Numbers 20 6

Numbers 20:6 kjv

And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them.

Numbers 20:6 nkjv

So Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and they fell on their faces. And the glory of the LORD appeared to them.

Numbers 20:6 niv

Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the tent of meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them.

Numbers 20:6 esv

Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. And the glory of the LORD appeared to them,

Numbers 20:6 nlt

Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the LORD appeared to them,

Numbers 20 verses

Numbers 20 6 Meaning

Numbers 20:6 depicts Moses and Aaron’s humble and desperate response to the murmuring of the Israelite assembly regarding the lack of water. They withdrew from the rebellious crowd to the sacred space of the Tabernacle, symbolizing their immediate turning to God in prayer and submission. Their prostration before the Lord signifies deep reverence, acknowledgement of divine authority, and earnest supplication amidst a crisis. In this posture of utter dependency, the glory of the LORD manifested, signaling God’s immediate presence and willingness to intervene and provide guidance.

Numbers 20 6 Context

Numbers chapter 20 initiates a pivotal phase in the wilderness wanderings, specifically concerning events at Kadesh. This verse follows the immediate outburst of Israel’s complaints about the lack of water, a recurrent theme since their exodus from Egypt (Exod 15, 17). It marks the direct catalyst for Moses' and Aaron's error later in the chapter (striking the rock instead of speaking to it). Miriam, Moses' sister, dies shortly before these events, and Aaron will die later in the same chapter. Historically, the episode highlights the chronic unfaithfulness of the people despite God's continuous provision and presence. Culturally, the Tabernacle serves as the divinely appointed sanctuary where God's presence dwelled, offering a place of meeting, prayer, and revelation to His people through His chosen leaders. The sequence demonstrates Moses and Aaron’s habitual practice of turning to the LORD in times of national crisis and the LORD’s consistent response.

Numbers 20 6 Word analysis

• And Moses and Aaron: The appointed and established leaders of Israel, responsible for interceding on behalf of the people and mediating God's instructions. They represent God's chosen authority.
• went from the presence of the assembly: Signifies a strategic withdrawal from the rebellious and complaining multitude. It's an act of separation to seek divine counsel and intervention, distinct from attempting to appease the crowd.
• unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: This precise location, the entrance to the Tent of Meeting (ʾohel moʿed), was the designated place of encounter with Yahweh. It highlights their reliance on God’s ordained system for communication and worship, rather than relying on human wisdom or power.
• and they fell upon their faces: (Hebrew: vayyippelu al-peneihem, וַיִּפְּלוּ עַל־פְּנֵיהֶם). This is a consistent posture in Scripture. It denotes extreme humility, profound reverence, intense intercession, desperation, submission, and adoration before God. It implies utter dependence and acknowledging God's sovereignty over the immediate crisis.
• and the glory of the LORD: (Hebrew: kevod YHWH, כְּבוֹד יְהוָה). The manifest presence, visible majesty, and inherent power of God. It's not God Himself in His full essence, but a tangible, observable sign of His being, His divine light and splendor. It represents His authoritative presence in a specific way.
• appeared unto them: (Hebrew: nirʾah ʾaleihem, נִרְאָה אֲלֵהֶם). Indicates a visible, concrete manifestation or revelation. It signifies God's direct response to their humility and petition, showing that He acknowledges their appeal and is present to act.

Word-groups analysis

• "Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation": This action reflects exemplary leadership. Instead of directly confronting the unruly mob, or attempting to solve the problem by their own means, they retreated to seek divine guidance. This points to the sanctuary as the primary source of true authority and solution for the nation's spiritual and practical needs.
• "and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them": This phrase links the leaders’ act of humility and submission directly to God’s immediate manifestation of His presence. It demonstrates the principle that God responds to a spirit of brokenness, reliance, and genuine turning to Him, especially in times of severe testing. Their intercession facilitated the divine appearance.

Numbers 20 6 Bonus section

The concept of Kevod YHWH (the glory of the LORD) frequently appears when God is about to perform a significant act of judgment or salvation, emphasizing His sovereign power and holy nature. The repeated act of leaders (and people) falling on their faces underscores a universal human response to God’s holy presence: profound reverence and humility. This verse also implicitly stands as a contrast to idol worship, where the worshiper looks to human constructs; here, the focus is squarely on the living God, approached at His chosen dwelling place. It's a testament to the fact that God is accessible, though holy, and responsive to His devoted servants.

Numbers 20 6 Commentary

Numbers 20:6 encapsulates a critical pattern in biblical leadership: in moments of intense pressure and public outcry, true leaders do not resort to human solutions or arguments, but turn directly to God in a posture of complete surrender and dependence. Moses and Aaron's prostration before the Tabernacle signals a deep spiritual maturity, prioritizing God’s will and intervention above all else. This humble, immediate appeal was met with God's visible glory, affirming His faithfulness even amidst Israel's faithlessness. The divine appearance was not merely a comfort but also a preparation for the subsequent instructions, underlining that divine presence often precedes divine direction, equipping leaders for the next challenge. This act serves as a perpetual model for turning to God in worship and desperation before seeking to address crises in our own strength.

• Example 1: When facing overwhelming challenges, imitate Moses and Aaron by pausing to seek God's face in humble prayer before taking action.
• Example 2: True spiritual authority is often exercised through dependence on God, not through self-assertion.
• Example 3: God's presence, though not always visibly glorious, is guaranteed when we approach Him with a submissive heart.