Numbers 20: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Numbers 20 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Miriam died and was buried in Kadesh (v. 1). The congregation complained to Moses and Aaron about the lack of water, wishing they had died instead (vv.

Key verse

“Yahweh said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you didn’t believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”
Numbers 20:12 (WEB)

Outline

Numbers 20:1 Miriam's Death
Numbers 20:2–5 Israel's Complaints About Water
Numbers 20:6–8 God's Instruction to Moses
Numbers 20:9–11 Moses Strikes the Rock
Numbers 20:12–13 Consequences for Moses and Aaron
Numbers 20:14–21 Request for Passage Through Edom
Numbers 20:22–29 Aaron's Death on Mount Hor

Discussion questions

In v1, who dies in the wilderness of Zin?
What act does Moses perform in v11 to bring forth water?
Moses' action in v11: why does he strike the rock instead of speaking to it?
In v24, what does Yahweh mean by saying Aaron shall be 'gathered to his people'?
When have you felt frustration lead to a decision you later regretted, like Moses in v11?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Numbers 20: Exodus 17, Numbers 16, Deuteronomy 2.

Before next time: read Numbers 21.