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Numbers 20:11 - Why strike the rock twice?

Numbers 20:11 - במדבר 20:11

Hebrew Text

וַיָּרֶם מֹשֶׁה אֶת־יָדוֹ וַיַּךְ אֶת־הַסֶּלַע בְּמַטֵּהוּ פַּעֲמָיִם וַיֵּצְאוּ מַיִם רַבִּים וַתֵּשְׁתְּ הָעֵדָה וּבְעִירָם׃

English Translation

And Moshe lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

Transliteration

Va-yarem Moshe et-yado va-yakh et-ha-sela be-mat'ehu pa'amayim va-yetze'u mayim rabim va-tesht ha-edah u-ve'iram.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֨רֶם מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־יָד֗וֹ וַיַּ֧ךְ אֶת־הַסֶּ֛לַע בְּמַטֵּ֖הוּ פַּעֲמָ֑יִם וַיֵּצְאוּ֙ מַ֣יִם רַבִּ֔ים וַתֵּ֥שְׁתְּ הָעֵדָ֖ה וּבְעִירָֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיָּ֨רֶם מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־יָד֗וֹ וַיַּ֧ךְ אֶת־הַסֶּ֛לַע בְּמַטֵּ֖הוּ פַּעֲמָ֑יִם וַיֵּצְאוּ֙ מַ֣יִם רַבִּ֔ים וַתֵּ֥שְׁתְּ הָעֵדָ֖ה וּבְעִירָֽם׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

The Incident at the Rock (Numbers 20:11)

The verse describes Moshe striking the rock to bring forth water for Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness. This event is significant in Jewish tradition, as it marks a turning point in Moshe's leadership and has been extensively analyzed by commentators.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) notes that Moshe was commanded to speak to the rock (Numbers 20:8), but instead he struck it. Though water emerged, this deviation from Hashem's command resulted in severe consequences. Rashi explains that striking the rock instead of speaking to it diminished the sanctification of Hashem's name, as speaking would have demonstrated that even an inanimate object obeys Hashem's will.

Rambam's Perspective

The Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (1:54) discusses this episode as an example of how even great leaders must adhere precisely to divine commands. Moshe's anger ("Listen now, you rebels" - Numbers 20:10) and the act of striking rather than speaking showed a momentary lapse in perfect faith and patience.

Talmudic Insights

  • Sanhedrin 42a connects this incident to the principle that leaders must maintain composure even when provoked.
  • Avot D'Rabbi Natan teaches that this episode demonstrates how even minor deviations from divine instruction by righteous individuals can have significant consequences.

Midrashic Interpretations

The Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 10) elaborates that the rock was symbolic - the same rock that had provided water previously (Exodus 17:6). By striking it rather than speaking, Moshe failed to show that consistent divine providence comes through peaceful means rather than force.

Kabbalistic Dimensions

The Arizal (Rabbi Isaac Luria) explains that the two strikes represent a disruption in the proper flow of divine energy (shefa). The first strike was to open the rock's potential to give water, and the second was unnecessary, representing excessive use of the attribute of judgment (din) rather than mercy (chesed).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 9a
The verse is discussed in the context of the miracle of water coming from the rock, emphasizing the power of Moses' actions and God's providence.
📖 Sanhedrin 34a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the interpretation of biblical narratives and the significance of Moses striking the rock twice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe hit the rock twice in Numbers 20:11?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:10), Moshe was commanded to speak to the rock to bring forth water (Numbers 20:8). When he hit it instead—and twice—it showed a lack of complete faith in Hashem's command. This is why Moshe and Aharon were not allowed to enter Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel).
Q: What is the significance of water coming from a rock in this verse?
A: The miracle of water flowing from a rock demonstrated Hashem's constant care for Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) in the wilderness. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:24) explains that miracles like this reinforced the people's trust in Hashem and Moshe's leadership during difficult times.
Q: Why was Moshe punished for hitting the rock if water still came out?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 101b) teaches that leaders are held to a higher standard. Even though water came forth, Moshe's action of hitting the rock instead of speaking to it (as commanded) diminished the sanctification of Hashem's name (Kiddush Hashem). A greater miracle would have occurred had he only spoken to it, showing the power of Hashem's word alone.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe hitting the rock?
A: The Sforno explains that this incident teaches the importance of following Hashem's commands precisely, especially for leaders. Even small deviations can have serious consequences. Additionally, the Kli Yakar emphasizes that we must serve Hashem with both words (prayer and study) and actions, not just forceful measures.
Q: Why did the people and their animals both drink from the rock?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma, Chukat 21) notes that Hashem's mercy extends to all creatures. Just as Bnei Yisrael needed water, so did their livestock. This teaches us that Hashem provides for all living things, and we must show kindness to animals as well (based on the principle of tzaar baalei chayim—avoiding animal suffering).