TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 21:10–20. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here an account of the several stages and removals of the children of Israel, till they came into the plains of Moab, out of which they at length passed over Jordan into Canaan, as we read in the beginning of Joshua. Natural motions are quicker the nearer they are to their centre. The Israelites were now drawing near to the promised rest, and now they set forward, as the expression is, Num 21:10. It were well if we would do thus in our way to heaven, rid ground in the latter end of our journey, and the nearer we come to heaven be so much the more active and abundant in the work of the Lord. Two things especially are observable in the brief account here given of these removals: -
1.The wonderful success which God blessed his people with, near the brooks of Arnon, Num 21:13-15. They had now compassed the land of Edom (which they were not to invade, nor so much as to disturb, Deu 2:4, Deu 2:5), and had come to the border of Moab. It is well that there are more ways than one to Canaan. The enemies of God's people may retard their passage, but cannot prevent their entrance into the promised rest. Care is taken to let us know that the Israelites in their march religiously observed the orders which God gave them to use no hostility against the Moabites (Deu 2:9), because they were the posterity of righteous Lot; therefore they pitched on the other side of Arnon (Num 21:13), that side which was now in the possession of the Amorites, one of the devoted nations, though formerly it had belonged to Moab, as appears here, Num 21:26, Num 21:27. This care of theirs not to offer violence to the Moabites is pleaded by Jephtha long afterwards, in his remonstrance against the Ammonites (Jdg 11:15, etc.), and turned to them for a testimony. What their achievements were, now that they pitched on the banks of the river Arnon, we are not particularly told, but are referred to the book of the wars of the Lord, perhaps that book which was begun with the history of the war with the Amalekites, Exo 17:14. Write it (said God) for a memorial in a book, to which were added all the other battles which Israel fought, in order, and, among the rest, their actions on the river Arnon, at Vaheb in Suphah (as our margin reads it) and other places on that river. Or, it shall be said (as some read it) in the rehearsal, or commemoration, of the wars of the Lord, what he did in the Red Sea, when he brought Israel out of Egypt, and what he did in the brooks of Arnon, just before he brought them into Canaan. Note, In celebrating the memorials of God's favours to us, it is good to observe the series of them, and how divine goodness and mercy have constantly followed us, even from the Red Sea to the brooks of Arnon. In every stage of our lives, nay, in every step, we should take notice of what God has wrought for us; what he did at such a time, and what in such a place, ought to be distinctly remembered.
2.The wonderful supply which God blessed his people with at Beer (Num 21:16), which signifies the well or fountain. It is said (Num 21:10) they pitched in Oboth, which signifies bottles, so called perhaps because there they filled their bottles with water, which should last them for some time; but by this time, we may suppose, it was with them as it was with Hagar (Gen 21:15), The water was spent in the bottle; yet we do not find that they murmured, and therefore God, in compassion to them, brought them to a well of water, to encourage them to wait on him in humble silence and expectation and to believe that he would graciously take cognizance of their wants, though they did not complain of them. In this world, we do at the best but pitch in Oboth, where our comforts lie in close and scanty vessels; when we come to heaven we shall remove to Beer, the well of life, the fountain of living waters. Hitherto we have found, when they were supplied with water, they asked it in unjust discontent, and God gave it in just displeasure; but here we find,
(1.)That God gave it in love (Num 21:16): Gather the people together, to be witnesses of the wonder, and joint-sharers in the favour, and I will give them water. Before they prayed, God granted, and anticipated them with the blessings of his goodness.
(2.)That they received it with joy and thankfulness, which made the mercy doubly sweet to them, Num 21:17. Then they sang this song, to the glory of God and the encouragement of one another, Spring up, O well! Thus they pray that it may spring up, for promised mercies must be fetched in by prayer; they triumph that it does spring up, and meet it with their joyful acclamations. With joy must we draw water out of the wells of salvation, Isa 11:3. As the brazen serpent was a figure of Christ, who is lifted up for our cure, so is this well a figure of the Spirit, who is poured forth for our comfort, and from whom flow to us rivers of living waters, Joh 7:38. Does this well spring up in our souls? We should sing to it; take the comfort to ourselves, and give the glory to God; stir up this gift, sing to it, Spring up, O well! thou fountain of gardens, to water my soul (Sol 4:15), plead the promise, which perhaps alludes to this story (Isa 41:17, Isa 41:18), I will make the wilderness wells of water.
(3.)That whereas before the remembrance of the miracle was perpetuated in the names given to the places, which signified the people's strife and murmuring, now it was perpetuated in a song of praise, which preserved on record the manner in which it was done (Num 21:18): The princes digged the well, the seventy elders, it is probable, by direction of the lawgiver (that is, Moses, under God) with their staves; that is, with their staves they made holes in the soft and sandy ground, and God caused the water miraculously to spring up in the holes which they made. Thus the pious Israelites long afterwards, passing through the valley of Baca, a dry and thirsty place, made wells, and God by rain from heaven filled the pools, Psa 84:6. Observe,
[1.]God promised to give them water, but the must open the ground to receive it, and give it vent. God's favours must be expected in the use of such means as lie within our power, but still the excellency of the power is of God.
[2.]The nobles of Israel were forward to set their hands to this work, and used their staves, probable those that were the ensigns of their honour and power, for the public service, and it is upon record to their honour. And we may suppose that it was a great confirmation to them in their offices, and a great comfort to the people, that they were made use of by the divine power as instruments to this miraculous supply. By this it appeared that the spirit of Moses, who must shortly die, rested in some measure upon the nobles of Israel. Moses did not strike the ground himself, as formerly the rock, but gave them direction to do it, that their staves might share in the honour of his rod, and they might comfortably hope that when he should leave them yet God would not, but that they also in their generation should be public blessings, and might expect the divine presence with them as long as they acted by the direction of the lawgiver. For comfort must be looked for only in the way of duty; and, if we would share in divine joys, we must carefully follow the divine direction.
Continue studying Numbers 21:18 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Numbers 21:18 presents a significant moment in Israel's wilderness journey, illustrating God's provision through human cooperation. It describes the communal effort of the nation's princes and nobles in digging a well, an act undertaken "by the direction of the lawgiver" and utilizing their ordinary staves. This event immediately follows the "Song of the Well," marking a unique instance of divine sustenance facilitated by human labor. The verse concludes by noting their subsequent movement from this wilderness location to Mattanah, highlighting the continuous, divinely guided progression of their pilgrimage towards the Promised Land.
Context
Literary Context
Numbers 21:18 is strategically placed within a chapter that chronicles Israel's challenging yet divinely orchestrated journey through the wilderness. It immediately follows the "Song of the Well" in Numbers 21:17, a spontaneous ode of gratitude for God's provision of water. This account stands in notable contrast to earlier episodes of water provision, such as the miraculous striking of the rock at Horeb (Exodus 17:6) or Meribah (Numbers 20:11), where water flowed without direct human labor. Here, divine provision involves human effort, albeit divinely directed, signaling a potential shift in Israel's spiritual maturity and their understanding of partnership with God. The verse also serves as a geographical waypoint, marking the next stage of their journey after the defeat of the Canaanites and the incident with the fiery serpents described earlier in Numbers 21.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is the harsh, arid wilderness, where water was not merely a convenience but an absolute necessity for survival for the nomadic Israelite community. Its scarcity was a constant source of anxiety and often led to murmuring against God and Moses. The mention of "princes" (H8269, sar) and "nobles" (H5081, nâdîyb) reflects the established tribal structure and leadership hierarchy within ancient Israel. These figures held significant authority and responsibility for the welfare of their people. The "lawgiver" (H2710, châqaq) unequivocally refers to Moses, who functioned as God's primary mediator, delivering divine decrees and guiding the nation according to God's will. The use of "staves" (H4938, mishʻênâh) 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 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. Notably, this provision often invites human participation rather than solely miraculous intervention, showcasing a partnership between divine will and human labor. The active role of the "princes" and "nobles" highlights the theme of Leadership and Corporate Responsibility, illustrating 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, a theme central to the entire narrative of Numbers.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies a deliberate, active excavation, properly "to pry into" or "to delve." In this context, it denotes an intentional act of digging a hole or well. Unlike instances where water miraculously flowed from a rock (e.g., Exodus 17:6), here the provision of water is directly linked to human labor. The repetition of "digged" (though the second instance uses H3738, kârâh, which also means "to dig") emphasizes the concerted effort and the physical engagement of the leaders, highlighting their active participation in God's provision.
Derived from a root meaning "to hack" or "engrave," this term refers to one who enacts or promulgates laws, a commander, or a ruler. In the context of the Pentateuch, it 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.
This feminine noun refers to a "support" or, concretely, a "walking-stick." 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 unusually 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" (H8269, sar) and "nobles" (H5081, nâdîyb) 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 of the verb "digged" (using two distinct Hebrew roots, H2658 châphar and H3738 kârâh, both meaning "to dig") emphasizes the collective and dedicated effort involved.
"by [the direction of] the lawgiver"
This crucial phrase clarifies the authority and origin of the well-digging initiative. The "lawgiver" (H2710, châqaq) 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 revealed will.
"with their staves"
This detail specifies the tools used for the digging. The "staves" (H4938, mishʻênâh) 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" (H4980, Mattânâh) 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" (H2658, châphar and H3738, kârâh). 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). 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 diligent 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 on their journey of faith.
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
FAQ
Who is the "lawgiver" mentioned in Numbers 21:18?
The "lawgiver" (Hebrew: ḥōqēq, H2710) 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)?
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 and Numbers 20:11), 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?
The use of "staves" (H4938, mishʻênâh), which were 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 inexhaustible 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). 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). Furthermore, just as the princes and nobles, under Moses' direction, actively participated in bringing forth water, so too does Christ, our ultimate leader and the Head of the Church, 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). 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 and the true rest found in Him (Hebrews 4:9-11).