Numbers 21:7
Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.
Original Language Analysis
הָעָֽם׃
Therefore the people
H5971
הָעָֽם׃
Therefore the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 21
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
חָטָ֗אנוּ
We have sinned
H2398
חָטָ֗אנוּ
We have sinned
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
6 of 21
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
דִבַּ֤רְנוּ
for we have spoken
H1696
דִבַּ֤רְנוּ
for we have spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
8 of 21
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֔ה
against the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
against the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל
and against thee pray
H6419
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל
and against thee pray
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
11 of 21
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
יְהוָ֔ה
against the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
against the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מֵֽעָלֵ֖ינוּ
H5921
מֵֽעָלֵ֖ינוּ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל
and against thee pray
H6419
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל
and against thee pray
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
18 of 21
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
Cross References
Acts 8:24Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.Psalms 78:34When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God.Exodus 8:8Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.Numbers 11:2And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched.Exodus 8:28And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: intreat for me.1 Kings 13:6And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
Historical Context
This confession marked a more mature response than earlier rebellions, where Israel blamed Moses rather than acknowledging sin. Moses' immediate intercession demonstrated faithful shepherd-heart despite decades of complaints against him.
Questions for Reflection
- How does genuine repentance acknowledge sin against both God and people we've wronged?
- Why might God forgive sin while allowing consequences to remain as ongoing lessons?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Israel confessed 'We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee' to Moses, requesting his intercession. This acknowledgment of sin against both God and His servant demonstrated genuine repentance. Their request 'pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents' sought removal of consequences, yet God's answer provided healing while serpents remained, teaching that forgiveness doesn't always eliminate earthly consequences.