39: Chukat
Parsha Chukat (Numbers 19:1-22:1)
TLDR:
The parsha kicks off with the slaughtering of the Red Hefer, or a red cow without blemish, an elaborate purification ritual.
The narrative continues with unfortunate news. Miriam dies, and immediately after the Israelites get thirsty again.
As loyal readers might recall, before the trials and tribulations of desert life, Moses split the rock back in Shemot by hitting it.
God tells Moses to gather the people and “produce water from the rock”. Moses yells at the people before striking the rock two times to bring forth the water.
God accuses Moses of not trusting him, and shares that Moses will not be able to enter Canaan. Moses doesn’t respond.
Moses beseeches the King of Edom to let them pass through the land. Edom defends their territory and the Israelites are forced to take another route.
Arriving at Mount Hor, Moses now learns that Aaron will also not be allowed to enter the land because of what Moses did with the rock.
Aaron dies on the summit after stripping down and handing his clothes to his son Eleazar. The people mourn for 30 days. [Why is Miriam not afforded the same respect?]
The King of Arad takes some Israelites captive, and the people swear that they’ll get their revenge.
In the meantime, they complain again and God sends serpents to bite the people. Moses intercedes and directs the Israelites to build a serpent figure; whoever looks at it following a snake bite is healed.
The King of the Amorites also refuses to let the people pass and engages them in battle. The Israelites win and take over Ammorite towns, and shortly after defeat Bashan. They camp across Jericho on the Jordan river.
Question:
Why is Aaron punished for what Moses did to/at/with the rock? How far does and should culpability extend to bystanders?