Numbers 20:4

4 Why have you brought up the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness, that we and our animals should die here?

Numbers 20:4 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 20:4

And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into
this wilderness
The wilderness of Zin, whither by various marches and journeys, and through different stations, they were at length come:

that we and our cattle should die there?
with thirst; they seem to represent it, as if this was the end, design, and intention of Moses and Aaron in bringing them thither; their language is much the same with their fathers on a like occasion; which shows the bad influence of example, and how careful parents should be of their words and actions, that their posterity be not harmed by them; see ( Exodus 17:3 ) .

Numbers 20:4 In-Context

2 Now there was no water for the congregation; so they gathered together against Moses and Aaron.

3 And the people contended with Moses and spoke, saying: "If only we had died when our brethren died before the Lord!

4 Why have you brought up the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness, that we and our animals should die here?

5 And why have you made us come up out of Egypt, to bring us to this evil place? It is not a place of grain or figs or vines or pomegranates; nor is there any water to drink."

6 So Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and they fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared to them.