For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.
You rebelled against my command in the desert of Zin when the people were arguing with you. You failed to honor me as holy before their eyes at the water spring. This happened at the waters of Meribah in Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin.
God is reminding Moses and Aaron that they disobeyed Him at a crucial moment when they should have shown the people God's holiness.
📚 Historical Context
This refers to the incident at Meribah where the Israelites complained about lack of water, and God told Moses to speak to a rock to bring forth water. Instead, Moses struck the rock twice in anger and took credit for the miracle, failing to honor God before the people. This act of disobedience cost Moses and Aaron their chance to enter the Promised Land.
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