Numbers 20:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 20:6
6 And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them.
Chapter Context
Numbers 20 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, discipleship, love. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 20:6
6 And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them.
Analysis
The phrase 'And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly' indicates they left the complaining crowd to seek God. Rather than arguing with the people or defending themselves, they brought the crisis to God. This pattern—withdrawing from human conflict to divine presence—characterizes godly leadership. The 'door of the tabernacle of the congregation' was the place of meeting with God (Exodus 29:42-43), where divine glory appeared and God spoke with Moses.
The action 'and they fell upon their faces' expresses both humility before God and desperation in crisis. Prostration was a posture of worship, submission, and intercession. Moses and Aaron didn't come to God with demands or accusations but with humble dependence. This contrasts sharply with the people's response to crisis: they gathered against leadership in rebellion, while leadership gathered before God in prayer. The difference between these responses illustrates the distinction between flesh and spirit, unbelief and faith.
The result 'and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them' shows God's response to humble prayer. When leaders bring congregational crisis to God rather than trying to resolve it through human wisdom, God manifests His presence and power. The appearing glory indicates God's readiness to intervene, provide, and guide. This pattern appears throughout Scripture: crisis drives the faithful to prayer, which brings divine presence and provision (Exodus 33:7-11; 1 Kings 8:10-11; Acts 4:23-31).
Historical Context
The tabernacle of congregation was the tent of meeting where God's presence dwelt among Israel. The glory of the LORD (Hebrew kavod YHWH, כְּבוֹד יְהוָה) represented the visible manifestation of divine presence—likely a bright, luminous cloud (compare Exodus 24:16-17; 40:34-38; 1 Kings 8:10-11). This theophanic appearance demonstrated God's accessibility to leaders who sought Him and His readiness to address the people's needs despite their rebellion. The contrast between the people's hostile gathering and the leaders' humble prayer set the stage for God's intervention.
Reflection
- How does Moses and Aaron's response to congregational crisis—going to God rather than arguing with people—model the priority of prayer over human defense in ministry?
- What does the appearance of God's glory in response to humble prayer teach about how God meets those who seek Him in dependence rather than self-sufficiency?
Word Studies
- Glory: כָּבוֹד (Kavod) H3519 - Glory, weight, honor
Cross-References
- References Moses: Numbers 14:5, 16:4
- Glory: Numbers 16:19
- Parallel theme: Numbers 16:22, 16:45