Why Did Moses Hit the Rock?

Moses hitting the rock is one of the most mystifying episodes recounted in the Torah.

The well that supplied the Israelites with water dried up. G‑d instructed Moses to go to Mount Horeb and extract water from a rock. Moses did so successfully, but in the course of executing G‑d's command, he commits a grave error. As a result, it is decreed that Moses must die in the desert, and Joshua will be the one who will lead the Israelites in to the Promised Land.

Why didn't Moses -- G-d's most loyal servant -- follow simple instructions?The Torah is very ambiguous regarding the nature of Moses' error. There are as many interpretations as there are biblical commentators. The conventional explanation, quoted from the Midrash by Rashi, is that Moses was commanded to talk to the rock to bring forth water, and instead Moses struck it. Some thirty-nine years earlier, the first time the Israelites were in need of water, G‑d had indeed instructed Moses to strike the rock. But this time the instructions were different, and Moses failed to comply.

A few obvious questions:

1) If striking the rock was so awful, why was it okay so many years earlier?

2) Why didn't Moses -- G‑d's most loyal servant -- follow G‑d's simple instructions?

3) Why did this seemingly minor offense have such severe consequences?

An analysis of Moses' leadership will perhaps shed light on this puzzling episode.

Moses is synonymous with miracles. The name Moses means "from the waters he was drawn"; and this is indeed an appropriate name for an individual whose soul emanated from the hidden waters of the supernal worlds, and never acclimated to his new habitat. Moses did not know how to deal with this world on its terms. Instead, when he needed to accomplish a task he resorted to supernatural powers to do so. He didn't convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites, he didn't even engage in conventional warfare; instead he used the miraculous powers at his disposal to utterly crush his opposition.

He didn't talk to rocks to bring forth waters, he struck them into submission.

While this is an exciting modus operandi, this wasn't how the land of Canaan was to be conquered. This worked for the generation which left Egypt, a generation that subsisted on miracles for forty years. But G‑d had a different plan in mind for this generation which was now poised to enter the Holy Land. They weren't intended to miraculously obliterate their opposition, they were given the mandate to change the world by dealing with it on its terms. They were supposed to enter the world, plow and reap its fields, and cajole the world to higher levels of spirituality and G‑dliness.

Moses' striking the rock was a symptom of the reason why he couldn't enter CanaanThis was a task which Moses could not accomplish -- he was simply too great a spiritual giant. This was a task for Joshua.

Moses' striking the rock wasn't the reason why he couldn't lead the Jews in to Canaan; it was a symptom of the reason.

The lesson of this episode in our relations with others, in our endeavor to draw water -- holiness and value -- from our fellows, is quite clear. But this lesson should also guide us in our own personal spiritual journey.

We start serving G‑d by "hitting the rock." We may not understand, we may not be convinced, but we follow G‑d's orders because we must do so. We overpower our natural impulses and urges in order to do the mitzvot.

But then we must spiritually mature. We must "talk to the rock." We must study enough and gain the understanding to actually convince ourselves, our emotions as well as our minds, to become spiritual people.

Then we are ready to enter the Promised Land.

By Naftali Silberberg

Rabbi Naftali Silberberg is a writer, editor, and director of the curriculum department at the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute. Rabbi Silberberg resides in Brooklyn, NY, with his wife Chaya Mushka and their three children.

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June 27, 2012

Thank you Rabbi Silberberg for yet another insight

"That's what I'm supposed to do" takes us only so far. And it doesnt fit perfectly with knowing "there is no other G-d." When Moses' will differed from G-d's instruction, an apparent separateness suddenly arose. There's a duty to nurture the quality of obedience not for it's own sake, but rather to produce and enjoy its yield: unity. That's when our thoughts and feelings are recognized for their roots in G-d.

Also, in the land Moses would have been obligated to "eat and be satisfied", among other things. In light of his sudden and surprising display of disunity, and his special relationship with Hashem, could the denial of entry have actually been a reward? Like a preemptive protective divine intervention? I think such an exception to free will happened once before, prior to Noach and the flood.

Anonymous
Sacramento, Ca

June 2, 2012

Re: The post from "Anonymous"

"G-d made some very strange choices in the OT"

The notion of the Supreme Being making "strange choices" is impossible for me to comprehend; how is it sensible for a human being, replete with flaws and spectacularly limited understanding, to judge the infinite wisdom and perfection of G-d??? This is fatuous arrogance of the highest order.

Dr. Dreisdale
New York, NY

June 2, 2012

Moses Strikes the Rock

"A few obvious questions: 1) If striking the rock was so awful, why was it okay so many years earlier?"

I'm surprised that this is posted as an "obvious question" -- a casual observer realizes that what is in question is not the striking of a rock, but rather, obedience to our Lord.

Dr. J. Dreisdale
New York, NY

April 12, 2012

geography

I think the explanation is a bit simpler. Horeb was dry. Striking a rock - where there was no potential of finding water - demonstrated G-d's power. In Zin, there were sources of water behind the rock. Shepherds knew where to hit. In directing Moses to speak to the rock there, G-d was directing Moses to demonstrate H-s Power and not Moses learned skills for desert survival.

Marty
stl, MO

April 8, 2012

God made some very strange choices in the OT

in Exodus 32, He is ready to kill all the Israelites because of the Golden Calf and give all His blessing just to Moses and his family. Moses says, well, you can do that, but will that help your reputation ? The Egyptians will laugh and say , what a God those stupid Israelites had. First He saves them and then he kills them. God says,hmmmmmm. you have a point there.

Anonymous
San Diego, CA

March 17, 2012

he rock and the donkeyt

Moses was supposed to talk to the rock. Communicate with it. Balaam should have listened to the donkey. Isn't it quite possible God speaks to us through nature?

Anonymous
Farmington HillsMim, MI

January 30, 2012

Why is the Lord's name censured here?

Why is the "O" blanked out?

Anonymous
tacoma, wausa

June 27, 2011

Why did Moses strike the Rock

I never bought the notion that Moses was denied entry into the holy land because he struck the rock. I think he died when he did because he was mortal, and it was his time. As for his expression of anger, could it also have been simmering from the past week's parsha and the challenge from Korach and his people. Even though Moses showed great restraint and allowed God to demonstrate who in leading Bnai Israel, perhaps he was still angry inside from this latest challenge?

Scott Weil
Highland Park, IL

June 26, 2011

The faith of Moses

excellent discussion! The Exodus was about bringing a nation of former slaves to full Faith in God. Moses was their example. He was angry when he hit the 2nd rock. Technically his action fell short of the perfect requirement of Faith! To us the "punishment" seems excessive. But what if the punishment was "heavenly reward" from G-d's point of view?

Joshua was certainly raised up to enter the land! He learned the most important lesson form Moses, "Hear G-d and Do it!". I think of how the entrance into the land would have been if Moses had tarried? Joshua could have remained unfulfilled in his leadership call.
I suspect that what looked like punishment
to the living was ultimately a great reward to Moses. Imagine the privilege of Moses to die in the Presence of the Lord! He saw the Promised Land through the eyes of Faith and stepped into G-d"s Presence! Mission Accomplished!

John McDonnell
Mill Creek, WA

February 9, 2011

Moses, Rock, Punishment

Below are topics [paraphrased] from my עץ חיים (Chukat with Rashi & other supplementary commentary) to expand the discussion.

Rashi: Striking rock rather than speaking to it diminished greatness of the miracle.

Maimonides; Hirsch: Moses was angry/lost his temper & therein also lost his prophetic gifts.

Ibn Ezra; Albo: Moses could have trusted that H- would perform a miracle for the people, as had been done before.

Consensus: Striking rock twice (instead of once), & saying "rebels" were perhaps examples of his anger, exasperation, & weariness with the people themselves.

SUMMARY
Moses' words & actions, and Aaron by association & inaction, implied that the miracle was his/theirs, instead of focusing the people on it being the will & miracle of H-. Perhaps this was the main transgression?

Removing blame or punishment, perhaps H- knew that different leadership was necessary to lead the newer & much younger generation into battle & ultimately into the Holy Land.

Anonymous
Dallas, TX

February 7, 2011

Moses & the rock - miraculous & thought provoking

Firstly, this is a fascinating thread and I thank the Rebbe for the lesson and thank all for their contribution.

Many fascinating concepts brought to light here:
modus operandi vs new instructions
human free will within the plan, miracles and foresight of H-
the new path of the Israelites ... that of speaking vs striking
flowing water in the desert ... flowing light of H- in parched human soul
trusting H- sees the "big picture" even when we're weary, frustrated, or caught up in day to day details
H- telling us what we need to know/learn through allowing us freedom of choice and their consequences
A man "of impeded speech" commanded to speak
A flaw revealed in a paradigm of perfection
Creation from "word" is sovereign to H- only [?]

I am honored to bear witness to the discussion. "Todah Rabbah"

חיל חיים
London, UK

January 4, 2011

June 18 2010 Anon

It's now Jan 3 2011, 7 months later. After reading the Book of Devarim/Deuteronomy Moses mentions many reasons why G-d would not allow him to enter The Promised Land. One example was Moses sending the 10 wicked spies. It was not Moses's idea. It was the 10 wicked spies idea. G-d okayed the idea, but he was unhappy that Moses gave into it, instead of demanding that they go straight into battle as per G-d's wishes. If you read Devarim there are a few more statements from Moses on similar mistakes he gave into from his people and against G-d's wishes and which put The Promised Land out of reach for Moses, despite how badly Moses wanted in.
I am more attuned to this explanation that the ones i had learned earlier because they are not conjecture commentaries, they are Moses words in Chumash.

Anonymous

October 8, 2010

Moses striking the rock

From the Scriptures, it seems as if Moses was frustrated with people and their complaining. Out of that frustration, he struck the rock. God then mentions that it was "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them." So the challenge with Moses was his faith being weakened by the persistent nagging of the Israelites which caused him to temporarily lose focus and not honor God's words.

lifep
Durham , NC

June 21, 2010

Punishment, Yes or No?

To me it is G-d taking corrective action more than dishing out punishment to Moses and Aaron in the hitting the rock incident. It's not like G-d left them or never talked to them again after the incident. Now that to me would be a case of punishment and of the punishment not fitting the crime.

True, G-d shortly afterwards stripped Aaron of his vestments and gathered him unto the dead for his disobedience, but G-d was still talking to Aaron before He took his breath away. Also, who is to really say after so long wandering around with a bunch of children on a long road trip with their constant "are we there yet" and "I want a drink, etc." noise that Aaron felt it was more a reward than a punishment to be gathered to his kin.

Too, Moses said to G-d in Egypt, "See, I am of impeded speech..." and G-d then places Moses in the role of G-d to Pharaoh with Aaron in the role as Moses' prophet. Thinking on that, what role was each supposed to play when commanded to speak to the rock?

Anonymous
Omaha, NE

June 20, 2010

but what about Aharon?

If Moshe couldn't bring himself down to the level of speaking to the rock what about his brother Aharon. He was always at the level of the people why was Aharon punished? why did he allow Moshe to hit the rock if he knew that speaking to the rock is the best approach?

Dovid

June 19, 2010

Moses striking the Rock

Perhaps Moses struck the rock not completely out of anger, but also out of grief. If we look back, there was a need to get water for the community once again. Why, because their sources of water had dried up. Is it coincidental that Miriam, his sister, has died, and then the water that had been so plentiful for almost 40 years disappeared? Remember the concept of Miriam's cup, Miriam's well. And as Naftali Silverberg above points out, the name Moses means "from the waters he was drawn". Who put Moses in the waters so that he would be found downstream? Miriam. Miriam, and the waters that were associated with her and the bounty that these "desert" waters brought, was gone. God reminded Moses, through her death, of our inevitable mortality.

Scott Weil
Highland Park, IL

June 18, 2010

new ways- enlightening article

For better or worse this is what i glean from this article :
1. Hitting the rock coming out of Egypt was the way back then.. Speaking to the rock was the new way.

2. Moses made a mistake out of his free choice. G-d knew that this would happen since G-d knows the future. G-d's blueprint is not a pre-programmed one. The way to The Promised Land was going to happen one way or another. Moses's mistake was not part of the plan per se, but it was a point along the way.

3. This question has always been the most perplexing for me. The wrath of punishment does not fit the 'crime'. The blueprint called for Moses to lead his people to Canaan, but not enter. my thinking now sees a G-d who did not know how to tell Moses directly that he would only lead to but not enter Canaan. A new style of leadership was needed. The old was based on G-d's miracles. The new one would be based more on man's free choice.

I hope that my new understanding does not dismay others. It works for me.

Thank you.

Anonymous

June 17, 2010

Chukat

interesting that this lesson is in parshat Chukat - where we are taught about the mitzvot that are beyond our comprehension - like hitting the rock

AG
melb, au

June 17, 2010

Moses Hitting the Rock

I think Moses, for various reasons, didn't trust G-d to do the miraculous if he just spoke to the rock and that is why he hit it, because that worked before. And because he did not trust G-d enough, especially after all they have been through together, is why he was not able to lead the congregation into the promised land.

G-d wanted Moses and Aaron to affirm H-s sanctity in the sight of the Israelite people, and they failed in that task. To me G-d obviously had plans for the children of Israel to enter into the promised land a certain way and whoever He chose to lead them into the promised land would have to be someone who had enough trust in H-m to do it H-s way.

Since Moses and Aaron demonstrated they did not have enough trust in G-d by striking the rock instead of talking to it, they could not enter the promised land. I don't see this as punishing Moses and Aaron but as G-d keeping H-s promises to Israel and keeping with H-s ultimate plans for all of humanity.

Anonymous
Omaha, NE

June 16, 2010

Moses and the rock

Wasn't Moses angry with the Israelites because of their constant kvetching? Because they kept "forgetting" G-d's miracles all along the way? Didn't he strike the rock because he couldn't strike the people?

Chaya
Sacramento, California

January 17, 2010

bravo...magnificant...

Karin
Yountville, CA

January 11, 2010

Good thoughts

Moses should have just listened and obeyed. He was called to do a new thing. That is so difficult for us as we mature physically. Moses shows us his humanity. I think I too would have hit the rock. Hopefully, through Moses we are able to better obey G-d - to speak instead of striking - even when striking gives so much more human pleasure. It is all to easy to attempt to box G-d in like we have experienced G-d in the past. He is G-d, who can only be fully experienced in the present. Thank-you Moses for leading the way. That you G-d for your mercy, grace and love.

Ernie
Tennessee Ridge, TN

July 4, 2009

comment

Shalom,
Good insight. After sleeping on your comment, it seems we are all disposable after our mission by Divine providence. It does not seem reasonable that hitting the rock instead of speaking to it should be anything before G-d. Moses did his part and then G-d took his physical life. Reward is in the world to come, our sages say.

Abraham [Tone] Lechtzier
Lake Creek, OR US

July 3, 2009

striking the rock

There are many levels of Torah knowledge.

A rock is a manifestation of the physical world. Torah knowlege is commonly associated with flowing water. The people were allegorically thirsty for Torah knowlege, and in a state of agitation, strife, and spiritual estrangement from G-d, Moses was instructed to speak to the rock, in other words, "to bring the flow of Torah knowlege to the physical world, and reconnect the people to G-d. This can only be accomplished with humility, self effacement, and not force. As a result Moses was punished for his lact of humility, anger, and lack of faith.

Dr. Harry Hamburger
Miami, Fl

July 7, 2008

To Chana:

1) Why do you say that Moses’ leadership style was a “secondary level”? It was only because Moses was on such a high level – far greater than Joshua – that he was able to give us the Torah. And his was precisely the leadership our nation needed at that time. For a better understanding of this idea, see The Objective is War and The Greatest Miracle of All.

2) Moses was the paradigm of perfection. He was a perfect reflection of the Divine attribute of chochmoh (wisdom). And it is explained in mystical works that as perfect as G-d’s wisdom is, it is too lofty to be involved with and create worlds. Only G-d’s lower attributes, and specifically malchut (royalty), can accomplish this task. Does this suggest that G-d’s wisdom is imperfect?

3) Immanence and transcendence are both necessary components in creation and in our life’s mission. Moses (transcendence) and Joshua (immanence) were the perfect pair, each one perfect at his particular task.

4) Why did G-d command Moses to strike the rock? I can think of several possible reasons. Here’s one: Through this command, G-d was insinuating that a change of direction was now called for. When Moses couldn’t comply – as G-d knew very well would happen – then he, too, understood why it was time for Joshua to succeed him.

Naftali Silberberg (Author)

July 6, 2008

Are you suggesting that the great Moses did not reach the ultimate modus operandi, but only a secondary level--he was only capable of reaching the level of "hitting" and not "talking" to in his relationship with our world? How can we understand that Moses who was the paradigm of perfection couldn't "change modes" when necessary to reach this higher level? And if he was "incapable" of doing so, why did G-d command him to?

chana
toronto

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