Numbers: Preparing A People To Conquer (XX)

When You Lose Conquerors (20:1-29)

Neal Pollard

There had been several to die on this wilderness journey, would-be conquerors who were defeated by their sin problems. But, now, they are faced with spiritual giants who die. First, it was one then the other. Truly, the death of Miriam did not seem to hit the people nearly as hard as the death of Aaron. Aaron had some notable struggles–the golden calf, questioning Moses’ leadership, and even here at the waters of Meribah, but he was the face and voice among the people since their days in Egypt. His loss would be demoralizing to these would-be conquerors. Notice what happens on this stage of the journey.

THE PARCHED REBELS (1-13). Israel seems to pay little attention to Miriam’s death. Her death is a footnote to their worrying over water (1-2). They contend with Moses and Aaron, and blame them for all their troubles since leaving Egypt (3-5). 

Moses and Aaron are so provoked by the people’s murmuring that they disobey God’s command to speak to the rock (8). They disobey Him and Moses strikes the rock instead (11).

The Lord diagnoses this problem for Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel” (12). It was a faith problem, a reverence problem, and an influence problem. It would prove especially costly for Moses. 

THE PRIDEFUL RELATIVES (14-22). Afterward, Moses wanted Israel to go from Kadesh through Edomite territory. Edom refused to let them use their roads or pay for water for livestock. Edom lacked compassion (14-17) and perhaps nursed a grudge, as these were Esau’s descendants. Edom threatened force against them (20), so Israel was rebuffed. This pride problem of the Edomites will be addressed as a coming judgment against this nation in the book of Obadiah. 

THE PRIESTLY REPLACEMENT (23-29). Because of Aaron’s part in the sin at Meribah, where the rock was struck, he could not go into the land of promise. God arranges for his priestly succession. His son Eleazar takes his garments and his place “in the sight of all the congregation” (27). Aaron dies, and “the people Mourned Aaron for thirty days” (29). 

This wilderness journey was hard for Israel, facing physical deprivation, military opposition, and personal emotion. But the Israelites chose this route when they refused to trust God to help them conquer. We must take God at His Word and have faith that He is with us on our journey to take our promised land.