Numbers 21:7

Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.

Therefore the people {H5971} came {H935} to Moses {H4872}, and said {H559}, We have sinned {H2398}, for we have spoken {H1696} against the LORD {H3068}, and against thee; pray {H6419} unto the LORD {H3068}, that he take away {H5493} the serpents {H5175} from us. And Moses {H4872} prayed {H6419} for the people {H5971}.

The people came to Moshe and said, "We sinned by speaking against ADONAI and against you. Pray to ADONAI that he rid us of these snakes." Moshe prayed for the people,

Then the people came to Moses and said, β€œWe have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD so He will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses interceded for the people.

And the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, because we have spoken against Jehovah, and against thee; pray unto Jehovah, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 21:7 is a pivotal moment in the Israelites' wilderness journey, immediately following God's judgment upon them. After a detour from Mount Hor, the people became impatient and spoke "against God, and against Moses" (Numbers 21:5), complaining about the lack of food and water, and despising the manna. In response to their rebellion, the Lord sent "fiery serpents" among them, which bit many, causing death (Numbers 21:6). This verse records the people's contrite response to this divine punishment, acknowledging their sin and seeking Moses' intercession.

Key Themes

  • Confession of Sin: The people's declaration, "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee," marks a crucial moment of repentance. It demonstrates their recognition that their complaints were not merely inconveniences but direct offenses against God's authority and His chosen leader, Moses.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The deadly serpents serve as a stark reminder that sin carries severe consequences. God's judgment is righteous, intended to bring His people to a place of humility and obedience.
  • Moses' Role as Intercessor: Despite being the target of their complaints, Moses faithfully fulfills his role as a mediator between God and His people. His immediate prayer for the Israelites highlights his compassion and commitment to God's flock, a role he frequently performed throughout their wilderness wanderings (see Exodus 32:11-14).
  • God's Justice and Mercy: While God's justice is evident in the sending of the serpents, His mercy is foreshadowed by His willingness to hear the people's confession and Moses' prayer, setting the stage for the provision of a remedy in the subsequent verses.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sinned" is chata (Χ—ΦΈΧ˜ΦΈΧ), which literally means "to miss the mark" or "to go astray." Here, it signifies a deliberate deviation from God's will and covenant. The phrase "spoken against the LORD" underscores the severity of their grumbling, equating it with direct opposition to divine authority.

Practical Application

Numbers 21:7 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Acknowledge Your Sin: True repentance begins with a humble confession of wrongdoing, specifically identifying how we have offended God and others. This verse reminds us that complaining, grumbling, and discontent can be serious sins in God's eyes.
  • Seek God's Mercy: Just as the Israelites sought Moses' intercession, we are encouraged to approach God through prayer when we realize our sin, trusting in His compassion and willingness to forgive (1 John 1:9).
  • The Power of Intercessory Prayer: Moses' immediate response to pray for the people demonstrates the vital role of intercession. We are called to pray for one another, especially for those in distress or those who have strayed.
  • A Glimpse of Salvation: This passage sets the stage for God's unique solution to the serpent problem (the bronze serpent in Numbers 21:8-9), which Jesus Himself connected to His own saving work on the cross (John 3:14-15). It illustrates that even in judgment, God provides a way for salvation and healing for those who look to Him in faith.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 8:24

    Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

  • Psalms 78:34

    When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God.

  • Numbers 11:2

    And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched.

  • Exodus 8:8

    Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.

  • Exodus 8:28

    And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: intreat for me.

  • 1 Kings 13:6

    And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as [it was] before.

  • 1 Samuel 15:24

    ΒΆ And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.