He struck their vines and also their fig trees, and shattered the trees of their country.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 33. He distinguished with his lips. Moses, by occasion of the people’s rebellion and incredulity, was guilty of distinguishing with his lips; when, instead of speaking to the rock, as God had commanded, he said to the people, with a certain hesitation in his faith, Hear ye rebellious and incredulous: Can we from this rock bring out water for you? Numbers 20:10. Challoner.—For thus doubting of God’s will, he was temporarily punished,. Deuteronomy 1:37. Worthington.—The death of his sister, and the ingratitude and rebellion of the people disturbed him. Theod. See Isaiah 63:10. Houbigant follows the Arab. “he delayed or hesitated.” Yebatte means, “he spoke rashly.” Some refer this, (Bert.) to God. “He reproached … that they,” and so forth ( Menochius.) which is not necessary, (Bert.) or he sentenced Moses to die. Kimchi.