How did Moses disobey God when water came from the rock at Meribah?

• A. He prayed
• B. He commanded the water with his staff
• C. He struck the rock instead of speaking to it
• D. He refused to speak to the rock

Answer: (C)

This moment tests obedience to how God asks us to act, not just whether a miracle happens. God told Moses to speak to the rock at Meribah to bring forth water, showing trust in God’s method and his holiness before the people. Instead, Moses struck the rock with his staff, acting as if the miracle depended on his own action rather than God’s word. That act reflected a lack of faith in God’s instruction and a failure to honor Him before the Israelites. Water did come out, but the consequence was serious: Moses was told he would not lead the people into the land God had promised. So the disobedience is striking the rock rather than speaking to it, because that’s not what God commanded.