Numbers 20:3

Context of Numbers 20:3

Numbers 20:3 opens a pivotal moment in the Israelites' wilderness journey, occurring approximately 38 years after their exodus from Egypt, near the end of their wilderness wanderings. They are at Kadesh in the Desert of Zin, a significant location where their prior lack of faith had led to a prolonged period of judgment. The immediate trigger for this fresh outburst of complaint was the lack of water, a recurring problem throughout their journey. This verse immediately follows the death of Miriam, Moses' sister, and precedes the infamous incident where Moses strikes the rock instead of speaking to it.

The people's desperate cry, "Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!", directly references the divine judgment that fell upon those who rebelled against God and Moses previously. This is a clear allusion to the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in Numbers 16, where thousands perished by plague or being swallowed by the earth. Their words reveal a deep-seated despair and a preference for death over continued hardship and reliance on God's provision.

Key Themes and Messages

• Persistent Complaint and Rebellion: This verse highlights the Israelites' chronic pattern of grumbling against God and His appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron. Despite numerous miraculous provisions and deliverances, their faith faltered quickly when faced with new challenges, mirroring earlier complaints found in Exodus 17:3.
• Lack of Trust in God's Provision: The core issue is their inability to trust that God, who had consistently provided for them in the wilderness, would continue to do so. Their immediate reaction to hardship was despair and accusation, rather than seeking God in prayer or remembering His past faithfulness.
• Despair and the Death Wish: The phrase "Would God that we had died" is a profound expression of utter hopelessness and a desire to escape their current circumstances through death. It reflects a deep spiritual weariness and a failure to see God's purpose in their trials.
• The Cycle of Disobedience: This generation, though different from the one that initially rebelled at Kadesh (Numbers 14:2), demonstrates the same spiritual weaknesses as their parents, perpetuating a cycle of unbelief and complaint.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the people chode with Moses" uses the archaic verb "chode," which comes from the Hebrew root rib (רִיב). This word implies more than simple grumbling; it suggests a strong contention, a quarrel, or even a legal dispute. It conveys a sense of accusation and challenge to Moses' authority, indicating a serious confrontation rather than mere discontent.

The expression "Would God that we had died" (Hebrew: לוּ מַתְנוּ - lu matnu) is a lamentable wish, reflecting profound regret and a desire for an alternative, even if that alternative is death. It underscores the depth of their desperation and their perception that death was preferable to their current trials.

Practical Application

Numbers 20:3 serves as a powerful reminder about the dangers of a complaining spirit, especially when facing difficulties. It challenges believers to:

• Cultivate a Spirit of Gratitude: Instead of focusing on what is lacking, we are called to remember God's past faithfulness and present provisions.
• Trust in God's Sovereignty: Even in challenging circumstances, we can trust that God is in control and has a purpose. Our response to hardship reveals the depth of our faith.
• Guard Against Despair: The Israelites' longing for death highlights the extreme danger of allowing despair to consume us. Believers are encouraged to cast their anxieties on God (1 Peter 5:7) and find hope in His promises.
• Learn from History: The repeated failures of Israel serve as warnings for us, as highlighted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:10: "Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer." Our response to trials matters.