the rod. Compare Numbers 17:5. Some think (from Numbers 20:9) the rod "from before the testimony", as in Numbers 17:10. but Numbers 20:11 it is "his rod".
assembly. congregation.
speak ye unto the rock. Not "smite" as in Numbers 20:11.
Related Commentaries of Numbers 20:8
Numbers 20:8
8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.