Numbers 20:3
And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֥רֶב
chode
H7378
וַיָּ֥רֶב
chode
Strong's:
H7378
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
הָעָ֖ם
And the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וְל֥וּ
Would God that
H3863
וְל֥וּ
Would God that
Strong's:
H3863
Word #:
7 of 12
a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!
אַחֵ֖ינוּ
when our brethren
H251
אַחֵ֖ינוּ
when our brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
10 of 12
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
Cross References
Exodus 17:2Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?Numbers 16:49Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.Numbers 11:1And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.
Historical Context
They reference either Korah's rebellion (ch.16), the plague (16:41-50), or both. This death-wish echoes their parents' generation (14:2), showing how unbelief's vocabulary repeats across generations without learning from the past.
Questions for Reflection
- How does ungrateful complaining distort your memory of God's past faithfulness?
- What causes people to prefer death over trusting God through temporary hardship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The people's accusation—'would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD'—expresses desire to have perished in Korah's judgment. This reveals envy of the dead, preferring judgment to trusting God through difficulty. Their complaint conflates God's judgment with random misfortune, showing distorted perspective on divine providence and human mortality.