Here’s a not-so-hot take: After everything that Moses went through, he should’ve followed God’s command to the letter and spoken to the rock in Numbers 20:8 instead of hitting it with his staff.
We all know that…but then again, we all know why he didn’t, right? He was fed up with the Israelites’ constant whining, which translated (in Moses’ mind) to impossible demands from him personally. He wasn’t God, it wasn’t his idea to lead them into the wilderness, but they held him personally responsible for everything that went wrong.
Honestly, I would probably be fed up, too. After 40 years, I would’ve wanted to hit that rock so hard it would’ve either shattered into tiny pieces or ricocheted back and knocked me out cold. Either way, I’m escaping the moment.
Had Moses been less emotional in this situation (a herculean task if I’ve ever heard it), he would’ve realized the value of speaking instead of hitting.
For instance, speaking kindly to the rock demonstrates strength—not only over your own emotions (Proverbs 1632), but also the real strength that comes from God (2 Corinthians 12:10).
If he doesn’t touch the rock and water comes forth, it couldn’t have been from him. Only a miracle could’ve generated that type of result, and people would’ve shifted their eyes from him to God. Where it belonged.
By calling them rebels, asking if he should give them water (instead of God), then striking it, he unknowingly put the burden of leadership even more on his own back, which is the opposite of what he wanted.
Moreover, that type of response only escalates the situation further. If they’re mad, then Moses gets mad, what’s the next logical step? A shouting match between two million people and him.
That’s an impossible situation. A much better, calmer, and more productive reaction would’ve been for him to speak to it kindly, and let the miracle do the talking for him.
Kind of like how we interact with each other.
How many times have you been faced with an accusation that rubs you the wrong way, only to metaphorically “strike the rock” in their face? Maybe it’s an unfair expectation, a demand on your time, the charge that you don’t care, or all of the above. Regardless, it infuriates you to the point that you have to demonstrate your wrath.
Think back to those times. What happened after you did that? Did you get the result you wanted?
Most likely, it only escalated the tension even further. Meanwhile, you stand your ground in feeling overwhelmed, whereas they believe they went to the right person for the job. Both are justified, and yet both are wrong at the same time.
Instead, use the opportunity to demonstrate real patience. “Be angry and sin not,” (Ephesians 4:32). Tell them you’ll do your best, ask God for help, and move on.
Moses had a real opportunity to not only show God’s unfailing power, but also position Him as the true Leader in Israel. His decision to strike the rock did the opposite, and cost him in more ways than he could imagine.