Presumption, in the biblical context, refers to taking liberties or assuming authority beyond one's rightful position, often leading to actions or attitudes that challenge divine authority. A notable instance of presumption is found in the life of Moses, particularly when he rebuked Jehovah, an act that stands as a cautionary tale within the scriptural narrative.

Context and Background

Moses, the great leader and prophet of Israel, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and guide them through the wilderness to the Promised Land. Throughout his leadership, Moses maintained a close relationship with God, often interceding on behalf of the people and receiving direct revelation from the Almighty. Despite his unique position, Moses was not immune to human frailty, including moments of presumption.

The Incident at Meribah

The most prominent example of Moses' presumption is recorded in the Book of Numbers. As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, they arrived at Kadesh, where there was no water for the congregation. The people quarreled with Moses, expressing their frustration and longing for the comforts of Egypt. In response, Moses and Aaron sought the Lord's guidance. God instructed Moses to take the staff, gather the assembly, and speak to the rock to bring forth water (Numbers 20:7-8).

However, in a moment of frustration and anger, Moses deviated from God's command. Instead of speaking to the rock, he struck it twice with his staff. He also addressed the people with a rebuke, saying, "Listen now, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" (Numbers 20:10). This act of striking the rock and the accompanying words demonstrated a presumption on Moses' part, as he took credit for the miracle and failed to uphold God's holiness before the people.

Consequences of Presumption

Moses' presumption at Meribah had significant consequences. The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them" (Numbers 20:12). This judgment underscores the seriousness of presumption, especially for those in positions of spiritual leadership. Moses' failure to follow God's precise instructions and his assumption of authority in performing the miracle resulted in his exclusion from entering the Promised Land.

Theological Implications

The incident at Meribah serves as a profound lesson on the nature of presumption and the importance of obedience to God's commands. It highlights the necessity for humility and reverence in the service of God, reminding believers that even the most faithful servants are accountable to divine authority. Moses' experience illustrates that presumption can lead to a breach in the relationship with God and can have lasting repercussions, even for those who are otherwise exemplary in their faith and leadership.

Reflection in Scripture

The account of Moses' presumption is reflected upon in other parts of Scripture, serving as a warning and a teaching point. In Psalm 106:32-33 , the psalmist recounts the incident, noting that the people "angered him at the waters of Meribah, and it went ill with Moses on account of them, for they rebelled against His Spirit, and Moses spoke rashly with his lips." This reflection emphasizes the communal aspect of presumption, where the actions of leaders can impact the entire community.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul references the wilderness experiences of the Israelites, including the incident at Meribah, as examples for believers to learn from, urging them to avoid similar pitfalls (1 Corinthians 10:1-11). This underscores the timeless relevance of the lessons drawn from Moses' presumption.

Conclusion

The account of Moses rebuking Jehovah at Meribah is a sobering reminder of the dangers of presumption. It calls believers to a posture of humility, obedience, and reverence before God, recognizing that all authority and power belong to Him alone. Moses' life, while marked by great faith and leadership, also serves as a testament to the importance of honoring God's holiness in all things.Numbers 11:11-15,22
And Moses said to the LORD, Why have you afflicted your servant? and why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me?
Nave's Topical Index

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... valid reason for doubting) "the prayer of Moses the man ... addresses Job out of the
whirlwind, rebuking him for ... the bar of human reason is folly and presumption. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... girl, it was always with the presumption that he ... fain lift my feeble voice to vindicate
Jehovah's character from ... the code of laws framed by Moses with regard ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Modern Revivals.
... Like Moses, they have had a view of the awful ... mercy is to be granted, it is presumption;
for genuine ... And the church, instead of rebuking, too often encourages ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /27 modern revivals.htm

Modern Revivals
... Like Moses, they have had a view of the awful ... mercy is to be granted, it is presumption;
for genuine ... And the church, instead of rebuking, too often encourages ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 27 modern revivals.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... 306]113; shows His Divine knowledge in rebuking the woman ... of the sea superior to
that of Moses, [384]156 ... synagogues, to show His agreement with Jehovah, [396]169 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Constantinople, [1117]482; obstacles to his journey, [1118]483; magnanimity of,
[1119]483; absent, grieved for Antioch, [1120]484; silent like Moses, [1121]484 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... snapping and checking, curbing and rebuking of them ... Rather than thus rush upon Jehovah's
fiercest anger ... to secure his captive, through, his presumption of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Are the demons the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.org

Why didn't Adam and Eve find it strange that a serpent was talking to them? | GotQuestions.org

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the pre-wrath view of the rapture? | GotQuestions.org

Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus