Numbers 20:8
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.
Numbers 20:8 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Moses is instructed by God to take a rod, gather the assembly of the Israelites, and speak to a rock in order to bring forth water for the congregation and their animals. This command is a test of faith and obedience for Moses and serves as a demonstration of God's power and provision for his people. By instructing Moses to speak to the rock, God is showing that even the most difficult situations can be handled with faith and trust in Him. The water flowing from the rock symbolizes God's abundant blessings and his ability to meet the needs of his people in miraculous ways. This verse serves as a reminder that God is always looking out for his people and will provide for them in times of need, even in the most unexpected and miraculous ways.
Theological Overview
In this verse, God instructs Moses to speak to a rock so that it will provide water for the congregation of Israelites and their animals. The rod, a symbol of authority and power, is to be used to gather the assembly together. The use of the word "speak" is significant here, as it implies that Moses is to rely on the power of his words rather than physical force to bring forth water from the rock. The act of speaking to the rock, as opposed to striking it as he did previously, would have been a powerful demonstration of faith and obedience to God's command. The water flowing from the rock symbolizes God's provision and care for His people, as well as the importance of listening to and following His instructions. This account serves as a reminder that God desires obedience and faith from His people, even in situations that may seem difficult or impossible.
Numbers 20:8 in other translations
American Standard Version
Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes, that it give forth its water; and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock; so thou shalt give the congregation and their cattle drink.
World English Bible
“Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it pour out its water. You shall bring water to them out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.”
Douay-Rheims
Take the rod, and assemble the people together, thou and Aaron thy brother, and speak to the rock before them, and it shall yield waters. And when thou hast brought forth water out of the rock, all the multitude and their cattle shall drink.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Take the rod, and gather thou and thy brother Aaron the Congregation together, and speake yee vnto the rocke before their eyes, and it shall giue foorth his water, and thou shalt bring them water out of the rocke: so thou shalt giue the Congregation, and their beastes drinke.