In today’s reading, the people complain again concerning a lack of water, and the LORD instructs Moses to bring forth water from the rock at Meribah. Moses incurs the judgment of God for botching the job; he strikes the rock and takes the credit, and the LORD bars him from entering the promised land. As Israel travels in the wilderness, the nations of Edom and the Amorites refuse Israel passage through their lands, and Amorites go to war against Israel and are defeated. Likewise the king of Bashan is defeated in battle against the Israelites, and Israel dwells in the lands taken from the Amorites. Another gentile king seeks the aid of Balaam, a seer who worships the LORD, to curse the children of Israel, but he instead blesses them four times before going his way.

Psalm 90 is a prayer of Moses, wherein he calls upon God for mercy and wisdom, and blessing.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission