Numbers 21:16
And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.
Original Language Analysis
וּמִשָּׁ֖ם
H8033
וּמִשָּׁ֖ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
1 of 14
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
בְּאֵ֑רָה
And from thence they went to Beer
H876
בְּאֵ֑רָה
And from thence they went to Beer
Strong's:
H876
Word #:
2 of 14
beer, a place in the desert, also one in palestine
הִ֣וא
H1931
הִ֣וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָה֙
whereof the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
whereof the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱסֹף֙
Gather
H622
אֱסֹף֙
Gather
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
9 of 14
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֔ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
11 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
Numbers 20:8Take 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.Isaiah 12:3Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.Revelation 21:6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.Revelation 22:1And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.Revelation 22:17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.Isaiah 43:20The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.Exodus 17:6Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.Judges 9:21And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.Isaiah 49:10They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.John 4:10Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
Historical Context
Beer ("well") may be Beer-elim (Isaiah 15:8). Wells in the Transjordan wilderness were crucial for survival. Unlike Sinai's rock-water miracles, this provision appears natural—God working through ordinary means rather than supernatural intervention, though His promise makes it covenantal.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God's provision in your life shifted from dramatic interventions to quiet, faithful supply?
- Do you value extraordinary miracles over ordinary providence, or recognize both as equally divine?
- What 'wells' in your life testify to God's simple promise-keeping rather than spectacular displays?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
From thence they went to Beer: that is the well (בְּאֵר, be'er, meaning "well")—After recounting military boundaries, the narrative shifts to water provision. Gather the people together, and I will give them water echoes earlier water miracles (Exodus 17, Numbers 20) but without Moses' intercession or rock-striking. This generation receives water through direct promise, not mediated crisis.
God's provision shifts from dramatic signs to quiet faithfulness. The wilderness journey matured Israel from requiring constant spectacle to trusting simple promise. Beer becomes a symbol of covenant reliability—God still provides, even when the manner is ordinary rather than extraordinary.