Complete English translation
Different God's Commandments: 2 Events in the Desert
There are two events in the Bible where the Israelites complained to Moses and Aaron because of thirst. In the first event (Exodus 17:6), which happened at the beginning of the journey in the desert, God ordered Moses to hit the stone with the stick so that the water comes out of the stone. In the second event (Numbers 20:8), which happened at the end of their journey, God ordered Moses to take his staff, but not to hit the stone, but to talk to the stone so that water comes out. At first glance, we may think that Moses may be "the caliph" or confused because of remembering the first order. However, if we delve deeper into this event, there are amazing things here. In the first incident, Moses faced the first generation of the Israelites who came out of Egypt. This is a known generation who is stubborn, often rebellious, and not fully trusting to God, even though they have witnessed many miracles. In Hebrew, the stone used here is called "Tsur," which means hard and unshakable rock. In the second incident, Moses faced the next generation of the nation of Israel. This is a different generation. In Hebrew, the stone used this time is called "Sela," which also means stone, but has a softer connotation, often associated with shelter. Remember the difference between Tsur and Sela, because this will be very important in our next discussion.
Moses learned from this change of command.
Unite the points above aleph Tav accompanied the second generation of the nation of Israel, but not in the first generation. Let's pay attention to the following God's words:
But your children that you said will become spoils, I will bring them in, and they will know the land that you have rejected.
Numbers 14:31
God has determined that this second generation of Israel belongs to God, and He has promised that they will enter the Land of Canaan. This is clearly seen from God's command to Moses:
Take that stick, and you and Aaron, your brother, must ordered the people to gather. Say it to the stone hill (Sela) is before their eyes, so that they may be given water.
Numbers 20:8
Aleph Tav on the staff symbolizes the authority given by God on Moses and Aleph Tav on this second generation of Israel, which belongs to God. What does "belongs to God" mean? This means that they are a nation sanctified to God, separated for divine purposes and under the protection of God and special care from God.
The mistake of Moses and Aaron is, although they are not perfect, they have been chosen by God to carry out His plan, and because of their status as "God's," God defends them from the accusations made by Miriam and Korah. Based on their experience with God, they should understand very well not to oppose God's plan nor people who are sanctified by God to fulfill His plan.
God's Strong Reprimand to Moses
And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron: "Because you don't believe in Me and do not respect My holiness in front of the eyes of the people of Israel, that's why you won't bring this people to the land that I gave them."
Numbers 20:12
Notice here that what God doesn't like are two things: unbelief and holiness. What does God's command have to do with hitting stones or talking to the stone with these two things? This is where the Bible is interesting, because there are so many divine secrets contained in it. And today, there is one thing that will be revealed to you.
Hidden Secrets in Hebrew: Aleph Tav
In the Hebrew Bible, there is one word that is not translated, which is Aleph Tav (NX) symbol of Alpha Omega, such as mentioned in the Book of Revelation. In short, Aleph Tav can be interpreted as "God's" or "Accompanied by God."
The names of Kain and Abel are recorded with Aleph Tav at the beginning, but after Cain killed Abel, Aleph Tav no longer accompanied Cain's name. When Esau and Jacob were born, Aleph Tav accompanied both of them. However, after Esau sold his birthrights and took his wife from the Canaanites (infidels), Aleph Tav no longer accompanied his name. Aleph Tav also accompanied baby Moses when he was washed away in the river.
Nile signifies God's, and He is under His protection.
However, when facing the second generation of Israel, Moses and Aaron failed to see them as a nation that had been sanctified by God. Although this second generation also complained, they didn't compare to the stubborn first generation. God has already sanctified this generation to enter the Promised Land, so that they should be treated in a different way. However, Moses treated them the same as the first generation, with them being stubborn rebels. Moses using a stick to hit a hard stone (heart) (tsur), even though God has commanded them to be treated differently, which is by talking to the stone (heart) that is looking for protection (in between).
When Moses and Aaron had gathered the congregation in front of the rock, he said to them: "Listen, you people, rebels, should we get water out for you from the hill this stone? Then Moses raised his hand, hitting the rock hill twice with his staff. — Numbers 20:10-11 notice that God is still with the congregation (the nation of Israel), but no longer with the staff of Moses. God did not accompany Moses' actions. God knows that Moses and Aaron are unable to see the new generation, this is a different generation, so that God from afar has prepared to move the leadership stick to the leader of the next generation, namely Joshua. (Exodus 17:14, Numbers 14:6-9, 30) the Lord's plan remains forever, the plan of His heart is passed down from generation to generation, Psalm 33:11
Moses' Leadership
• Hard stone (Tsur) moses many times called the Israelites as rebels and stiff-necked, symbolizing a tough nation.
• Hitting rocks moses taught God's laws to the Israelites with harsh words and treatment. (Ex 32, Bil 16, Ul 9).
• The sanctity of God's Promise: Abraham's descendants will enter Canaan god never promised that who would enter Canaan is the first generation of the nation of Israel.
• Moses was angry with God and blamed the nation of Israel, Deuteronomy 3:26, Moses complained that because of the behavior of the nation, he was forbidden to enter the Promised Land by God.
• Moses symbolizes Law (Law) when Moses did not obey God's command by hitting a stone instead of speaking to the stone, Moses blamed the nation Israel for the consequences he received. This reflects the nature of Law, which shows sin and its punishments but leaves us with the burden of our failure.
Joshua's Leadership
• Shelter stone (Sela) joshua never called Israel rebellious or tough. Joshua always gave encouragement and advice.
• Said to the stone joshua repeatedly taught, reminded, guided Israel to always be faithful to God (Joshua 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 23, and 24).
## The Sanctity of God's Promise: The Second Generation Will Enter Canaan
God has determined that the children of the first generation of Israel will enter Canaan (sanctified=belong to God).
Joshua endured God's anger at Ai. Joshua 7:6, Joshua did introspection and looked for the cause of failure. Failure without blaming the nation of Israel.
Joshua (Jesus) symbolizes Grace (Grace). Joshua, whose name means "God is salvation," depicts the grace that is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Joshua took responsibility when facing failure, this reflects the grace of Jesus, which although without sin, takes the sins of mankind.
### Reflection Material:
1. Do we always "realize" or "understand" about God's plan?
As we saw above, it is very important for us to realize and understand what God wants to do, so that we don't become people who are opposed to Him. Jesus said, "Who is not with Me, he is against Me" (Matthew 12:30a). However, maybe we ask, what is the benefit of understanding God's plan? When we align our lives with God's plan, we find peace, purpose, and true blessings. God's plan is not only about avoiding mistakes, but it's also about finding a way to a meaningful life and deep satisfaction. By diligently studying His Word, we not only understand the contents of God's heart, but also open the door to a more meaningful life. Take care of intimate times with God through routine shady moments every day, because that's where we find strength, direction, and fulfillment.
2. When God has determined something, it must happen. We live in a world full of uncertainty, where we are used to seeing words unfulfilled, unfulfilled promises, even the law can be bent, but we must understand that there is nothing we can rely on other than the Word of God because only God's Word is the true truth. See the article God's Glasses of Truth. Through the story of Moses above, we are reminded that when God has spoken, then it must happen. God promises to bring generations Israel then went to the promised land, and the promise was fulfilled. On the contrary, God's Word to Moses that he would not enter the land of Canaan was also carried out, even though Moses repeatedly begged God to be allowed to enter. So it is very important for us to reflect on this: Do we really take God's Word seriously? God's Word cannot be changed, and His decision cannot be undone. When God casts a verdict, no one can change it. Sobbing, lamenting, even asking for forgiveness will be meaningless after the verdict is handed down. This is the time to act. "Repent, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near!" (Matthew 4:17). Don't wait until it's too late.
Day is an opportunity to improve our lives and make sure we walk on the right path with God. By living accordingly, we not only avoid terrible verdicts but also ensure that we receive His eternal blessings and promises.
God never abandons us. Even though we can fail and accept God's reprimand or the consequences of our mistakes, God never throws us away. He is still taking into account all the good works we have done for Him. We can see the real evidence of God's love and loyalty at the end of Moses' life, where the seal of God, Aleph Tav, remained with Moses. "Then (MX) Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD." (Deuteronomy 34:5).
God is a powerful and fully sovereign God, but He is also a God who loves us and does not impose His will on us. Precisely because of His love, He gives us the freedom to choose the right path. Remember this well because it really determines the end of our lives: it is very important for us to "end well," and not reject God until the end of our lives. Every day is an opportunity to make sure that we walk in obedience and love to Him, so that we can finish our race of faith well and receive the crown of life that He has promised.
Reference: Messianic Aleph Tav Scriptures (MATS)
The LORD said to Moses: 'Surely the time is near when you must die. Call (nx) Joshua and stand in the Tent of Meeting, that I may give him commands.' — Numbers 31:14