God’s power or veracity; but apprehending the unworthiness of that rebellious and incredulous people, and therefore speaking with some ambiguity. (Challoner) — St. Augustine (contra Faust. xvi. 16,) does not think them guilty of any grievous crime. (Menochius) — But this must be left undetermined. (Calmet) — Land, beyond the Jordan, which is described (chap. xxxiv. 2,) as the land of promise, though the east side of the Jordan was so too. (Haydock)

Jeanne

 

[Texas_Roofer]

I’m familiar with the story of Moses breaking a rock to give the Israelites water, and that when he did so, he did something to prevent him from crossing the Jordan river. What did he do that displeased God?

Thanks.

No one knows God was offended, there are some theories about the incident one is Moses throws the staff rather than strike the rock and a second is that Moses’ cry to the Lord showed doubt in God.

In general the real issue is Christians who cannot understand why Moses did not make it to Isreal. I would encourage you to simply accept God’s plan for Moses.

FYI - Exodus Chapter 17

 

[Joe_Kelley]

. . .

In general the real issue is Christians who cannot understand why Moses did not make it to Isreal. I would encourage you to simply accept God’s plan for Moses.

. . .

I read someplace, many years ago, that if Moses had led the people all the way to the Promised Land he would have somehow infringed on Jesus role as ultimate savior. I forget the details of the argument. Note that Joshua, who completed the journey, shares the same name as Jesus. I think that is mixed in there someplace. Sorry - it was a long time ago and my memory is fuzzy.

 

[SHW]

Hi
SHW;4941177:

God commanded Moses to verbally order

the rock to give its waters for the Israelites’ use. Moses did not believe that it would happen so he struck the rock twice with his staff (rod) instead. Because of Moses’ disbelief and disobedience, he was forbidden to enter the Promised Land as his punishment for these sins. (Numbers 20:5-13)

From the Haydock Commentary

Ver. 10. Rock. Your frequent murmurs will stop the course of God’s bounty. If God had not condemned the conduct of his ministers on this occasion, we could hardly find any reason to blame them. But the Fathers observe, that they betrayed a want of resolution, and intended to throw the blame upon the incredulity of the people, in case they failed of success. Because they exasperated his spirit, and he distinguished with his lips, Psalm cv. 33. See St. Chrysostom and St. Augustine on this psalm. They were not commanded to strike the rock at all; and when the water did not come at first, they struck again, (Calmet) being afraid lest they should now be taken for impostors. (Haydock) — They speak as if the work was their own. — Can we, &c. They exasperate the people, instead of promoting their conversion. In a word, they did not glorify God, (Calmet) by representing him as the sovereign holiness and mercy; and the God of unbounded power. (Haydock)
Ver. 11. The rock. This rock was a figure of Christ, and the water that issued out from the rock, of his precious blood, the source of all our good; (Challoner) while the striking twice with the rod, denoted the cross, composed of two pieces of wood. (St. Augustine, q. 35.) (Worthington)
Ver. 12. You have not believed, &c. The fault of Moses and Aaron, on this occasion, was a certain diffidence and weakness of faith: not doubting of God’s power or veracity; but apprehending the unworthiness of that rebellious and incredulous people, and therefore speaking with some ambiguity. (Challoner) — St. Augustine (contra Faust. xvi. 16,) does not think them guilty of any grievous crime. (Menochius) — But this must be left undetermined. (Calmet) — Land, beyond the Jordan, which is described (chap. xxxiv. 2,) as the land of promise, though the east side of the Jordan was so too. (Haydock)

Jeanne

Thanks for the additional information.

Pax,
SHW

 

[Nita]

The Psalm cited in the Haydock commentary is worth reading in full. (Ps 105 in the Douay; 106 in other versions.)

Psalm 106:32-33 They angered him at the waters of Mer’ibah, and it went ill with Moses on their account; for they made his spirit bitter, and he spoke words that were rash.

This passage really showed me how careful I must be when confronted with situations that rouse religious indignation for me. I must not let it go to the point where it makes my “spirit bitter”, leading to sinful speech and deeds. For Moses it led to words and actions that prevented him from being allowed to enter the Promised Land.

 

[JeanneH]

Thanks for the additional information.

Pax,
SHW

you are most welcome
Jeanne