Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.

DEUTERONOMY 32:51KJV
Know the Bible

Deuteronomy 32:51 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 32:51 mean?

Deuteronomy 32:51 explains that Moses and Aaron are not allowed to enter the promised land because they disobeyed God among the Israelites at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin, failing to honor God as holy in front of the people. This verse points to a specific past event as the reason for their punishment.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, reminding him of the incident where he and Aaron "trespassed" against God by not treating Him as holy before the Israelites. The setting is near the end of Moses' life, as he is about to die outside the promised land. The verse refers back to the event at Meribah-Kadesh, where Moses struck the rock for water instead of speaking to it as God commanded.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 32:51

  • "trespassed" (מָעַל, maʿal) means to act unfaithfully or break trust, emphasizing that Moses and Aaron's action was not just a mistake but a breach of trust with God.
  • "sanctified" (קָדַשׁ, qadash) means to treat as holy or set apart. The verse highlights that Moses and Aaron failed to show God's holiness to the people, which was a serious matter in the context of leading Israel.
  • "midst" (תּוֹךְ, tokh) refers to the center or among, stressing that this failure happened publicly, in front of all the Israelites, not in private.

Why Deuteronomy 32:51 matters

  • This verse clarifies why Moses, despite his leadership, was not allowed to enter the promised land, correcting the idea that it was due to a minor mistake rather than a serious breach of trust.
  • The emphasis on "sanctifying" God in front of the people shows the importance of leaders representing God's character faithfully, especially in public actions.
  • By pointing back to the specific event at Meribah-Kadesh, the verse connects Moses' fate to a concrete moment in Israel's journey, reminding readers that even great leaders are accountable to God's instructions.

Where else these words appear

“Meribah-Kadesh” Hebrew H4808 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 13:8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
  • Psalms 95:8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
  • Ezekiel 47:19 And the south side southward, from Tamar even to the waters of strife in Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And this is the south side southward.

“Zin” Hebrew H6790 · used in 9 verses

  • Numbers 13:21 So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.
  • Numbers 27:14 For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.
  • Numbers 34:4 And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon:

“Meribah-Kadesh” Hebrew H6946 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 14:7 And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.
  • Numbers 20:14 And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:
  • Deuteronomy 1:46 So ye abode in Kadesh many days, according unto the days that ye abode there.

“trespassed” Hebrew H4603 · used in 35 verses

  • Leviticus 5:15 If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
  • 1 Chronicles 5:25 And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them.
  • Ezra 10:10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.