King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by [the direction of] the lawgiver, with their staves. And from the wilderness [they went] to Mattanah:
Complete Jewish Bible:
sunk by the princes, dug by the people's leaders with the scepter, with their staffs!" From the desert they went to Mattanah,
Berean Standard Bible:
The princes dug the well; the nobles of the people hollowed it out with their scepters and with their staffs.” From the wilderness the Israelites went on to Mattanah,
American Standard Version:
The well, which the princes digged, Which the nobles of the people delved, With the sceptre, and with their staves. And from the wildernessthey journeyedto Mattanah;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The princes{H8269} digged{H2658} the well{H875}, the nobles{H5081} of the people{H5971} digged{H3738} it, by the direction of the lawgiver{H2710}, with their staves{H4938}. And from the wilderness{H4057} they went to Mattanah{H4980}:
Cross-References (KJV):
Isaiah 33:22
- For the LORD [is] our judge, the LORD [is] our lawgiver, the LORD [is] our king; he will save us.
1 Timothy 6:17
- Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
1 Timothy 6:18
- That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Deuteronomy 33:4
- Moses commanded us a law, [even] the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob.
John 1:17
- For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
2 Chronicles 17:7
- Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, [even] to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.
2 Chronicles 17:9
- And they taught in Judah, and [had] the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Numbers 21:18
1. **Themes:**
- **Divine Providence and Leadership:** The verse highlights the role of God's chosen leaders in guiding the people and providing for their needs. The "lawgiver" mentioned is likely Moses, who is leading the people according to God's instructions.
- **Community and Cooperation:** The act of digging a well by the princes and nobles illustrates communal effort and shared responsibility among the Israelite leaders to sustain the community during their journey.
- **Journey and Provision:** The theme of a journey through the wilderness is central to the book of Numbers. This verse emphasizes God's provision for the Israelites as they travel, ensuring they have water, a vital resource.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **The Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings:** Numbers 21:18 is set during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. After escaping slavery in Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of faith.
- **Transition and Conquest:** This period was one of transition for the Israelites, as they moved from a period of divine judgment in the wilderness to preparation for entering and conquering Canaan.
- **Leadership Structure:** The reference to "princes" and "nobles" reflects the social and political structure of the Israelite community, with a clear hierarchy and designated roles in governance and decision-making.
- **Legal and Ritual Context:** The mention of "the lawgiver" and "by the direction of" suggests that the well-digging was done in accordance with God's laws, which Moses was responsible for conveying to the people. This reflects the importance of adhering to divine commandments in every aspect of life, including practical matters like resource management.
In summary, Numbers 21:18 reflects the themes of divine guidance, communal effort, and God's provision during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, with the historical context being the leadership and social structure of the Israelites as they transitioned from wandering to the conquest of Canaan.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H8269
There are 368 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שַׂר
Transliteration: sar
Pronunciation: sar
Description: from שָׂרַר; a head person (of any rank or class); captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. - Strong's Number: H2658
There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָפַר
Transliteration: châphar
Pronunciation: khaw-far'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore; dig, paw, search out, seek. - Strong's Number: H875
There are 255 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בְּאֵר
Transliteration: bᵉʼêr
Pronunciation: be-ayr'
Description: from בָּאַר; a pit; especially a well; pit, well. - Strong's Number: H5081
There are 25 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָדִיב
Transliteration: nâdîyb
Pronunciation: naw-deeb'
Description: from נָדַב; properly, voluntary, i.e. generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant); free, liberal (things), noble, prince, willing (hearted). - Strong's Number: H5971
There are 1654 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עַם
Transliteration: ʻam
Pronunciation: am
Description: from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people. - Strong's Number: H3738
There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כָּרָה
Transliteration: kârâh
Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open; dig, [idiom] make (a banquet), open. - Strong's Number: H2710
There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָקַק
Transliteration: châqaq
Pronunciation: khaw-kak'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to hack, i.e. engrave (Judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive times) or (gen.) prescribe; appoint, decree, governor, grave, lawgiver, note, pourtray, print, set. - Strong's Number: H4938
There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִשְׁעֵנָה
Transliteration: mishʻênâh
Pronunciation: mish-ay-naw'
Description: or מִשְׁעֶנֶת; feminine of מִשְׁעֵן; support (abstractly), i.e. (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick; staff. - Strong's Number: H4057
There are 257 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִדְבָּר
Transliteration: midbâr
Pronunciation: mid-bawr'
Description: from דָבַר in the sense of driving; a pasture (i.e. open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert; also speech (including its organs); desert, south, speech, wilderness. - Strong's Number: H4980
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מַתָּנָה
Transliteration: Mattânâh
Pronunciation: mat-taw-naw'
Description: the same as מַתָּנָה; Mattanah, a place in the Desert; Mattanah.