Numbers 21:16

16 From there the Israelites traveled to Beer, which is the well where the LORD said to Moses, “Assemble the people, and I will give them water.”

Numbers 21:16 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 21:16

And from thence they went to Beer
A place so called from a well which sprung up here, of which the following account is given:

that is, the well whereof the Lord spake unto Moses;
promising him to give it to the children of Israel, without asking for it; which was a very singular favour, and for which they were thankful: saying to him,

gather the people together, and I will give them water;
for as they were now gone from the river Arnon, and the streams and brooks of it, they might be in want of water, though they did not murmur as they had been used to do; and without their petition for it, the Lord promises to give it to them; and that they might be witness of the miracle that would be wrought for them, they are ordered to be gathered together.

Numbers 21:16 In-Context

14 For this reason speaks of “the town of Waheb in the area of Suphah, and the ravines of the Arnon River,

15 and the ravines that extend as far as the settlement of Ar on the border of Moab.”

16 From there the Israelites traveled to Beer, which is the well where the LORD said to Moses, “Assemble the people, and I will give them water.”

17 There the Israelites sang this song: “Spring up, O well! Yes, sing its praises!

18 Sing of this well, which princes dug, which great leaders hollowed out with their scepters and staffs.” Then the Israelites left the wilderness and proceeded on through Mattanah,

Footnotes

• [a]. Beer means “well.”