Numbers 20:16

And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we [are] in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:

And when we cried {H6817} unto the LORD {H3068}, he heard {H8085} our voice {H6963}, and sent {H7971} an angel {H4397}, and hath brought us forth {H3318} out of Egypt {H4714}: and, behold, we are in Kadesh {H6946}, a city {H5892} in the uttermost {H7097} of thy border {H1366}:

But when we cried out to ADONAI, he heard us, sent an angel and brought us out of Egypt. Now here we are in Kadesh, a city at the edge of your territory.

and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory.

and when we cried unto Jehovah, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border.

Commentary

Numbers 20:16 is part of Moses' diplomatic appeal to the King of Edom, requesting passage through their territory as the Israelites approached the end of their long wilderness journey. This verse highlights Israel's historical relationship with God, emphasizing His consistent deliverance and care.

Context

After nearly forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites had arrived at Kadesh, a strategic location near the border of Edom. Moses sends messengers to the King of Edom, recounting Israel's history of suffering in Egypt and God's powerful intervention. This plea for passage was crucial for Israel to reach the Promised Land without a prolonged detour or conflict, as Edom was a brother nation, descended from Esau. The reference to being "in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border" underscores their immediate geographical position and the urgency of their request.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: The verse powerfully recalls the Exodus from Egypt, a foundational event demonstrating God's mighty hand in rescuing His people from bondage. It serves as a reminder of God's power to intervene on behalf of the oppressed.
  • God Hears Prayer: "When we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice" emphasizes the accessibility and responsiveness of God to the desperate cries of His people. This theme is central to Israel's identity and their ongoing relationship with God.
  • Divine Guidance and Provision: The mention of God sending "an angel" signifies His active guidance and protection throughout their journey. This angel, often interpreted as the Angel of the Lord, was God's direct representative, leading them through the wilderness.
  • Israel's Pilgrimage: The verse succinctly summarizes Israel's arduous journey, from their initial oppression in Egypt to their current position at Kadesh, highlighting God's faithfulness in sustaining them through trials.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "cried" is tsa'aq (ืฆืขืง), which denotes a deep, often desperate, cry for help, not just a casual request. This highlights the severity of their affliction in Egypt and the earnestness of their plea to God. The term "angel" is mal'akh (ืžืœืืš), meaning "messenger." While it can refer to human messengers, in this context, it clearly refers to a divine agent, indicating God's direct involvement in their deliverance and guidance.

Practical Application

Numbers 20:16 offers enduring lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God who hears the cries of His people and actively intervenes in their lives. Just as He delivered Israel from Egypt, He can deliver us from our own forms of bondage and lead us through our "wilderness" experiences. This verse encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, reflecting on His past provisions as a foundation for future hope. It also teaches the importance of recounting God's past actions, both to ourselves and to others, as a testimony to His enduring love and power.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 14:19 (6 votes)

    And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:

  • Exodus 23:20 (4 votes)

    ยถ Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.

  • Exodus 33:2 (4 votes)

    And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:

  • Exodus 3:2 (3 votes)

    And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush [was] not consumed.

  • Exodus 3:9 (3 votes)

    Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.

  • Exodus 6:5 (1 votes)

    And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.

  • Exodus 14:10 (1 votes)

    ยถ And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.