In this study on Torah reading חֻקַּת Chukat (“statute of,” Numbers 19:1–22:1), we focus on how the parabolic instructions for the red heifer, serpent on the pole and water from the rock reveal a profound lesson on trust in God. The red heifer’s ashes, both cleansing and toxic, underscore our need for an external source of purification beyond our own efforts. The bronze serpent, healing initially then much later worshipped itself, reminds us not to idolize symbols over the true Source of life — think Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. And the water from the rock, supposed to be accessed through Moses and Aaron’s humble submission, shows that our trust must be in God’s provision, not our own strength. These ancient parables challenge us to abandon self-reliance and surrender fully to Adonai in the modern world.
![Striking the rock, idolizing the snake: Lessons in trusting God's provision (Numbers 19–21; 2Kings 18; John 3; 1Corinthians 10). Images of a stream of running water on the right side. Adobe Firefly AI image of a copper snake wrapped around a pole in a desert on the right side.](https://i0.wp.com/hallel.info/wp-content/uploads/Chukat-2024-banner.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&quality=89&ssl=1)