Numbers 20:12 New International Version (NIV)

¹² But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”

God told Moses to speak to the rock. Moses did not follow the instructions and took it upon himself to create drama, and he struck the rock two times. Moses was taking credit for the miracle. This action resulted in Moses not entering the Promised Land. This was his punishment. Was this too harsh? He had been nagged and nagged by the people. He had been slandered. They had rebelled against him and God. Then, they were at it again. Moses had a great responsibility. He was the leader. He was to model for the nation. Due to the great responsibility that he had, there was also greater consequence. He could not be let off lightly. Moses disobeyed God. He had dishonored God. Moses knew this was a just punishment. He had a relationship with God. He would get to see the Promised Land before his death.