I beg the Reader to remark with me the abounding grace of GOD. Though Moses had failed in his commission, GOD will not fail in his promise. Had the LORD restrained the water because Moses took the confidence to himself of implying that he fetched it, it would have been but a suitable rebuke to his presumption. But the LORD deals not with us after our sins, nor rewards us according to our iniquities. He will be gracious to the persons of his people while chastening their sins. The psalmist makes the best commentary upon this passage, and no doubt had this history in view when he saith: Thou answerest them, O LORD our GOD. Thou wast a GOD that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance on their inventions. Psalms 99:8. And probably he referred to the same when he said, that the people provoked Moses to speak unadvisedly with his lips. Psalms 106:33.
Related Commentaries of Numbers 20:11
Numbers 20:11
11 And Moses 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.