Moses Fails on the Border of Canaan
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Moses told the people that since he had failed to ascribe the glory
to God, he could not lead them into the Promised Land. He bade them
mark the severe punishment visited upon him, and then consider how
God must regard their murmurings in charging upon a mere man the
judgments which they had brought upon themselves. He told them
how he had pleaded with God for a remission of the sentence and had
been refused.
Throughout their journeyings as they had complained of the diffi-
culties in the way, Moses had told them, “Your murmurings are against
God. It is not I, but God, who has wrought in your deliverance.” But
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his hasty words, “Shall we bring water?” were a virtual admission of
their charge and would thus confirm them in their unbelief and justify
their murmurings. The Lord would remove this impression forever
from their minds by forbidding Moses to enter the Promised Land.
Here was unmistakable evidence that their leader was not Moses but
the mighty Angel of whom the Lord had said, “Behold, I send an
Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the
place which I have prepared. Beware of Him, and obey His voice: ...
for My name is in Him.”
Exodus 23:20, 21
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Why the Sin of Moses and Aaron Must Be Punished
“The Lord was wroth with me for your sakes,” said Moses. The
transgression was known to the whole congregation. Had it been
passed by lightly, the impression would have been given that impa-
tience under great provocation might be excused in those in responsible
positions. But when because of that one sin Moses and Aaron were not
to enter Canaan, the people knew that God is no respecter of persons.
Men of all future time must see the God of heaven as impartial, in
no case justifying sin. God’s goodness and love engage Him to deal
with sin as an evil fatal to the peace and happiness of the universe.
God had forgiven the people greater transgressions, but He could
not deal with sin in the leaders as in those who were led. He had
honored Moses above every other man upon the earth. The fact that he
had enjoyed so great light and knowledge made his sin more grievous.
Past faithfulness will not atone for one wrong act. The greater the light
and privileges granted to man, the more aggravated his failure and the
heavier his punishment.