Justin Houtz

Numbers 20, 1 Corinthians 4

DateVersionReading Plan
May 17, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Numbers 20

Observation & Interpretation

The Israelites came to the wilderness of Zin and stayed at Kadesh where Miriam died (Num. 20:1). There was no water to drink, so the people assembled themselves together against Moses, grumbling and quarreling with him about being brought out of the land of Egypt (Num. 20:2-5). Moses and Aaron left the assembly of people, came to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces (Num. 20:6-7). The LORD told Moses to take the staff, assemble the congregation and tell the rock to bring forth its water before the congregation to give drink to the people and cattle (Num. 20:8). Moses took the staff and did as he was commanded (Num. 20:9).

Moses gathered the people, verbally attacked the people and struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it (Num. 20:9-11). The LORD confronted Moses and Aaron for their unfaithfulness and told them that they would not bring the assembly into the land (Num. 20:12). The place was called Meribah which means “quarreling” (Num. 20:13).

Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom requesting passage. They said they would keep to the King’s Highway and not pass through field or vineyard or drink any water from a well (Num. 20:14-17). Edom told them that they shall not pass through and threatened his sword against them (Num. 20:18). The people again told Edom that they would pass through on the highway without drinking water, but Edom again responded with refusal, coming against Israel with a large army and strong force (Num. 20:19-20). The people turned away from Edom after being denied passage (Num. 20:21).

The people traveled from Kadesh to Mount Hor where the LORD told Moses and Aaron to let Aaron be gathered to his people. The CSB Notes provides some context of this gathering:

Aaron’s death, like the death and burial of Abraham (Gn 25:8), Ishmael (Gn 25:17), Isaac (Gn 35:29), Jacob (Gn 49:29, 33), and then later Moses (Nm 27:13; Dt 32:50), is described as being gathered to his people. The phrase conveys the idea of being reunited p 237 with one’s ancestral families in Sheol, the place of the dead. A person was not to be left unburied or “ungathered” since this was viewed as a disgraceful end of life.

The LORD told Moses and Aaron that Aaron and his son, Eleazar, were to be taken to the top of the mountain where Aaron’s priestly garments would be stripped and given to Eleazar (Num. 20:25-26). Moses did as he was commanded, Aaron died on the top of the mountain and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain (Num. 20:28). When the people saw that Aaron had died, they wept for thirty days (Num. 20:29).

Application

It is interesting that we see recorded Edom’s refusal of Israel’s passage through his territory directly after Moses’ unfaithfulness at the waters of Meribah and that the LORD told Moses and Aaron that the assembly would not be brought into the land they were promised. The inability of Israel to pass through the Edomite territory gives indication that their journey through the wilderness would be arduous and difficult. In this we see demonstrated the effects of sin and its causation of enmity, conflict and struggle. As sinful creatures, we choose to do things our own way rather than abiding in the revealed will of God. We think and act as if absence of divine restriction will lead to flourishing, but this is the bondage of pride. True freedom is found in faithful surrender and obedience to our Lord and the boundaries He has graciously provided by His Word.

1 Corinthians 4

Observation & Interpretation

The CSB Notes provides helpful commentary on Paul’s reflection on his ministry:

Paul describes the lifestyle and character of apostolic ministry. The world with its human wisdom labeled them as scum and garbage (cp. 2Co 2:16), which is the refuse   p 1818  (Gk perikatharma) of chamber pots and the offscouring (Gk peripsēma) in waste vats and cesspools respectively. The Romans used these terms to describe the dregs of society. Yet Paul says they bless … endure, and respond graciously as Christ had taught them (Lk 6:27–36).

Application

Paul’s sentiment in describing the apostolic ministry contains self-sacrificial aspects of godly living that should be reflected among all followers of Christ. Paul knew himself to be regarded poorly among those of worldly wisdom and our disposition should be much the same. The message of Christ’s glorious gospel is sure to be reviled by many. As such, we should be prepared to be considered fools in any given situational context. However, this in no way detracts from our calling to speak and live out our faith. We are sure to do this imperfectly, but may we press on to make it our own because Christ has made us His own.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You have given us Your Word by which we can know You and live in obedience to You. Father, help me to do this with joy, even in the face of opposition, knowing that it brings You honor and glory.

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