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Numbers 20:8 - Speak to the rock?

Numbers 20:8 - במדבר 20:8

Hebrew Text

קַח אֶת־הַמַּטֶּה וְהַקְהֵל אֶת־הָעֵדָה אַתָּה וְאַהֲרֹן אָחִיךָ וְדִבַּרְתֶּם אֶל־הַסֶּלַע לְעֵינֵיהֶם וְנָתַן מֵימָיו וְהוֹצֵאתָ לָהֶם מַיִם מִן־הַסֶּלַע וְהִשְׁקִיתָ אֶת־הָעֵדָה וְאֶת־בְּעִירָם׃

English Translation

Take the rod, and gather the assembly together, thou, and Aharon thy brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth its water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

Transliteration

Kach et-ha-mateh ve-hakhel et-ha'edah atah ve-Aharon achicha ve-dibartem el-ha-sela le'eineihem ve-natan meimav ve-hotzeita lahem mayim min-ha-sela ve-hishkita et-ha'edah ve-et-be'iram.

Hebrew Leining Text

קַ֣ח אֶת־הַמַּטֶּ֗ה וְהַקְהֵ֤ל אֶת־הָעֵדָה֙ אַתָּה֙ וְאַהֲרֹ֣ן אָחִ֔יךָ וְדִבַּרְתֶּ֧ם אֶל־הַסֶּ֛לַע לְעֵינֵיהֶ֖ם וְנָתַ֣ן מֵימָ֑יו וְהוֹצֵאתָ֨ לָהֶ֥ם מַ֙יִם֙ מִן־הַסֶּ֔לַע וְהִשְׁקִיתָ֥ אֶת־הָעֵדָ֖ה וְאֶת־בְּעִירָֽם׃
קַ֣ח אֶת־הַמַּטֶּ֗ה וְהַקְהֵ֤ל אֶת־הָעֵדָה֙ אַתָּה֙ וְאַהֲרֹ֣ן אָחִ֔יךָ וְדִבַּרְתֶּ֧ם אֶל־הַסֶּ֛לַע לְעֵינֵיהֶ֖ם וְנָתַ֣ן מֵימָ֑יו וְהוֹצֵאתָ֨ לָהֶ֥ם מַ֙יִם֙ מִן־הַסֶּ֔לַע וְהִשְׁקִיתָ֥ אֶת־הָעֵדָ֖ה וְאֶת־בְּעִירָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 20:8) occurs during the incident of Mei Merivah (the Waters of Strife), where Moshe and Aharon are commanded to bring forth water from a rock for Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness. The people had complained about the lack of water, prompting Hashem to instruct Moshe on how to respond.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 20:8) notes that the command to "speak to the rock" was a test for Moshe—to demonstrate that even an inanimate object would obey Hashem's will when spoken to with proper faith. Rashi further explains that the rock was specifically chosen because it was the same rock that had provided water earlier (Shemot 17:6), emphasizing Hashem's consistent miracles for Bnei Yisrael.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:54) discusses the deeper symbolism of the rock, suggesting that it represents the unchanging nature of Hashem's providence. The miracle of water from stone was meant to teach Bnei Yisrael that sustenance comes from divine will, not natural means.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:9) states that this rock was one of the miraculous creations during the twilight of the sixth day of Creation, designated for this very purpose.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma, Chukat 10) teaches that the rock "followed" Bnei Yisrael in the desert, providing water wherever they traveled, symbolizing Hashem's constant care.

Moshe's Error

While the verse commands Moshe to "speak to the rock," he later strikes it (Bamidbar 20:11). Chazal (Sanhedrin 34a) debate the severity of this deviation, with some opinions suggesting that Moshe's frustration with the people led him to act differently than commanded. This lapse resulted in Moshe and Aharon being denied entry into Eretz Yisrael.

Symbolism of the Rod

The rod (mateh) mentioned here is identified by the Talmud (Bava Batra 74b) as the same staff used in earlier miracles (e.g., the plagues in Egypt). Its presence underscores that miracles are performed through divine authority, not human power.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the miracles performed for the Israelites in the desert, particularly the miracle of water coming from the rock.
📖 Sanhedrin 34a
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the interpretation of biblical narratives and the actions of Moses and Aaron.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe need to take the rod to bring water from the rock?
A: The rod was a symbol of Hashem's power and authority, as it had been used for miracles before (like splitting the Red Sea). Rashi explains that taking the rod was meant to remind the people of past miracles and strengthen their faith in Hashem's ability to provide water in the desert.
Q: Why did Hashem tell Moshe to speak to the rock instead of hitting it?
A: The Midrash teaches that speaking to the rock would have been a greater miracle, showing that even inanimate objects obey Hashem's word. Hitting the rock (which Moshe later did) diminished the sanctification of Hashem's name, as it made the miracle seem less extraordinary.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this incident with the rock?
A: The Rambam teaches that this story teaches the importance of following Hashem's commands precisely. Even great leaders like Moshe and Aharon were held accountable for slight deviations from Hashem's instructions, showing that every detail of mitzvot matters.
Q: Why were both Moshe and Aharon involved in getting water from the rock?
A: The Talmud (Taanit 8b) explains that both leaders were needed to show unity in leadership and to demonstrate that the miracle came through their joint merit. This also fulfilled the principle that important matters should be handled by multiple leaders together.
Q: How does this miracle of water from a rock apply to us today?
A: The Sages teach that this miracle reminds us that Hashem provides our needs in unexpected ways. Just as water came from a solid rock, we must trust that Hashem can bring sustenance and solutions from unlikely sources when we follow His ways.