Old Testament
Numbers 20:8
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"Take the staff, and gather the whole community together — you and your brother Aaron. Then speak to the rock right in front of them, and it will pour out water. You will bring water from the rock for the people, so that the community and their livestock can drink."
Compare translations
Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.
What Numbers 20:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs Moses to take his staff and gather the Israelites together with Aaron. Instead of striking the rock as he did before, Moses is commanded to speak to the rock. God promises that the rock will produce water, providing for the needs of the people and their animals. This moment emphasizes God's power to provide and the importance of obedience to His commands. Speaking to the rock symbolizes faith and trust in God's provision, rather than relying on past methods. The act of gathering the community highlights the collective need for God's sustenance, reinforcing the idea that God cares for both individuals and the community as a whole. This instruction also serves as a test of Moses' faith and leadership, as he must convey God's message to the people and demonstrate trust in God's miraculous provision.
How to apply Numbers 20:8 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of following God's instructions carefully. In our lives, we should seek to trust God for our needs and rely on His guidance, especially when facing challenges. Speaking to God in prayer can be a powerful way to express our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Moses Strikes the Rock (Numbers 20:1–13)
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Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Numbers 20:8
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 20:8 mean?
Numbers 20:8 describes God's command to Moses to speak to a rock to provide water for the Israelites, emphasizing obedience and faith in God's provision.
What is the significance of speaking to the rock in Numbers 20:8?
Speaking to the rock symbolizes faith and trust in God's ability to provide, contrasting with Moses' previous action of striking the rock.
What does this verse teach about leadership?
This verse highlights the importance of obedience in leadership, as Moses must follow God's specific instructions to meet the needs of the community.
How does Numbers 20:8 relate to community needs?
The verse illustrates God's concern for both individuals and the community, as it addresses the collective need for water for the people and their livestock.
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