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Why were Moses and Aaron barred from entering the Promised Land?
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Aaron
Aaron, detail of a 3rd-century fresco from the synagogue at Doura-Europus, Syria; in the National Museum, Damascus
According to biblical tradition, Moses and Aaron were barred from entering the Promised Land due to their actions at the waters of Meribah.12
When the Israelites complained about a lack of water, God instructed Moses to command a rock to yield water. Instead of following this instruction, Mosesāacting in anger and impatienceāstruck the rock twice with his rod. This act was interpreted as a failure to demonstrate proper confidence in God, and it was this lapse that led to their exclusion from Canaan.21