Numbers 21:18

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:18 vividly portrays a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, detailing the communal effort led by the nation's princes and nobles to dig a well. This act, undertaken "by the direction of the lawgiver" and utilizing their ordinary staves, follows a celebratory "Song of the Well" (Numbers 21:17), marking a unique instance of divine provision through human cooperation. The verse concludes by noting their subsequent movement from this wilderness location to Mattanah, underscoring the continuous, guided progression of their pilgrimage towards the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 21:18 is nestled within a chapter that chronicles Israel's tumultuous yet divinely guided journey through the wilderness. Immediately preceding this verse is the "Song of the Well" in [Numbers 21:17](/numbers/21-17 "Numbers 21:17 - The Song of the Well"), a celebratory ode to God's provision of water. This stands in stark contrast to earlier episodes of murmuring and miraculous, direct provision of water, such as striking the rock at Horeb ([Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Horeb")) or Meribah ([Numbers 20:11](/numbers/20-11 "Numbers 20:11 - Water from the Rock at Meribah")). Here, the provision involves human effort, albeit divinely directed, signaling a maturing phase in Israel's understanding of their relationship with God. The verse also serves as a geographical marker, indicating the next stage of their journey after the defeat of the Canaanites and the incident with the fiery serpents ([Numbers 21:4-9](/numbers/21-4 "Numbers 21:4-9 - The Fiery Serpents")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the arid wilderness, where water was a constant, life-sustaining necessity and its scarcity a frequent source of complaint and challenge for the nomadic Israelite community. The mention of "princes" and "nobles" reflects the tribal structure and leadership hierarchy within ancient Israel, where such figures held significant authority and responsibility for the welfare of their people. The "lawgiver" almost certainly refers to Moses, who functioned as God's primary mediator and guide for the nation, delivering divine decrees and instructions. The use of "staves" (walking sticks) for digging highlights the resourcefulness of a people on the move, perhaps also suggesting that this was not a conventional well-digging operation requiring specialized tools, but a divinely aided task where simple implements sufficed, or even that the ground was unusually yielding.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several recurring themes throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It underscores **Divine Provision**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to sustain His people even in the most desolate circumstances, often in ways that invite human participation rather than solely miraculous intervention. The active role of the "princes" and "nobles" highlights the theme of **Leadership and Corporate Responsibility**, showing that God's plans are often executed through the diligent efforts of His appointed leaders and the community they serve. The phrase "by the direction of the lawgiver" emphasizes **Divine Guidance and Obedience**, affirming that human action is most fruitful when aligned with God's revealed will, channeled through His chosen representatives. Finally, the concluding movement "from the wilderness [they went] to Mattanah" reinforces the overarching theme of **Progress on the Journey of Faith**, illustrating that despite trials and detours, God continually moves His people forward towards their ultimate destination, the Promised Land, as seen throughout [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers - The Wilderness Journey").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Digged (Hebrew, _ḥāphar'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate, active excavation, an intentional act of digging a hole or well. Unlike instances where water miraculously flowed from a rock (e.g., [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Horeb")), here the provision of water is directly linked to human labor. The repetition of "digged" emphasizes the concerted effort and the physical engagement of the leaders, highlighting their active participation in God's provision.
* **Lawgiver (Hebrew, _ḥōqēq'_):** Derived from the root _ḥāqaq_, meaning "to engrave," "to decree," or "to enact a law," this term refers to one who establishes or promulgates laws, a commander, or a ruler. In the context of the Pentateuch, it most unequivocally points to Moses, who was God's primary instrument for delivering the Law to Israel and guiding them according to divine decrees. The phrase "by the direction of the lawgiver" thus indicates that this communal effort was not arbitrary but was undertaken under the authoritative guidance of Moses, who himself was directed by God.
* **Staves (Hebrew, _mish'enōtām'_):** These were common walking sticks or staffs, used for support during travel or for herding. Their use in digging suggests that the ground was either soft, or that the act itself was less about conventional engineering and more about a symbolic or divinely facilitated effort where even simple tools sufficed. It underscores the humble means through which God often works, demonstrating that it is His power and direction, not the sophistication of human tools, that brings about the desired outcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it":** This clause highlights the active and unified participation of Israel's leadership. "Princes" (נְדִיבִים, _nedivim_) and "nobles" (שָׂרִים, _sarim_) refer to the respected, influential leaders of the tribes and clans. Their engagement in the physical labor of digging a well, rather than delegating it entirely, signifies leadership by example and a corporate commitment to meeting the community's needs. The repetition emphasizes the collective and dedicated effort.
* **"by [the direction of] the lawgiver":** This crucial phrase clarifies the authority and origin of the well-digging initiative. The "lawgiver" is Moses, acting as God's divinely appointed mediator and guide. This indicates that the work was not merely a human decision but was undertaken under divine instruction or inspiration, ensuring its legitimacy and success. It underscores the principle that human effort is most effective when aligned with God's will.
* **"with their staves":** This detail specifies the tools used for the digging. The "staves" were ordinary walking sticks, not specialized digging implements. This suggests either a miraculous softening of the ground, or that the act was more symbolic, emphasizing that God can achieve great things through simple means and the willing obedience of His people. It points to God's power enabling the seemingly impossible with humble instruments.
* **"And from the wilderness [they went] to Mattanah":** This concluding phrase marks a geographical progression in Israel's journey. "Mattanah" means "gift" or "present," which is fitting given the context of the well's provision. This movement signifies that the well was a temporary but vital stop, enabling the Israelites to continue their pilgrimage. It reinforces the dynamic nature of their journey, constantly moving forward under divine guidance towards the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 21:18 employs several **Literary Devices** to enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the verb "digged" ("חָפְרוּ," _ḥāpharu_). This repetition emphasizes the physical effort and the active participation of the leaders, underscoring their commitment and the communal nature of the endeavor. The verse also exhibits **Contrast** with earlier narratives of water provision, where God miraculously provided water from a rock without human effort (e.g., [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Horeb")). Here, divine direction is paired with human labor, highlighting a shift or a different mode of divine-human interaction. **Symbolism** is also at play: the well itself symbolizes life, sustenance, and God's faithful provision in a barren land. The "staves," ordinary tools, symbolize the humble means God often uses to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that power resides in His direction rather than in human sophistication. Finally, the verse contributes to the overall **Narrative Progression** of Israel's journey, marking a successful and celebrated stage of their movement towards the Promised Land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:18 serves as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even amidst their persistent rebellion and the harsh realities of the wilderness. It illustrates that divine provision is not always a purely miraculous, effortless act, but can also involve human cooperation and effort, especially when guided by righteous leadership. The well, dug by the princes and nobles under Moses' direction, symbolizes the truth that God often works *through* His people, empowering their obedience and labor to bring about His blessings. This instance of water provision, celebrated with a song, contrasts sharply with earlier episodes of murmuring and judgment, highlighting a moment of corporate obedience and joyful reception of God's grace. It underscores the importance of communal effort and leadership that is responsive to divine guidance in sustaining the life and progress of God's people.

* [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Horeb")
* [Numbers 20:11](/numbers/20-11 "Numbers 20:11 - Water from the Rock at Meribah")
* [Numbers 11:16](/numbers/11-16 "Numbers 11:16 - Appointment of the Seventy Elders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:18 offers a rich tapestry for reflection on our own journey of faith. It reminds us that God's provision is constant, but His methods vary. Sometimes He acts directly and miraculously; other times, He calls us to active participation, to "dig" with the resources and abilities He has given us, even if they seem humble like "staves." This verse challenges us to consider the role of leadership within our communities—whether in the church, family, or workplace—and the importance of leaders modeling active participation and obedience to divine direction. It encourages us to embrace communal effort, recognizing that collective labor, guided by God's "lawgiver" (His Word and Spirit), can unlock blessings and meet needs that seem insurmountable. Our journey of faith is not passive; it requires trust, active engagement, and a willingness to follow God's leading, even when the path leads through the wilderness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or community is God calling for active participation and "digging" rather than passive waiting for a miracle?**
* **How can you, as a leader or a participant, better embody the spirit of cooperative effort and obedience to God's direction in your sphere of influence?**
* **What "staves"—ordinary resources, talents, or relationships—has God given you that He might intend to use for extraordinary purposes?**
* **How does the "Song of the Well" (Numbers 21:17) inform your attitude towards God's provision, especially when it comes through human effort?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "lawgiver" mentioned in Numbers 21:18?**

Answer: The "lawgiver" (Hebrew: _ḥōqēq_) in this context almost certainly refers to Moses. Throughout the Pentateuch, Moses is the primary figure through whom God communicates His laws, decrees, and instructions to the Israelite people. He acts as God's authoritative representative, guiding the nation in all matters, including their journey, their worship, and their daily lives. Thus, the digging of the well was not a random act but was undertaken under the specific, divinely inspired direction of Moses, ensuring its legitimacy and success in God's eyes.

**Why did the Israelites have to "dig" a well when God had previously provided water miraculously (e.g., from a rock)?**

Answer: This instance highlights the varied nature of God's provision. While God did miraculously provide water from a rock on other occasions (as seen in [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Horeb") and [Numbers 20:11](/numbers/20-11 "Numbers 20:11 - Water from the Rock at Meribah")), this particular event in Numbers 21 demonstrates God's willingness to work *through* human effort and cooperation. It teaches the Israelites, and us, that faith does not always negate human responsibility but often activates it. It was a moment where God empowered their labor, under divine direction, to yield the necessary provision, fostering a sense of partnership and active obedience rather than passive reception.

**What is the significance of using "staves" to dig the well?**

Answer: The use of "staves" (ordinary walking sticks) is significant because it emphasizes the humble and readily available tools employed for this important task. It suggests that the ground might have been unusually soft, perhaps a divinely prepared site, or it underscores the principle that God can accomplish great things through simple means and the willing obedience of His people. It highlights that the power lay not in sophisticated equipment but in the divine direction and the obedient effort of the leaders. It serves as a reminder that God can use what we have, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to fulfill His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 21:18, with its depiction of a well dug by human effort under divine direction to provide life-sustaining water in the wilderness, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Lawgiver" and the source of true life-giving water. While Moses delivered the Law and guided Israel to physical water, Jesus declares Himself to be the one who gives "living water" that quenches spiritual thirst forever ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus offers Living Water")). He is the ultimate provision in the spiritual wilderness of sin and separation from God. The physical well in Numbers foreshadows the spiritual sustenance found in Christ, who invites all who are thirsty to "come to me and drink" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus' Invitation to Drink")). Furthermore, just as the princes and nobles, under Moses' direction, actively participated in bringing forth water, so too does Christ, our ultimate leader, call His followers to participate in His mission of spreading the Gospel, which is the living water for a thirsty world ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). The journey from the wilderness to Mattanah ("gift") points to the ultimate gift of salvation and eternal life offered through Christ, guiding His new covenant people, the Church, through their earthly pilgrimage towards the promised heavenly inheritance ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Rest of God")).

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

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.