Definition: And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 20:12. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about trust and obedience. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God had just revealed to Moses and Aaron that He was setting up a special assembly – the Israelites – in a specific land. Moses, along with Aaron, were tasked with keeping this assembly safe and holy for God’s people. What happened next? They didn't believe Him! They didn’t trust His word or His leadership. This is a HUGE deal because it sets the stage for a major problem. The Verse Explained: “Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel…” “Ye believed me not” : This means they didn't acknowledge God’s authority or His plan for them. They weren’t willing to listen to Him and follow what He said. “…to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel…” : This is the core of the problem. "Sanctify" means to make something holy, special, and worthy of God's presence. God wanted to make this assembly a sacred place for Him. The Consequences: “therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” “therefore ye shall not…” : This is a direct consequence of their lack of faith. “…bring this congregation into the land which I have given them” : They were told to lead and establish this group of people in the land God had given them. But because they didn't trust Him, they didn’t follow His instructions – they left the land. Overall Meaning: This verse is a warning about the importance of trusting God and obeying His commands. It highlights that if we don’t believe what He says, it has serious consequences for our relationship with Him and for the people entrusted to us. It's a reminder that faith is essential – without it, things can go wrong. Why is this important? This story is a foundational part of the Old Testament. It’s often seen as a test of Israel’s faithfulness and a foreshadowing of their future challenges. It’s a powerful message about responsibility and obedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you some historical context for this story? Talk about the significance of this passage in the larger narrative of God's plan?