Numbers 19-20a

The Red Heiffer Sacrifice & Moses Disobeys God

Numbers 19:1-20:13
I. Context
Who are the main characters in the passage? What do we know about them?

Moses & Aaron:

When and where does this passage take place?

When: This passage and previous passages have been part of the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. We
know that this passage takes place during the time after the spies returned from Canaan, but as with previous
passages, there is no indication how much time had passed between last week's passage and this one. However,
Numbers 33:38 tells us that Aaron died on the first day of the fifth month of the fortieth year after the Israelites
left Egypt, and this passage indicates that Miriam died in the first month (20:1). It would appear that this
passage occurs near the end of the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness.

Where: Though no specific indication of movement has been given since the Israelites were driven back to
Hormah in 14:45, it would appear that this and previous passages have been taking place in the wilderness
around. Kadesh. We are given specifics in 20:1 that they arrived in the Desert of Zin, near Kadesh.

What is going on? (Summary of Events)

The Lord instructs Moses & Aaron regarding the process for purifying someone who has come in contact
with a dead body. This involves specific actions, including the sacrifice of a red heiffer (Ch. 19)

The people complain about lack of water, so the Lord tells Moses and Aaron to speak to a rock and it
would produce water; however, they struck the rock instead and forfeited their entry into Canaan as a
result (Ch. 20:1-13

II. Interpretation
What principles are illustrated in this passage? What would you consider the theme of this passage?

What do we learn of God's character from this passage? Does this passage point us toward or connect with Christ? If
so, how?

Why is so much focus given to purification, specifically here in Chapter 19, but also in previous passages?

What was Moses & Aaron's sin in striking the rock? How does this illustrate the consequences of sin?

III. Application

The law highlights so many ways that God's people would be considered unclean. Rom. 3:20 tells us that "no one will
be declared righteous in [God's] sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin."
Righteousness is by faith.

As we have seen so many times, even though God forgives sin, we still must answer to the consequences of sin. Moses'
and Aaron's sin cost them the privilege of entering the Promised Land. We must remember that no sin is without
consequences.