Giannis's Psalms Chapter 81 comment on 2/10/2023, 11:35am...
Hello Richard
About that incident at the waters of Meribeh, I am sure you know that there is a more detailed account of it in Numbers 20:1-13. Although it is not that clear what caused God to be angry with Moses and Aaron, the verses in Psalms 106:32-33 may be the answer, "They (multitude) angered him (Moses) also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.". What was it that Moses had said that was not right? In Numbers 20:10 we read, "And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, YE REBELS; must we fetch you water out of this rock?". This is not a way a shepherd (pastor, elder or any spiritual leader) talks to their sheep. Jesus never said that sort of things to Judas, "You thief ...".He never revealed Judas' stealing to the other disciples, never insulted or spoke bad to him, but waited patiently for and tried to do anyhing He could to make Judas return from his sinful way and repent. A shepherd must be very careful how they behave and talk to their sheep, they must glorify God with their behavior and also with the way they talk, properly like a saint talks. This is the best interpretation of that incident I have heard so far. GBU
Richard H Priday's Psalms Chapter 81 comment on 2/10/2023, 4:32am...
Psalm 81 and the "waters of Meribeh".
Verse 7 of the Psalm indicates a place otherwise known as "Kadesh barnea". Apparently there was an incident in the Book of Numbers as well which could have been a separate occasion. It is likely that Moses had to provide water for the multitude on many occasions-if not in such a spectacular fashion. In any case, Moses struck the rock twice (Exodus 17:6); disobeying the command to only strike it once. Whether due to anger and frustration or careless disobedience the result was that it was held as sin and ultimately was a reason that he could not enter the Promised Land. (Deut. 32:51-52).
Notice that the promises of provision in verse 10 and again in verse 16 were predicated on the requirement of verses 8-9; namely that there would be no worship of other gods. That basically boiled down the reasons for being bagged down for a whole generation in the desert; as well as rebellions later when they could have taken over the pagan nations much more quickly and completely.
This passage of scripture should give us pause if we are in a position of authority in the church today. Clearly; those teaching the Word are held to a higher standard (James 3:1).
God is longsuffering and patient; and also alone can truly have righteous indignation. Moses was said to be meek above all who dwelled upon the earth. (Numbers 12:3). Yet this one sin had lasting repercussions. Today; of course wwe see error in the other direction where there is no fear of the Lord as well as appreciation of Him being a jealous God. Error is not only permitted but taught in many cases. James 1:8 warns of a double minded man being unstable in all his ways; and the preceding verse shows that he should expect nothing from the Lord.
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Giannis's Psalms Chapter 81 comment on 2/10/2023, 11:35am...
Hello Richard
About that incident at the waters of Meribeh, I am sure you know that there is a more detailed account of it in Numbers 20:1-13. Although it is not that clear what caused God to be angry with Moses and Aaron, the verses in Psalms 106:32-33 may be the answer, "They (multitude) angered him (Moses) also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.". What was it that Moses had said that was not right? In Numbers 20:10 we read, "And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, YE REBELS; must we fetch you water out of this rock?". This is not a way a shepherd (pastor, elder or any spiritual leader) talks to their sheep. Jesus never said that sort of things to Judas, "You thief ...".He never revealed Judas' stealing to the other disciples, never insulted or spoke bad to him, but waited patiently for and tried to do anyhing He could to make Judas return from his sinful way and repent. A shepherd must be very careful how they behave and talk to their sheep, they must glorify God with their behavior and also with the way they talk, properly like a saint talks. This is the best interpretation of that incident I have heard so far. GBU
Richard H Priday's Psalms Chapter 81 comment on 2/10/2023, 4:32am...
Psalm 81 and the "waters of Meribeh".
Verse 7 of the Psalm indicates a place otherwise known as "Kadesh barnea". Apparently there was an incident in the Book of Numbers as well which could have been a separate occasion. It is likely that Moses had to provide water for the multitude on many occasions-if not in such a spectacular fashion. In any case, Moses struck the rock twice (Exodus 17:6); disobeying the command to only strike it once. Whether due to anger and frustration or careless disobedience the result was that it was held as sin and ultimately was a reason that he could not enter the Promised Land. (Deut. 32:51-52).
Notice that the promises of provision in verse 10 and again in verse 16 were predicated on the requirement of verses 8-9; namely that there would be no worship of other gods. That basically boiled down the reasons for being bagged down for a whole generation in the desert; as well as rebellions later when they could have taken over the pagan nations much more quickly and completely.
This passage of scripture should give us pause if we are in a position of authority in the church today. Clearly; those teaching the Word are held to a higher standard (James 3:1).
God is longsuffering and patient; and also alone can truly have righteous indignation. Moses was said to be meek above all who dwelled upon the earth. (Numbers 12:3). Yet this one sin had lasting repercussions. Today; of course wwe see error in the other direction where there is no fear of the Lord as well as appreciation of Him being a jealous God. Error is not only permitted but taught in many cases. James 1:8 warns of a double minded man being unstable in all his ways; and the preceding verse shows that he should expect nothing from the Lord.
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