Speak to that rock before their eyes (Num 20q)

Num 20:1-29

Key verse 20:8b Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water.

1.       [1-5] When and where did Miriam die? (1, ref 20:27-28;33:38) When there was no water, what did Israel do? (2) What was their point of argument? (3-5) How was their argument different from the event in Exo 17:1-3?

2.       [6-11] As Moses and Aaron fell facedown to seek God’s answer, what happened? (6)  What command did God give Moses to resolve the matter? (8) How was God’s instruction similar to and different from the incident in Exodus 17:5-7? What did Moses do? (10-11a) And what happened? (11b)

3.       [12] What was God’s rebuke to Moses and Aaron? (12a) Compare this command with the one in Exo 17:1-7. Find the purpose of God in this command and how they failed to honor God as holy (cf. 7-8,11a).  What was God’s punishment for them? (12b) Discuss its implication in regard to entering the land of God’s promise. (cf. 14:11,23)

4.      [13] What did they name ‘these’ and why? (13, 3; cf Exo 17:7) How was this naming similar to and different from Massah and Meribah (Exo 17:7)   Discuss its significance of this name in view of God’s rebuke to Moses and Aaron. (ref. Deu 32:51; Ps 81:7;106:32; Ezek 47:1-12, 19)

5.      [14-21] What did Moses ask the king of Edom for? (14-17) Why? What was Edom’s answer? (18) How did the Israelites ask again? (19) How did Edom respond? (20) What did the Israel do? (21)

6.       [22-29] Where and what did God say about Aaron? (22-24) What command did he give to Moses concerning his death? (25-26) How did Moses carry it out? (27-28) Discuss why God commanded the final day of Aaron in such a way. What did the Israelites do for Aaron? (29)