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Numbers 20: 14-21




So the Israelites reach the city of Kadesh which is occupied by the people of Edom.  This presents a dilemma- in order to progress, they have to cross land owned by other people.  So Moses sends a letter to the king, hoping, apparently to butter him up.

He writes the letter from Edom's "brother, Israel."  You remember us, king.  We're pals.

He then gives some exposition that we've heard before.  Our ancestors lived in Egypt, the people there weren't very good to us, but God heard us and sent an angel to lead us out.  Which brings us to you... see we've come to Kadesh and we know it's your land.  So... we're hoping you'd let us skedaddle on through.  We promise to keep out of fields and vineyards and we'll keep away from wells.  We aren't looking for any kind of handout, we just want a peaceful jaunt through the city.  We won't wander off the King's Highway until we pass through your territory.  Sincerely, Moe.

Edom's response was less kind.  Ummm... nope.  If you try, we'll march out with swords.  Lasting friendships will not be the result.

So the Israelites tried again.

Look, if our livestock drinks any water- we'll pay for it.  This could be great PR for you.  All we want is to march through on foot.  C'mon, be a pal.

But the response remained,  No means no!

So Edom came out with a large army and the Israelites turned away.

My initial reaction here (and perhaps the correct one) is that this is an Israelite mistake.  They didn't wait for God and tried to take manners into their own hands.  And when things got heated, they forgot the power of their God and backed down.  Oh ye of little faith.

And while this may play out in what comes later (I don't remember where this story leads), it may be that this is an opportunity for that rare sighting of Old Testament grace.  They could have marched through with trumpets blaring smiting Edomites all willy-nilly.  But instead, they attempted a peaceful approach.  This wasn't  the crusades, it was a way to reach out with the hopes of peace for all involved.  And when that wasn't accepted, a retreat to regroup and plan was the next step.

And maybe instead of "standing up for truth" with fire and brimstone on our lips and judgment on our hearts, tactful dialogue aimed at understanding, compromise, and enhanced relationships is a better goal for outreach.  All I am saying is give peace a chance.

Since these folks often have God's direct voice, it's easy to assume they always do.  Maybe God's silence left confusion as to the way to best approach the situation.  And this is Moses improvising.  At least, at this point, no one has died in the encounter.  I have a feeling God's people won't be denied forever.

Strike Two
Numbers 20:1-13


So the Israelites arrived at the Desert of Zin- a happening place, I'm sure- lots of hot spots.  For a month, they stayed at Kadesh, and during this time Miriam died and they buried her there.

As you might expect, a desert wasn't the most opportune place to access water for the community.  So the people started whining.  "Why didn't God strike us dead, too?  Couldn't we have just died where we were? If we were gonna die anyhow- at least we wouldn't have had to walk so far.  There's no grain or figs or grapes or pomegranates- oh and did we mention... NO WATER?"

So Moses and Aaron bowed down at the entrance to the tent of meeting.  God told Moses to take his staff, and he and Aaron together were to gather the assembly.  He was to speak to the rock "before their eyes" and water would pour out for both the community and their livestock,

Moses seems to be a little agitated by all of this. He took the staff and they brought the group together and he berates them a bit:  "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?"  Then he struck the rock twice and water poured out.


This was perhaps a little more drama-filled of a scene than God wanted- and he chastised Moses about it.  God said, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”


So you have to feel for Moses here.  First off, he's recently lost his sister.  Second, he's had to listen to a lot of complaining- and although ultimately the complaining may have been geared toward God- some of it was likely about Moses.  As God's spokesman, it would be easy to take the complaints personally even if they weren't directly pointed at you.  And it's a pretty heavy punishment- not in comparison to those who were earlier struck dead, but still- all this wandering and you'll never get to the promised land.

I've always heard this story was about Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it as God instructed, but I'm not so sure.  God tells Moses to take the staff.  If striking is a no-no, it seems like God is setting him up by putting the staff in his hand.  What is it for, then?  There's also precedence.  God has had him strike rocks for water before.  You probably remember our lively discussion four years ago found here: http://chiphall.blogspot.com/2007/06/moses-rocks-exodus-17-1-7-so-they-leave.html

So God tells him to take the staff and has previously instructed him to strike the rock.  It seems like God would point out..."but don't strike it like last time,"  if that was so important.  I think the key might instead be in what Moses says to the people (and more importantly what that statement says about how Moses views himself).  He asks them "must we bring you water out of that rock?" (italics mine).  God and I?

Maybe the point is that Moses isn't saying, "praise God from whom all blessings(and water) flow"- but instead "you're lucky you have the two of us, God and I, to take care of your problems."  Maybe the message from God is- hold on there, Moe- you aren't quite all that you think you are.

And maybe the lesson for us as we go about striving to do go works is to remember that the good we can do shouldn't elevate ourselves (even though in a very real sense we may be sacrificing, working, loving, devoting).  The focus should still be God.  Our gifts shouldn't feel like crumbs off of the king's table for the peons lucky enough to be nearby- but instead should be given through humility, through compassion, and for God's glory (even if His name is never mentioned).

I think it's important to note that even when Moses' attitude was lacking, the rock still poured water.  The people weren't penalized for Moses' disposition.  God still uses us even when we aren't on our "A" game.

The section ends pointing out that these waters were the waters of quarreling.  Moses points out that although the Israelites fought with God here- He was proven holy.  Even Moses couldn't prevent that from happening.