Numbers Chapter 20 · Verse 15
How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers:
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּֽרְד֤וּ
went down
H3381
וַיֵּֽרְד֤וּ
went down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
1 of 11
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
וְלַֽאֲבֹתֵֽינוּ׃
How our fathers
H1
וְלַֽאֲבֹתֵֽינוּ׃
How our fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
2 of 11
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וַנֵּ֥שֶׁב
and we have dwelt
H3427
וַנֵּ֥שֶׁב
and we have dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
יָמִ֣ים
time
H3117
יָמִ֣ים
time
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 11
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
רַבִּ֑ים
a long
H7227
רַבִּ֑ים
a long
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
7 of 11
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
וַיָּרֵ֥עוּ
vexed
H7489
וַיָּרֵ֥עוּ
vexed
Strong's:
H7489
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
Cross References
Exodus 12:40Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.Genesis 46:6And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him:Deuteronomy 26:6And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:Acts 7:15So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,Genesis 15:13And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not their's, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
Historical Context
Israel's Egyptian sojourn began with Joseph's elevation (Genesis 41) and lasted 430 years (Exodus 12:40-41). Moses' summary connected present request to ancient history shared by both nations through Abraham. This appeal to common heritage hoped to evoke kinship compassion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does telling your spiritual history create connection with others?
- When is it appropriate to appeal to shared heritage or common ground in seeking cooperation?
Analysis & Commentary
Moses recounts Israel's history: 'our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time.' This historical summary provided context for the request, showing Israel as fellow-travelers, not invaders. Sharing one's story can build bridges and explain present circumstances. Yet even accurate history doesn't always persuade hardened hearts.