HaShem said to Moshe and Aharon, “Since you did not believe in Me in the presence of the children of Israel, therefore you will not bring this congregation into the Land which I given them. These are the waters of strife which the children of Israel contended with HaShem; but (HaShem) was sanctified with them.” (Bemidbar 20, 12-13)
Many opinions are offered by the commentators as to the “error” of Moshe and Aharon and exactly what happened at this incident. The sefer Tapuchei Chaim writes that the ten major opinions are alluded with the three words (ten letters) from the verse: לא האמנתם בי
- Lamed (לא בזדון אלא בשוגג): A dispute arose between the Jews and Moshe; the Jews selected a rock which they said was the rock to provide water, but Moshe did not wish to speak to that rock; to emphasize his point Moshe threw his staff down which hit the rock without intention.
- Aleph (אף היינו כעס): Rambam suggests Moshe & Aharon expressed anger against the Jews, thinking HaShem was similarly not pleased with them; HaShem was not angry with them.
- Heh (היכה ולא מדבר): Rashi notes Moshe hit the rock and did not speak to the rock to bring water which limited the Kiddush HaShem.
- Aleph (איחור – שלא נתוררו מעצמם): The Ikarim suggests HaShem was particular against Moshe & Aharon since they did not seek for themselves water (rather waited for Divine instruction).
- Mem (מריבה): Ibn Ezra suggests a second striking of the rock became necessary since the proper intentions were lost at the first strike due to the complaints of the Jews.
- Nun (נוציא – שלא אמר יוצא): Ramban notes Moshe and Aharon said “we will bring forth the water” and did not attribute the cause to HaShem.