Numbers 20
Authorized King James Version (1769) with AI Commentary
2And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.🔗🔍
3And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!🔗🔍
4And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?🔗🔍
5And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.🔗🔍
6And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them.🔗🔍
7And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,🔗🔍
8Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.🔗🔍
9And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.🔗🔍
10And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?🔗🔍
11And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.🔗🔍
12And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.🔗🔍
13This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.🔗🔍
14And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:🔗🔍
15How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers:🔗🔍
16And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:🔗🔍
17Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king's high way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.🔗🔍
18And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.🔗🔍
19And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet.🔗🔍
20And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.🔗🔍
21Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.🔗🔍
22And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor.🔗🔍
23And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying,🔗🔍
24Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah.🔗🔍
25Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:🔗🔍
26And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.🔗🔍
27And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.🔗🔍
28And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.🔗🔍
29And when all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel.🔗🔍
AI Commentary on Numbers 20
Chapter Overview
Numbers 20 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, holiness, mercy. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse-by-Verse Commentary
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on glory address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Cross References:
- Romans 10:9 Confession and faith for salvation - Confession and faith for salvation
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith - Salvation by grace through faith
- How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
📖 Scofield Commentary
📖 Scofield Reference Commentary
Click any verse number to view detailed commentary, cross-references, and theological notes.
Try clicking verse 1, 3, or 26 to see comprehensive annotations!
🤖 AI Commentary
Explore verse-by-verse analysis with historical context, theological insights, and cross-references for Numbers 20 from the Authorized King James Version (KJV).