
LESSON 3 THE DISOBEDIENCE OF MOSES AND AARON’S DEATH
Text: Numbers 20:1-29
Numbers 20 could be referred to as the bridge between the old generation of Israel and the new. The people, after their departure from Egypt had been wandering in the wilderness for about thirty-nine years (39). The journey that was not supposed to be more than forty days was extended to 40 years because of their unbelief and disobedience to God. In fulfillment of His pronounced judgment, those who were twenty years old and above would not enter the promised land except Joshua and Caleb. Now, we have just a few people left of the old generation. From the events of this chapter, we can see that the people had not fully learnt to trust God.
Some significant events in this passage show that God was about to completely do away with the old generation and begin afresh with the new.
• Record of Miriam’s death
• Repeat of old murmuring and complaints through their request for water.
• Refuge in God’s presence through prayers
• Response of God and His instruction to Moses and Aaron
• Reaction of Moses to God’s command
• Refusal of Edom to allow Israel to pass through their land
• Reality of death for every soul as the passage concludes with the death of Aaron.
The main lesson in all these experiences is that we must learn to trust God at all times. God is no Respecter of anyone. He demands total obedience to His word and divine counsel. Then when we finish our race here on earth, heaven’s gate will open for us.
1. DISOBEDIENCE OF MOSES:
Numbers 20:7-13; Deuteronomy 1:37; 3:26-28; Psalm 106:32,33
The children of Israel had wandered in the wilderness for about 39 years. They had been going round and round and were almost at the border of Canaan. Then, some sad events occurred. Firstly, Miriam the elder sister of Moses, died and was buried. She was among the old generation who disobeyed God and therefore could not enter the promised land.
Secondly, the people started murmuring and spoke harshly to Moses and Aaron their leaders because of water. They forgot how God provided water out of the rock for them and their fathers at the beginning of their journey. It was a time of trial and temptation for Moses. He could not bear their complaint and bad behaviour anymore. He and Aaron then went to the Lord to pray in response to the people’s request for water.
God in His mercy, answered their prayers by giving Moses specific instruction on how to get water “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)
This was a clear instruction to Moses. However, out of anger and frustration, Moses took his rod and smote the rock two times. There is a difference between “speak to” and “strike”. Moses, the meekest man on earth, lost his virtue at the time of temptation.
This teaches us that
(a) no one is too big to be tempted
(b) We should not be overconfident like Peter who denied Christ
(c) It is not how long we start, but how well we end our journey
(d) we must always take note of every detail in God’s instruction and pray for grace to do His will at all times.
Though the provocation from the children of Israel made Moses to disobey God, yet there is no excuse for anyone to disobey God’s word. Some children are fond of pointing accusing fingers at others as the cause of their disobedience. You must repent now and ask God to help you to overcome every temptation to disobey God’s word.
2. DIVINE JUDGMENT FOR DISOBEDIENCE:
Numbers 20:12,13; 27:14; Deuteronomy 1:37; 32:48-52
The judgment God pronounced on Moses was a heavy one because of his disobedience “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” (Numbers 20:12) God is not a respecter of persons.
Though Moses was a special servant of the Lord, yet when he did wrong, God brought judgment upon him. He could not lead the people he brought out of Egypt into the land flowing with milk and honey. The Bible clearly warns us thus “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12) There is no eternal security. Getting to heaven is not automatic, it depends on our continuous and consistent obedience to God and His word.
The Lord will not spare any child who deliberately forsakes the way of the Lord and goes into sin or remains in disobedience. Though God forgave Moses and he made it to heaven, he lost the joy of entering with the children of Israel into the earthly promised land. As children of God, do not be an agent of temptation to your godly teachers, pastors and parents; obey God and enjoy great blessings.
3. THE DEATH OF AARON:
Numbers 20:14-29; 33:37-39; Deuteronomy 10:6; Hebrews 9:27
The children of Israel were now at a place known as Kadesh. They wanted to go through the land of Edom, but the people refused to allow them. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, the ancestor of the Israelites. Israel did not fight back but rather maintained peace and found another route to where they were going.
After this, God instructed Moses to prepare Aaron for his death by handing over the office of the high priest to Eleazer his son. The three of them were instructed to get on to the top of mountain Hor. There, the office of the high priest was passed unto Eleazer and then Aaron died. Here, we are reminded of the reality of death for every soul (Hebrews 9:27). This reality should make everyone to always prepare at all times. Anyone who dies in sin will go to hell while the saints will go to heaven. Do not remain in your sins, repent and surrender your life to Jesus, our great High Priest Who is alive forevermore. At the end of our journey here on earth, you will be qualified to live in heaven, our promised land. Jesus is waiting for you.
QUESTIONS:
1. What led to Moses’ disobedience?
2. State three lessons from the attitude of Moses to God’s instruction
3. There is no excuse for anyone to disobey God’s word. Yes/No
4. What was the judgment of God on Moses?
5. Name the two personalities that died in our Bible passage.
6. How should (a) a sinner (b) a believer prepare for death?
MEMORY VERSE: “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” (Numbers 20:12)
LESSON: Disobedience to God attracts punishment.
THOUGHT: I will not disobey God’s word.
ACTIVITY: Prayer of forgiveness and consecration.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 6 – YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION
CHORUSES:
(1) I will never let the devil win the battle
(2) Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus
(3) Keep me through, Lord Jesus.
HOMEWORK: Prayer and preparation for the rapture.
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meanings of these words. You can use your dictionary.
1. Eternal security
2. Fulfilment
3. Refuge
4. Provocation
5. Judgment.