In Numbers 20, why did Moses and Aaron sin when they struck the rock?
The short answer
They didn't do what the Lord commanded. He told them to speak to the rock; they struck it instead, using a method that had worked before. Ignoring God's word for what had worked in the past showed a lack of faith and, arguably, superstition.
The command
In Numbers 20:6-11, the Lord told Moses and Aaron to speak to the rock, promising it would bring forth water.
What they did
They struck the rock, a method that had worked for them before (Exodus 17:5-7). They ignored the Lord's instruction and relied on what had worked previously.
Why it was sin
This showed a lack of faith (Numbers 20:12) and, arguably, superstition (CCC 2111).
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