Numbers 20:2 And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3 And the people chided with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord!
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 414] God had promised them an unmolested passage through Edom, and an opportunity to purchase food, and also water sufficient to supply the host. The cessation of the miraculous flow of water should therefore have been a cause of rejoicing, a token that the wilderness wandering was ended. Had they not been blinded by their unbelief, they would have understood this. But that which should have been an evidence of the fulfillment of God's promise was made the occasion of doubt and murmuring.
The people seemed to have given up all hope that God would bring them into possession of Canaan, and they clamored for the blessings of the wilderness. Before God permitted them to enter Canaan, they must show that they believed His promise. The water ceased before they had reached Edom. Here was an opportunity for them, for a little time, to walk by faith instead of sight. But the first trial developed the same turbulent, unthankful spirit that had been manifested by their fathers.
No sooner was the cry for water heard in the encampment than they forgot the hand that had for so many years supplied their wants, and instead of turning to God for help, they murmured against Him , in their desperation exclaiming, “Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord!” (Numbers 20:1-13); that is, they wished they had been of the number who were destroyed in the rebellion of Korah.
Psalms 78:22 Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation. 37 For their heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast in his covenant.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!