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 27:14KJV
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Numbers 27:14 (KJV)

What does Numbers 27:14 mean?

Numbers 27:14 explains that Moses and Aaron were not allowed to enter the promised land because they disobeyed God’s command during a conflict at the waters of Meribah in the wilderness of Zin. The verse points out that their failure was not honoring God as holy in front of the Israelites when He told them to bring water from the rock.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, reminding him of the earlier incident where both he and Aaron acted wrongly before the congregation. The setting is after the Israelites complained about lacking water, and Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God had instructed. The verse connects Moses’ fate to that specific moment of disobedience and public failure to “sanctify” God’s name.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 27:14

  • “Rebelled” (מָרִיתֶם, maritem): This word means to act defiantly or go against a command. Here, it highlights that Moses and Aaron’s actions were not just a mistake but a direct refusal to follow God’s instruction.
  • “Sanctify” (קָדַשׁ, qadash): To “sanctify” means to treat as holy or set apart. The verse stresses that Moses and Aaron failed to show God’s holiness to the people at a crucial moment.
  • “Strife” (מְרִיבָה, merivah): This word refers to quarreling or contention. The place is named Meribah because of the argument between the Israelites and Moses, making the location itself a reminder of the conflict.
  • “Congregation” (עֵדָה, edah): This term refers to the gathered community of Israel, emphasizing that the failure happened publicly, in front of all the people.

Why Numbers 27:14 matters

  • Numbers 27:14 clarifies that Moses’ exclusion from the promised land was not arbitrary but directly tied to a specific act of disobedience, helping readers understand the seriousness of his actions.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of leaders representing God accurately and honoring Him publicly, especially in moments of crisis.
  • By naming the place (Meribah in Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin), the verse connects this event to earlier narratives, helping readers trace the consequences of choices throughout Israel’s journey.

Where else these words appear

“strife” 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 33:36 And they removed from Eziongaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh.
  • Deuteronomy 32:51 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.

“Meribah” Hebrew H4809 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 17:7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?
  • Numbers 20:24 Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah.
  • Psalms 106:32 They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:

“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 32:51 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.