Numbers 20:15

15 our ancestors went down to Egypt, and we lived in Egypt {a long time}, and the Egyptians mistreated us and our ancestors.

Numbers 20:15 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 20:15

How our fathers went down into Egypt
Jacob and his twelve sons, with their children:

and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time;
even the space of four hundred and thirty years, ( Exodus 12:40 Exodus 12:41 )

and the Egyptians vexed us and our fathers;
used them ill, brought them into bondage, and made their lives bitter, laid heavy tasks and burdens upon them, as well as slew their male children, see ( Exodus 1:7-22 ) .

Numbers 20:15 In-Context

13 Those [were] the waters of Meribah, where the {Israelites} quarreled with Yahweh, and he showed himself holy among them.

14 From Kadesh Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom: "Thus your brother Israel has said, 'You know all the hardship that has found us;

15 our ancestors went down to Egypt, and we lived in Egypt {a long time}, and the Egyptians mistreated us and our ancestors.

16 Then we cried to Yahweh, and he heard our voice; he sent an angel and brought us out from Egypt. And look, we [are] in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory.

17 Please let us go through your land. We will not go through a field or vineyard, and we will not drink water from a well. We will go along the road of the king; we will not turn aside right or left until we have gone through your territory.'"

Footnotes

• [a] Or "fathers"
• [b] Literally "many days"
• [c] Or "fathers"