Definition: For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that [is] the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 27:14. It’s a really important and complex passage about God’s plan for Israel’s journey and purpose. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: God is setting up a specific place – Kadesh (a desert area in the Sinai Peninsula) – for his people to worship and dedicate themselves to him. This is part of a larger plan that involves a special, sacred water source called Meribah. However, the Israelites disobeyed God’s instructions and rebelled against him. Let's unpack it word by word: “For ye rebelled…” : This means they disobeyed God's commands and acted in defiance of his will. “…against my commandment…” : This refers to a specific rule or law given to Moses – a set of guidelines for how the Israelites were supposed to worship and live. It was a rule about how to approach God. “…in the desert of Zin…” : This is where it all started. The rebellion happened in a very isolated area, a place called the Desert of Zin. It’s a desolate and challenging landscape. “…in the strife of the congregation…” : This speaks to conflict and disagreement within the community – tension and arguments amongst the Israelites. They were arguing about what they should do. “…to sanctify me at the water before their eyes:” This is where it gets really significant. God was setting up a special place – Meribah – specifically for worship and remembrance of him. He wanted to make this place sacred and visible to him . The "water" here isn’t just any water; it's Meribah - the water from the spring in the desert. The act of "sanctifying me" means making Meribah a special place where they would focus their attention on God. “…that [is] the water of Meribah in Kadesh…” : This clarifies exactly what Meribah is – it’s a specific spring located in the desert of Zin, near the Kadesh camp. Putting it all together: God set up this entire plan for worship and devotion in a special place – Meribah – specifically to honor him. The rebellion against his command was a key part of what led them to choose this location. It’s a story about obedience, defiance, and ultimately, God's chosen way of worshipping. Why is this important? This verse shows that God’s plans are often complex and involve challenges. It highlights the importance of listening to God's guidance and resisting temptation to stray from his will. It also emphasizes that true worship involves a deliberate focus on God and his purposes. --- To help me tailor this explanation even more, could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., the historical context, its significance for Israel’s journey?)