Numbers 20:16
And 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:
Original Language Analysis
וַנִּצְעַ֤ק
And when we cried
H6817
וַנִּצְעַ֤ק
And when we cried
Strong's:
H6817
Word #:
1 of 15
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
יְהוָה֙
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע
he heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע
he heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
4 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
and sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
and sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
6 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מַלְאָ֔ךְ
an angel
H4397
מַלְאָ֔ךְ
an angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
7 of 15
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
וַיֹּֽצִאֵ֖נוּ
and hath brought us forth
H3318
וַיֹּֽצִאֵ֖נוּ
and hath brought us forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
8 of 15
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
בְקָדֵ֔שׁ
and behold we are in Kadesh
H6946
בְקָדֵ֔שׁ
and behold we are in Kadesh
Strong's:
H6946
Word #:
12 of 15
kadesh, a place in the desert
Cross References
Exodus 14:19And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:Exodus 23:20Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.Exodus 33:2And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:
Historical Context
The 'angel' references the Angel of the LORD who led Israel (Exodus 14:19, 23:20-23). This designation emphasized that their journey had divine approval and protection. Moses' appeal suggested that opposing Israel meant opposing the God who delivered and guided them.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recounting God's past faithfulness strengthen present petitions?
- What past deliverances should inform your current requests?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses described God's deliverance: 'when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt.' This testimony to God's intervention explained Israel's journey and implied divine authority for their request. Acknowledging God's past faithfulness in our requests demonstrates that we seek His continued guidance.