Numbers 20:7

Numbers 20:7 serves as a concise but pivotal introductory statement in the narrative of the Israelites' wilderness journey. It marks the direct communication from God to Moses, setting the stage for a critical event involving the provision of water and, subsequently, Moses' significant failure.

Context

This verse finds the Israelites encamped at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin, nearing the end of their forty years of wandering. The people, once again, were complaining bitterly about the lack of water, a recurring theme throughout their desert experience after the Exodus from Egypt. Their impatience and lack of faith led them to contend with Moses and Aaron, echoing earlier episodes of murmuring against divine provision. This specific instance recalls a similar event at Rephidim, where God also commanded Moses to strike a rock for water, as recorded in Exodus 17:6. The immediate context of Numbers 20:7 is the people's intense thirst and their subsequent quarrel with Moses, which prompts Moses and Aaron to seek the Lord's guidance.

Key Themes

• Divine Communication: The phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" underscores God's active involvement and direct revelation to His chosen leader. It highlights the intimate relationship between God and Moses, who served as the primary mediator of God's will to the Israelites. This direct divine speech conveys authority and specific instruction.
• Moses' Unique Role: This verse reinforces Moses' unparalleled position as the one to whom the Lord directly communicated His commands and intentions for the nation of Israel. It sets him apart as God's chosen messenger and instrument.
• Preparation for God's Provision: Though short, the verse immediately precedes God's instructions on how water would be miraculously provided from the rock (see Numbers 20:8). It signifies that the upcoming miracle is not a human initiative but a direct divine intervention in response to the people's need and Moses' plea.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" (וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר, vay'dabber YHWH el-Moshe lemor) is a common introductory formula throughout the Pentateuch. It emphasizes the direct, authoritative, and personal nature of God's communication. The verb dabber (דָּבַר), meaning "to speak," often implies a declarative and weighty utterance, indicating that what follows is not merely a suggestion but a divine command that carries significant implications for obedience or disobedience.

Practical Application

Numbers 20:7, while brief, reminds us of several enduring truths:

• God is Attentive to Our Needs: Even when His people complain in unbelief, God hears their cries and is willing to provide. His response to the Israelites' thirst demonstrates His enduring faithfulness and compassion.
• The Importance of Seeking God's Word: Like Moses, when faced with overwhelming challenges or the demands of others, our first recourse should always be to seek direct guidance from the Lord.
• The Authority of God's Word: What the Lord speaks is not to be taken lightly. Every command, instruction, or promise from God carries divine authority and expects precise obedience. The events that follow this verse dramatically illustrate the serious consequences of deviating from God's explicit instructions, even for a leader as revered as Moses (see Numbers 20:12).