Numbers 20 22

Numbers 20:22 kjv

And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor.

Numbers 20:22 nkjv

Now the children of Israel, the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh and came to Mount Hor.

Numbers 20:22 niv

The whole Israelite community set out from Kadesh and came to Mount Hor.

Numbers 20:22 esv

And they journeyed from Kadesh, and the people of Israel, the whole congregation, came to Mount Hor.

Numbers 20:22 nlt

The whole community of Israel left Kadesh and arrived at Mount Hor.

Numbers 20 verses

Numbers 20 22 Meaning

Numbers 20:22 records a pivotal geographical and narrative transition in Israel's wilderness journey. It states their departure from Kadesh towards Mount Hor. This movement marks the end of a period characterized by significant trials and divine judgments, notably the sin at Meribah. The verse sets the immediate stage for the solemn event of Aaron's death, symbolizing a leadership transition and the ongoing progression of God's covenant people towards the Promised Land despite their past failures.

Numbers 20 22 Context

Numbers 20:22 is situated within a critical phase of Israel's forty-year wilderness journey. Immediately preceding this verse, the Israelites have been at Kadesh, where significant events unfolded: Miriam's death (v. 1), the renewed complaint about water, leading to the incident at Meribah Kadesh where Moses and Aaron disobeyed God by striking the rock instead of speaking to it (vv. 2-13). As a consequence, God declared that Moses and Aaron would not enter the Promised Land. Furthermore, Edom had just refused Israel passage through their territory (vv. 14-21), necessitating a diversion. Therefore, Numbers 20:22 represents the continuation of their journey following these significant setbacks and divine judgments. It directly sets the scene for the solemn and planned event of Aaron's death on Mount Hor (vv. 23-29), signaling a generational transition in leadership as the old generation faced the consequences of their disbelief and rebellion.

Numbers 20 22 Word analysis

• And they journeyed:

  • Hebrew: vayis'ū (וַיִּסְעוּ), Qal imperfect consecutive from nasa' (נָסַע).
  • Meaning: "to pull up stakes, set out, travel."
  • Significance: This term signifies intentional and divinely directed movement, a characteristic feature of Israel's wilderness wanderings (Num 9:17-23). The "they" immediately clarifies to "the whole congregation of Israel," indicating a corporate, united progression.

• from Kadesh:

  • Hebrew: miq-Kadesh (מִקָּדֵשׁ).
  • Meaning: Kadesh Barnea, a significant oasis and strategic location. Its name means "holy" or "sanctuary."
  • Significance: This place holds deep theological significance. It was the original point of entry to Canaan after spies were sent out (Num 13). Due to the people's unbelief and rebellion, it became the starting point for 38 years of aimless wandering (Deut 1:46). In Numbers 20, it marks the site of Miriam's death and, more critically, the incident at Meribah that led to Moses and Aaron being barred from the Promised Land. Departing from Kadesh symbolizes moving past a period stained by significant human failure and divine judgment, yet also the completion of a prescribed term of wandering.

• and the whole congregation of Israel:

  • Hebrew: wəḵol-‘ăḏaṯ Yiśrā’ēl (וְכָל־עֲדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל).
  • "whole" (kol) emphasizes the completeness of the body.
  • "congregation" (‘ēḏâ): This term is specifically used for the organized, covenant community of Israel. It denotes a structured assembly before God.
  • Significance: The use of "whole congregation" underscores the collective nature of their journey, their shared experience under God's leadership, and their corporate responsibility and destiny as a chosen people. Their movements are not individualistic but a unified action under divine command.

• came unto Mount Hor:

  • Hebrew: wayyaḵ-bō’ū har Hôr (וַיָּבֹאוּ הַר הֹר).
  • "came" (bo'u) is from bo (בוא), "to come, enter."
  • "Mount Hor" (Har Hor): Literally "Mountain Mountain" or "Hor Mountain," indicating a specific and prominent peak. It is generally identified with Jabal Haroun (Aaron's Mountain) in modern-day Jordan.
  • Significance: This destination is crucial. It is explicitly the place divinely appointed for Aaron's death and burial (Num 20:23-29). The journey to Mount Hor signifies the impending removal of one of Israel's key spiritual leaders as a direct consequence of his disobedience at Meribah. It is a solemn transition point that clears the way for new leadership and signals the conclusion of a significant chapter of wilderness leadership.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "And they journeyed from Kadesh, and the whole congregation of Israel came unto Mount Hor": This concise statement encapsulates a vital transitional moment. It marks the shift from a location associated with repeated rebellion and the consequences faced by leadership, to a new location predetermined for a critical event—the death of the high priest. It showcases God's continuing directive guidance, moving His entire people towards His ultimate purposes despite their and their leaders' failings.

Numbers 20 22 Bonus section

• The wilderness itinerary found in Numbers 33 provides a detailed list of all encampments, reinforcing the ordered and directed nature of Israel's journey under God's guidance. Mount Hor is specifically listed as a station after Kadesh (Num 33:37).
• The precise location of Mount Hor has been subject to scholarly debate, but the traditional site of Jabal Haroun near Petra aligns well with the narrative and geographical context of Israel's approach to Edom.
• The death of Aaron at Mount Hor, directly preceded by this journey, is a key moment that sets the stage for Moses to assume full, unchallenged leadership, preparing the nation for their entry into the Promised Land. This leadership transition underscores the cyclical nature of divine discipline and the ever-present need for faithful adherence to God's commands.

Numbers 20 22 Commentary

Numbers 20:22 serves as a pivot, detailing Israel's movement from the problematic Kadesh to the predestined Mount Hor. This shift is laden with theological weight. Kadesh represents the collective failures of the generation, sealed by Moses and Aaron's sin, which led to their exclusion from the Promised Land. The journey from this place of judgment underscores God's determined progression with His people. Arriving at Mount Hor then initiates the solemn act of Aaron's death, not merely an end of a life, but a direct consequence of divine discipline on leadership, emphasizing accountability even among God's most devoted servants. The verse silently signifies God's faithfulness to His larger covenant purposes, advancing His people and establishing new leadership even as He dispenses justice to the old generation.