Numbers 27:14 - Moses' desert water rebellion consequence?

Numbers 27:14 - במדבר 27:14

Hebrew Text

כַּאֲשֶׁר מְרִיתֶם פִּי בְּמִדְבַּר־צִן בִּמְרִיבַת הָעֵדָה לְהַקְדִּישֵׁנִי בַמַּיִם לְעֵינֵיהֶם הֵם מֵי־מְרִיבַת קָדֵשׁ מִדְבַּר־צִן׃

English Translation

For you rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Żin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Merivat-qadesh in the wilderness of Żin.

Transliteration

Ka'asher meritem pi bemidbar-Tzin bimrivat ha'edah lehakdisheni bamayim le'eineihem hem mei-Mrivat Kadesh midbar-Tzin.

Hebrew Leining Text

כַּאֲשֶׁר֩ מְרִיתֶ֨ם פִּ֜י בְּמִדְבַּר־צִ֗ן בִּמְרִיבַת֙ הָֽעֵדָ֔ה לְהַקְדִּישֵׁ֥נִי בַמַּ֖יִם לְעֵינֵיהֶ֑ם הֵ֛ם מֵֽי־מְרִיבַ֥ת קָדֵ֖שׁ מִדְבַּר־צִֽן׃ {ס}        

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse refers to the incident at Mei Merivah (the Waters of Strife) in the wilderness of Tzin, where Moshe and Aharon were commanded to speak to the rock to bring forth water for Bnei Yisrael (Bamidbar 20:1-13). Instead, Moshe struck the rock, leading to severe consequences for both him and Aharon.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 20:12) explains that the sin of Moshe and Aharon was not following Hashem's command precisely—they struck the rock instead of speaking to it. This diminished the sanctification of Hashem's name (Kiddush Hashem) because the miracle would have been greater had they spoken to the rock, demonstrating that even an inanimate object obeys Hashem's word.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:54), Rambam suggests that Moshe's anger at the people ("Listen now, you rebels!"—Bamidbar 20:10) was a lapse in leadership. A leader must remain composed, especially when performing miracles, to ensure the people recognize Hashem's greatness rather than the leader's emotions.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:9) teaches that this incident occurred shortly after Miriam's death, when the "Well of Miriam" (which had provided water in her merit) ceased. The people's complaint was legitimate, but Moshe and Aharon's response was flawed.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma, Chukat 10) emphasizes that the location was called "Mei Merivah" (Waters of Strife) because the people quarreled with Moshe, and Moshe, in turn, quarreled with them instead of rising above the conflict.

Significance of the Sin

The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 20:12) explains that Moshe's striking the rock instead of speaking to it gave the impression that Hashem required an action to bring forth water, rather than His word alone. This diminished the lesson of emunah (faith) that could have been taught—that Hashem's will alone governs nature.

Consequences and Lessons

As a result of this incident, Moshe and Aharon were barred from entering Eretz Yisrael (Bamidbar 20:12). The severity of the punishment underscores the gravity of failing to sanctify Hashem's name properly, especially for leaders who serve as role models for Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the events at Meribah and the consequences of the Israelites' rebellion.
📖 Sanhedrin 8a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of following divine commandments and the repercussions of disobedience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 27:14 mean when it mentions 'rebelling against the commandment'?
A: Numbers 27:14 refers to the incident at Mei Merivah (the Waters of Strife), where Moshe (Moses) struck the rock instead of speaking to it as Hashem commanded (Numbers 20:7-12). Rashi explains that this act diminished the sanctification of Hashem's name, as a greater miracle would have occurred had Moshe only spoken to the rock.
Q: Why is the location called 'Mei Merivah' (Waters of Strife)?
A: The name 'Mei Merivah' comes from the strife (merivah) of Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) who quarreled with Moshe and Aharon over water (Numbers 20:2-5). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:15) explains that this place became a symbol of the consequences of complaining against Hashem's chosen leaders.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 27:14 today?
A: The verse teaches the importance of following Hashem's commandments precisely, as even great leaders like Moshe faced consequences for slight deviations. Rambam (Hilchos De'os 1:6) derives from this that we must sanctify Hashem's name through our actions and avoid anything that could lead to a chillul Hashem (desecration of His name).
Q: Why does this verse mention the incident at Mei Merivah in the context of Moshe not entering Israel?
A: This verse appears when Hashem tells Moshe he will not enter Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). Rashi (on Numbers 27:14) connects this to the Mei Merivah incident to show that even after Moshe's many prayers (Devarim 3:23-26), the decree remained because of the seriousness of not fully sanctifying Hashem before the people.
Q: How does the desert of Tzin relate to the incident at Mei Merivah?
A: The desert of Tzin (צִן) was the location where this event occurred, near Kadesh. The Talmud (Ta'anis 9a) notes that this area was a frequent site of testing for Bnei Yisrael, showing how their journey in the wilderness involved overcoming challenges to grow in emunah (faith).

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