The Water Still Came—But So Did the Cost
Bible Study | Numbers 20:12
Why Moses Striking the Rock Was More Than a Mistake
Moses Struck the Rock—and Missed the Mark
Moses shifts from being a servant of the Word to a man acting in his own name.
And yet—the water still came.
Why?
Because Yahweh is a good Father.
Because He is always faithful.
Because He moves for the sake of His people—and for the sake of His Name.
When the Vessel Fails, the Faithful One Still Provides
Those who are wandering—those Yahweh intends to help—will not go without,
even when the human vessel falters.
So if you’re the one He sent, and you mess up—
don’t fall into despair.
He knows. He sees. He still moves.
Yahweh is not distant.
He is not selfish.
He is near—even when the people are in sin.
He is love.
But He is also set apart—qadash (Holy Spirit).
He is faithful to His Name.
Not because people deserve it—
but because He is who He says He is.
“Because you did not believe Me, to set Me apart (qadash) in the eyes of the children of Yisra’ĕl…”
—Numbers 20:12
Moses Brings Forth Water Out of the Rock
by Antonio González Velázquez
Ca, 1723
There Are Consequences for Disobedience
And even in all His mercy—
there are consequences.
There is no hidden loophole.
No foreshadowed grace in this moment.
Not even for Moses.
Even leaders.
Even prophets.
Even the one who brought down Pharaoh’s kingdom
and split the sea…
was not permitted to enter the Promised Land.
So don’t ever believe the lie that you are above the command.
You are not.
Yahweh never changes.
“For I am יהוה, I shall not change.” —Malachi 3:6
Fruit Always Grows—But What Kind?
Because even when judgment is delayed…
Disobedience always bears fruit.
And you will know the fruit.
You will feel the cost.
You will know them by their fruit.
And you will know disobedience
by what it ultimately costs.
Moses Striking Water from the Rock
Nicolas Poussin
ca. 1633 - 1635
Share Your Faith
Have you ever tried to “strike the rock” in your own strength?
Have you witnessed the mercy of Yahweh cover someone—even in their failure?
Tell your story. Declare His Name.
Let your obedience become someone else’s turning point.
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