Numbers 20:2
And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָ֥יָה
H1961
הָ֥יָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מַ֖יִם
And there was no water
H4325
מַ֖יִם
And there was no water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
3 of 9
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
לָֽעֵדָ֑ה
for the congregation
H5712
לָֽעֵדָ֑ה
for the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
4 of 9
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
themselves together against Moses
H4872
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
themselves together against Moses
Strong's:
H4872
Word #:
7 of 9
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
Cross References
Numbers 16:19And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.Numbers 16:42And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.
Historical Context
This Kadesh incident occurred approximately 38 years after the similar rebellion at Rephidim (Exodus 17:1-7). A new generation repeated the old generation's faithless pattern, demonstrating how unbelief transmits culturally without intentional discipleship.
Questions for Reflection
- What patterns of unbelief persist in your life despite God's faithful provision?
- How can you ensure your faith strengthens rather than weakens over time?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Israel again faced water shortage at Kadesh, prompting gathering 'against Moses and against Aaron.' This rebellion occurred near the wilderness journey's end (40th year, v.1), showing that prolonged divine provision doesn't necessarily produce grateful hearts. The phrase 'gathered themselves together against' indicates organized opposition, not mere complaint. Unbelief persists across generations.