Numbers 20:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175} went {H935} from the presence {H6440} of the assembly {H6951} unto the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and they fell {H5307} upon their faces {H6440}: and the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} appeared {H7200} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe and Aharon left the assembly, went to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces; and the glory of ADONAI appeared to them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. They fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them.

American Standard Version

And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tent of meeting, and fell upon their faces: and the glory of Jehovah appeared unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 20:6 captures a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, immediately following the death of Miriam and preceding the contentious waters of Meribah. Faced with the assembly's bitter complaints over a lack of water, Moses and Aaron, the divinely appointed leaders, respond not with human strategy but by seeking the Lord's presence at the Tabernacle. Their act of prostration before God signifies profound humility and dependence, which is met by a powerful, visible manifestation of the Lord's glory, signaling divine attention and impending intervention amidst the people's rebellion and the leaders' distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the book of Numbers, specifically at the beginning of chapter 20. It immediately follows the brief, somber account of Miriam's death and burial in [Numbers 20:1](/numbers/20-1 "Numbers 20:1 - Miriam's Death"). The narrative then quickly shifts to the familiar pattern of Israelite grumbling, as the community, lacking water in the wilderness of Zin, begins to quarrel with Moses and Aaron ([Numbers 20:2-5](/numbers/20-2 "Numbers 20:2-5 - Israel's Complaint for Water")). Moses and Aaron's response in [Numbers 20:6](/numbers/20-6 "Numbers 20:6 - Moses and Aaron Seek God") sets the stage for the infamous incident at the waters of Meribah, where Moses strikes the rock instead of speaking to it, leading to significant consequences for his leadership ([Numbers 20:7-13](/numbers/20-7 "Numbers 20:7-13 - The Waters of Meribah")). This immediate literary context highlights the intense pressure on the leaders and the recurring theme of Israel's faithlessness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 20 occur approximately 38 years after the Exodus from Egypt, during the latter part of Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering. The generation that rebelled at Kadesh-Barnea and was condemned to die in the wilderness is now largely gone, and a new generation is emerging. The setting, Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin, was a significant encampment, serving as a base for many years. Water scarcity was a constant, life-threatening challenge in the arid wilderness, making the people's complaints understandable from a human perspective, though their faithless murmuring was a spiritual failure. The Tabernacle, or "tent of meeting," was the central place of worship and the tangible symbol of God's presence among His people, serving as the locus for divine communication, judgment, and provision ([Exodus 40:34-38](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")). Approaching its "door" and falling on their faces was a deeply ingrained cultural and religious act of supplication and reverence before the Almighty.
* **Key Themes:** [Numbers 20:6](/numbers/20-6 "Numbers 20:6 - Moses and Aaron Seek God") powerfully illustrates several recurring themes in the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the **constant tension between divine faithfulness and human rebellion**. Despite God's consistent provision and presence, the Israelites repeatedly demonstrate a lack of trust and a propensity for complaining, echoing earlier episodes like the murmuring for water at Rephidim ([Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17-1 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **role of intercessory leadership**. Moses and Aaron consistently serve as mediators between a holy God and a rebellious people, seeking divine counsel and intervention on behalf of the community, a pattern seen throughout their ministry ([Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")). Finally, the **manifestation of God's glory** ("kavod") serves as a powerful reminder of His immanence, sovereignty, and readiness to act, often preceding significant divine instruction or judgment, as it did before the giving of the manna ([Exodus 16:10](/exodus/16-10 "Exodus 16:10 - The Glory of the Lord Appears Before the Manna")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _ohel mo'ed'_):** Literally "tent of meeting." This term refers to the portable sanctuary constructed according to God's precise instructions, serving as the central place where God met with His people and where His presence dwelt among them. It was the physical embodiment of the covenant relationship and the place where divine revelation and intercession occurred. Moses and Aaron's retreat to its "door" signified their seeking God's presence and counsel at the designated place of encounter.
* **Fell upon their faces (Hebrew, _naphal al-pneihem'_):** This phrase describes a posture of extreme humility, reverence, and desperate supplication. It signifies complete submission to God's authority, an acknowledgment of His sovereignty, and a plea for divine mercy or intervention. It is a common posture of prayer and worship in the Old Testament, particularly in moments of profound crisis or divine encounter, as seen when Moses and Aaron fell on their faces during Korah's rebellion ([Numbers 16:4](/numbers/16-4 "Numbers 16:4 - Moses and Aaron Fall on Their Faces During Korah's Rebellion")).
* **Glory of the LORD (Hebrew, _kavod Adonai'_):** The Hebrew word _kavod_ primarily means "weight" or "heaviness," but in a theological context, it refers to the manifest presence, splendor, honor, and majesty of God. It often denotes a visible, tangible, or otherwise perceptible manifestation of God's divine essence and power. Its appearance signals a moment of profound divine revelation, judgment, or provision, underscoring God's active involvement and transcendent power in human affairs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly":** This clause highlights the leaders' strategic retreat from the immediate pressure and clamor of the complaining Israelite community. Instead of engaging in a direct confrontation or attempting to resolve the crisis through human means, they disengage from the chaotic scene to seek divine intervention. This act underscores their role as mediators and their reliance on God as the ultimate authority and problem-solver.
* **"unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation":** Their destination was highly significant. The "door of the tabernacle of the congregation" (or "tent of meeting") was the most sacred and accessible point of divine encounter for the leaders. It was the place where God had promised to meet with Moses and speak to him ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - The Mercy Seat and God's Presence")). Their choice of location demonstrates their understanding that the solution to the people's crisis lay not in human wisdom or power, but in direct communion with God.
* **"and they fell upon their faces":** This action is a profound display of humility, reverence, and supplication. It signifies their utter dependence on God, their acknowledgment of His sovereignty over their desperate circumstances, and their earnest plea for His intervention. In the face of overwhelming human discontent and their own limitations, they adopted a posture of complete submission and desperation before the Almighty.
* **"and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them":** This is the divine response to their humble supplication. The "glory of the LORD" (kavod Adonai) is a visible, tangible manifestation of God's presence and power. Its appearance confirms God's awareness of their plight, His readiness to intervene, and His commitment to His covenant people, despite their persistent rebellion. This manifestation served as a powerful affirmation to Moses and Aaron, and potentially to the assembly, that God was still actively involved and sovereign.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "Tabernacle of the congregation" serving as the central symbol of God's immanent presence and the designated place for divine encounter. Moses and Aaron's act of "falling upon their faces" is symbolic of profound humility, desperate supplication, and complete submission to divine authority. The "glory of the LORD" itself is a powerful visual **symbol** of God's majesty, power, and active involvement in the affairs of His people. The narrative also uses **contrast** effectively, juxtaposing the chaos and rebellion of the assembly with the quiet, reverent submission of Moses and Aaron, and the human crisis with the divine manifestation. The recurring theme of Israel's complaining throughout Numbers, including in the verses leading up to [Numbers 20:6](/numbers/20-6 "Numbers 20:6 - Moses and Aaron Seek God"), functions as a form of **repetition**, highlighting the persistent faithlessness of the people and underscoring the long-suffering patience of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 20:6 is a potent reminder of the nature of true leadership and the necessity of divine encounter in times of crisis. Moses and Aaron, despite their immense authority, did not rely on their own strength or wisdom when faced with the overwhelming discontent of the assembly. Instead, they immediately sought the presence of God at the Tabernacle, demonstrating that effective leadership in God's kingdom is characterized by dependence on Him. Their humble posture of falling on their faces underscores the theological truth that genuine supplication involves complete surrender and reverence before a holy God. The subsequent appearance of the Lord's glory affirms God's attentiveness to His people's cries and His readiness to manifest His power and provide direction, even amidst human failure and rebellion. This moment serves as a testament to God's enduring covenant faithfulness, even when His people are faithless.

* [Exodus 33:18-23](/exodus/33-18 "Exodus 33:18-23 - Moses Asks to See God's Glory")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [James 4:10](/james/4-10 "James 4:10 - Humble Yourselves Before the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 20:6 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges, personal crises, or collective anxieties, the natural human inclination is often to seek immediate, self-reliant solutions or to succumb to despair. However, Moses and Aaron's response provides a powerful counter-narrative: the first and most effective action in the face of human limitation and widespread discontent is to retreat to the presence of God. Their humility, expressed by falling on their faces, models the posture of dependence that God desires from His people. It reminds us that our strength, wisdom, and provision come from Him alone. For leaders, this verse underscores the imperative to consistently seek divine counsel and to lead from a place of prayer and intimate communion with God, rather than relying solely on strategic planning or charismatic influence. For every believer, it is an invitation to cultivate a life of humble, persistent prayer, trusting that when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us, revealing His glory and providing His guidance, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or the circumstances are dire.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with overwhelming pressure or conflict, what is your typical first response? How does Moses and Aaron's example challenge or affirm your approach?**
* **What does "falling upon your face" look like in your spiritual life today? How can you cultivate a deeper posture of humility and dependence before God?**
* **Where do you primarily seek solutions for life's challenges—in your own strength, in human counsel, or in God's presence?**
* **How does the manifestation of God's glory in this verse encourage you about His active involvement in your own life and in the world?**

### FAQ

**Why did Moses and Aaron go to the Tabernacle instead of immediately addressing the people's complaints?**

Answer: Moses and Aaron went to the Tabernacle because it was the designated place where God met with His people and communicated His will. Faced with the people's intense complaining and their desperate need for water, they understood that this was not merely a logistical problem but a spiritual crisis, reflecting Israel's ongoing rebellion against God. Their immediate response was to seek divine counsel and intervention, recognizing that only God could provide the solution and address the underlying spiritual issues. This act of seeking God's presence at the "tent of meeting" ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - The Mercy Seat and God's Presence")) demonstrated their reliance on God's sovereignty and their role as mediators, rather than attempting to solve the problem in their own strength or wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 20:6, with its vivid depiction of the "glory of the LORD" appearing in response to human desperation, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The very "glory of the LORD" that appeared to Moses and Aaron, often shrouded in cloud or fire, is fully and perfectly embodied in Jesus. He is described as the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Where the Tabernacle served as the temporary dwelling place for God's glory, Christ is the true "Tabernacle" among us, for "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before a visible manifestation of God's presence, but in Christ, humanity encounters God's glory in a person, in a way that is both approachable and transformative. Furthermore, as the ultimate intercessor, Jesus perfectly fulfills the mediatorial role of Moses and Aaron, not merely seeking God's will for His people, but actively interceding for them and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to address the deepest human need—sin—thereby opening the way for all believers to approach God's glorious presence with confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach God's Throne of Grace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 14:5

¶ Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.

Numbers 16:22

And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?

Numbers 16:4

And when Moses heard [it], he fell upon his face:

Numbers 16:19

And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.

Numbers 16:45

Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.

Exodus 17:4

And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.

Psalms 109:3

They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.