Weekly Torah Lesson
Parsha: Chukat “Ordinance or statute”
Torah: (B’midbar) Numbers 19:1 – 22:1
** There are many times in our lives when we think that we have done everything that we were asked to do only to find out later that we “forgot” one or a couple of the details contained in the instructions. Up to this point, Moshe had a reputation for following all the details that he was instructed to do.
Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished. And the children of Israel did according to all that Avinu had commanded Moshe; so they did. (Ex 39:32)
** As life in the wilderness grew harder, everyone, including Moshe, were feeling the stress of everyday living. Tempers were flaring, confrontations were getting more intense as the realities of the new normal were being learned.
Then one very hot and dry day the people decided to confront their leader.
4 And why have you brought up the congregation of Avinu into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there? 5 And why have you made us to come up out of Mitzryim , to bring us in to this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink. 6 And Moshe and Aharon went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell on their faces: and the glory of Avinu appeared to them. 7 And Avinu spoke to Moshe, saying, 8 Take the rod, and gather you the assembly together, you, and Aharon your brother, and speak you to the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and you shall bring forth to them water out of the rock: so you shall give the congregation and their beasts drink. 9 And Moshe took the rod from before Avinu, as he commanded him. 10 And Moshe and Aharon gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said to them, Hear now, you rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? 11 And Moshe lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. 12 And Avinu spoke to Moshe and Aharon, Because you believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. 13 This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with Avinu, and he was sanctified in them (Nu 20:4-13)
** Missing details is an expensive experience. In this case it cost Moshe the “glory” of being the leader of Israel as they entered the land. It was something he worked at for the past fourty years of his life.
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