Numbers 20:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 20:5
5 And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.
Chapter Context
Numbers 20 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, wisdom, obedience. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 20:5
5 And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.
Analysis
Israel complains: 'Wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place?' They call the wilderness an 'evil place' lacking seeds, figs, vines, pomegranates, and water. The Hebrew 'ra' (evil/bad) reveals their twisted perspective - God's guided journey becomes 'evil.' They yearn for Egypt's produce, forgetting slavery. This illustrates human tendency to romanticize the past and blame leaders for following God's call. The new generation repeated their parents' complaints, showing sin's generational patterns. Yet God still provides (v.8-11), demonstrating grace despite ingratitude. Believers similarly complain about God's will when it doesn't match preferences, forgetting the slavery from which Christ delivered us.
Historical Context
This complaint occurred near wilderness wanderings' end, at Kadesh in Zin. The new generation, though not guilty of their parents' Kadesh rebellion forty years earlier (Num 13-14), exhibited identical attitudes. The complaint about lacking agricultural produce was ironic - they rejected Canaan (which had these things) generations earlier! Their wandering was consequence of unbelief, not divine cruelty. The pattern warns that even second-generation believers can repeat predecessors' spiritual failures without learning from history. Paul uses Israel's wilderness experiences as warning for Christians (1 Cor 10:1-13).
Reflection
- Do you complain about following God's call when circumstances become difficult, forgetting the bondage from which He saved you?
- How can you learn from previous generations' spiritual failures rather than repeating them?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Numbers 16:14