Numbers 21:16

KJV

And from thence [they went] to Beer: that [is] the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.

KJV (with Strong's)

And from thence they went to Beer {H876}: that is the well {H875} whereof the LORD {H3068} spake {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Gather {H622} the people {H5971} together {H622}, and I will give {H5414} them water {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From there they went on to Be'er [well]; that is the well about which ADONAI said to Moshe, "Assemble the people, and I will give them water."

Berean Standard Bible

From there they went on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people so that I may give them water.”

American Standard Version

And from thence they journeyed to Beer: that is the well whereof Jehovah said unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:16 marks a significant moment in the Israelites' wilderness journey, describing their arrival at a location named Beer, meaning "well." This verse uniquely highlights God's proactive and gracious provision of water for His people, not in response to their complaint, but as a direct, unprompted promise to Moses. It underscores the LORD's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to sustaining Israel as they continued their arduous trek towards the Promised Land, demonstrating His character as their ultimate Provider.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 21:16 is situated within the latter stages of Israel's wilderness wanderings, following a period marked by both divine judgment and miraculous healing. Immediately preceding this verse, the narrative recounts the incident of the bronze serpent (Numbers 21:4-9), where God provided a remedy for the deadly snakebites that afflicted the murmuring Israelites. This act of salvation, contingent on their gaze of faith, sets a precedent for God's continued, albeit sometimes unexpected, intervention. The verse itself introduces a new encampment at Beer, which then leads directly into the "Song of the Well" (Numbers 21:17-18), a celebratory poem acknowledging God's provision. This sequence contrasts sharply with earlier episodes where water scarcity provoked bitter complaints and divine judgment, such as at Rephidim (Exodus 17:1-7) or Kadesh (Numbers 20:1-13), emphasizing a shift towards God's unprompted grace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness journey of the Israelites was a period of immense challenge, testing their faith and dependence on God. Water was an absolute necessity for survival in the arid Arabian desert, and its scarcity was a constant threat to a population of millions, along with their livestock. Wells and oases were critical landmarks, often serving as gathering points for nomadic peoples. The very name "Beer" (well) would have immediately signified a place of vital importance and relief. Culturally, the Israelites were learning to live as a people under a covenant with YHWH, where their sustenance and guidance were entirely dependent on divine intervention, rather than conventional means. Moses' role as the divinely appointed leader and mediator was crucial, as he was the one through whom God communicated His will and promises, including the command to "Gather the people together" to receive the promised water.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 21:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. The most prominent is **Divine Provision**, showcasing God's consistent ability and willingness to supply for His people's needs, even in the most desolate environments. This act of providing water, particularly when unprovoked by Israel's complaint, highlights God's **Proactive Grace** and **Unwavering Faithfulness** to His covenant promises, despite Israel's repeated rebellion and lack of faith throughout their journey (a theme explored extensively in [Deuteronomy 8](/deuteronomy/8 "Deuteronomy 8 - Remembering God's Provision")). The verse also subtly reinforces **Moses' Leadership and Obedience**, as he faithfully executes God's command to gather the people, demonstrating his role as the conduit of divine blessing. Furthermore, the significance of the **Place-Name "Beer"** itself, meaning "well," becomes a tangible symbol of God's immediate and direct fulfillment of His word, turning a mere location into a monument to His sustaining power, much like other significant places in Israel's history (e.g., [Massa and Meribah](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beer (Hebrew, _be'er'_):** This Hebrew noun literally translates to "well" or "cistern." Its use here is not merely a geographical marker but is deeply significant as it directly relates to the divine promise of water. The place name itself becomes a prophetic declaration and a testimony to God's immediate and tangible provision. Unlike a spring, a _be'er_ is typically a man-made or improved excavation for drawing water, emphasizing the effort (or lack thereof, in this divine provision) associated with accessing this vital resource.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often rendered as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah," emphasizing His personal, relational, and unchanging character. The use of YHWH here underscores that the promise of water comes from the very God who entered into covenant with Israel, who delivered them from Egypt, and who is actively guiding them through the wilderness. It is a promise rooted in His faithful character and His commitment to His people.
* **Gather (Hebrew, _'asaph'_):** This verb means "to gather," "to collect," or "to assemble." The command to Moses to "Gather the people together" is crucial. It implies an intentional act of assembly, preparing the community to receive God's blessing. This is not a spontaneous, chaotic discovery of water, but an orderly, communal reception of a divine gift, mediated through Moses' leadership. It highlights the importance of collective readiness and obedience in experiencing God's provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And from thence [they went] to Beer:"** This clause establishes the geographical movement of the Israelites, indicating their next encampment after the events of the bronze serpent. The destination, "Beer," immediately sets the stage for the central theme of water provision. The parenthetical "[they went]" in the KJV clarifies the implied action of travel.
* **"that [is] the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses,"** This parenthetical explanation clarifies the meaning of "Beer" for the reader, directly linking the place name to its function. More importantly, it highlights the divine initiative: this well is not merely a natural discovery but the specific site of a prior divine communication to Moses. The phrase "whereof the LORD spake unto Moses" emphasizes God's foreknowledge and His direct, personal communication with His chosen leader.
* **"Gather the people together,"** This is the direct command from the LORD to Moses. It is an instruction for action, signifying Moses' role as the mediator and leader. The act of gathering suggests an orderly assembly, preparing the community to witness and receive God's blessing collectively, rather than individually or by chance. It implies a moment of national significance.
* **"and I will give them water."** This is the core divine promise, a clear and unconditional declaration of God's intention. The first-person pronoun "I" emphasizes God's personal involvement and sovereign power. Unlike previous instances where water was provided in response to complaint, here it is a proactive, gracious gift, demonstrating God's enduring commitment to sustain His people. This promise is the reason for the gathering and the significance of the location.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 21:16 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Direct Discourse** is central, as the verse explicitly quotes the LORD's words to Moses ("Gather the people together, and I will give them water"). This direct speech lends authority and immediacy to God's promise, emphasizing His personal involvement and divine initiative. The use of **Place-Name Significance** is also prominent; the location "Beer" literally means "well," creating a powerful and immediate connection between the name of the place and the divine provision that occurs there. This is a form of **Symbolism**, where the physical location itself becomes a testament to God's faithfulness. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Divine Promise**, a declarative statement from God that guarantees a future action, building anticipation and highlighting His unfailing word. The contrast with previous water narratives (where Israel complained) also subtly employs **Juxtaposition**, showcasing God's proactive grace in this instance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:16 is a profound testament to the character of God as the faithful and proactive Provider. It stands as a powerful reminder that God's commitment to His people extends beyond their merits or complaints, often manifesting as unprompted grace. This incident underscores the truth that YHWH is not merely a reactive deity, but one who foresees the needs of His beloved and prepares the way for their sustenance. The provision of water in the wilderness is a recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch, symbolizing God's life-giving presence and His ability to sustain life in the most barren circumstances, a theme that resonates deeply with the spiritual sustenance He offers His people.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man lives by every word of God")
* [Psalm 23:1-2](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1-2 - The Lord is my Shepherd")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God will supply all your needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:16 offers a timeless message of hope and assurance for believers today. In our own "wilderness" experiences—times of scarcity, uncertainty, or spiritual dryness—this verse reminds us that God is intimately aware of our needs and remains our ultimate Provider. It encourages a posture of trust and grateful anticipation rather than anxious complaint, for God often acts with proactive grace, providing even before we fully articulate our need. The command to "Gather the people together" also highlights the importance of community and corporate worship; God often pours out His blessings and strengthens us when we are united in faith and obedience. This passage calls us to recognize God's faithfulness in every circumstance, to trust in His sovereign provision, and to remember that His grace is sufficient to sustain us through every journey of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's proactive provision in Numbers 21:16 challenge my tendency to only seek Him when I am in crisis or complaining?**
* **What "wilderness" areas in my life currently require God's provision, and how can I cultivate a posture of grateful anticipation rather than anxiety?**
* **In what ways does my community or church gather together to receive God's blessings, and how can I contribute to that unity?**
* **How can the story of Beer strengthen my faith in God's enduring faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the place name "Beer" in this verse?**

Answer: The name "Beer" (בְּאֵר, _be'er_) is highly significant because it literally means "well" in Hebrew. This direct translation highlights the immediate and tangible nature of God's provision. The location itself becomes a testament to the miracle, as the Israelites arrive at a place named "Well" precisely when God promises to give them water. It underscores God's intentionality and the direct fulfillment of His word, making the place a living monument to His sustaining power in the wilderness.

**How does God's provision of water here differ from previous instances in the wilderness?**

Answer: This instance in Numbers 21:16 is distinct because God's promise to provide water is proactive and unprompted by the Israelites' complaints. In earlier accounts, such as at Rephidim (see [Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17-1 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim")) or Kadesh (see [Numbers 20:1-13](/numbers/20-1 "Numbers 20:1-13 - Water from the Rock at Kadesh")), the lack of water led to severe murmuring and rebellion from the people, often resulting in Moses striking the rock. Here, the LORD speaks directly to Moses, commanding him to "Gather the people together," and declares, "I will give them water," before any complaint is recorded. This emphasizes God's abundant grace and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, demonstrating His faithfulness even when His people are not complaining.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 21:16, with its depiction of God's proactive provision of life-sustaining water in the wilderness, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as the physical well at Beer quenched the Israelites' literal thirst, Jesus declares Himself to be the source of "living water" that satisfies spiritual thirst eternally. In [John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus offers living water"), Jesus tells the Samaritan woman, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." Later, at the Feast of Tabernacles, He cries out, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus offers living water")). The wilderness journey of Israel, marked by their dependence on God for daily sustenance, foreshadows the spiritual journey of believers who are utterly dependent on Christ for their spiritual life and sustenance. He is the ultimate "well" from which all true life flows, providing grace, forgiveness, and eternal life that truly satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart, far surpassing any physical provision (as seen in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")).

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 20:8

Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

Isaiah 12:3

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

Isaiah 41:17

[When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

Isaiah 41:18

I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

Exodus 17:6

Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

Judges 9:21

And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.

Revelation 21:6

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.