Moses Strikes the Rock
Moses Strikes the Rock Numbers 20:10-11 Excerpt Milgrom has examined Moses’ actions against the backdrop of Egyptian and Mesopotamian magicians and diviners as well as in the context of the nature of God revealed in the Pentateuch . Moses’ actions were tantamount to that of an idolatrous pagan magician, and thus Milgrom notes, “Here, in a direct address to his people, Moses ascribes miraculous powers to himself and Aaron. Indeed by broadcasting one word, nôṣîʾ , “we shall bring forth” —Moses and Aaron might be interpreted as having put themselves forth as God .… Israel had to be released from more than chains; it still had to purged of its pagan background. In summary, Milgrom states, “Against the backdrop of the Pentateuchal sensitivity to man’s usurping of God’s powers , Moses’ act is manifestly shocking.” The collapse of character was so critical that he would suffer severely for his actions and his attitudes. He would not experience the fullness of God’s promise , the u...