Numbers 20:3-5

3 They quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had died when our brothers fell dead before the LORD!
4 Why did you bring the LORD’s community into this wilderness, that we and our livestock should die here?
5 Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!”

Numbers 20:3-5 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 20

In this chapter is an account of the children of Israel coming to the wilderness of Zin, where Miriam died, and where wanting water they murmured, Nu 20:1-5, upon which Moses and Aaron applied to the Lord, who ordered Moses to speak to a rock, which should give forth water, and which being smitten by him, accordingly did, Nu 20:6-11, but Moses and Aaron, in their conduct of this affair, displeased the Lord, Nu 20:12,13, after this, Moses sent to the king of Edom to desire a passage through his country, which request was refused, Nu 20:14-21, upon Israel's coming to Mount Hor, Aaron, by order, went up to the mount, and, when stripped of his clothes, which were put on his son Eleazar, he died, lamented by all the people, Nu 20:22-29.

Cross References 7

  • 1. ver 13; S Genesis 13:7; Exodus 17:2; Exodus 21:18
  • 2. S Exodus 5:21
  • 3. S Numbers 14:2; Numbers 16:31-35
  • 4. S Numbers 14:2
  • 5. S Exodus 14:11; Exodus 17:3; Numbers 14:3; Numbers 16:13
  • 6. Numbers 13:23; Numbers 16:14
  • 7. S Exodus 17:1
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