The two brothers went on before the multitude, Moses with the rod of God in his hand. They were now aged men. Long had they borne with the rebellion and obstinacy of Israel; but now, at last, even the patience of Moses gave way. “Hear now, ye rebels,” he cried; “must we fetch you water out of this rock?” Numbers 20:10. And instead of speaking to the rock, as God had commanded him, he smote it twice with the rod. (UL 299.3) MC VC