Numbers 20 7

Numbers 20:7 kjv

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 20:7 nkjv

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Numbers 20:7 niv

The LORD said to Moses,

Numbers 20:7 esv

and the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Numbers 20:7 nlt

and the LORD said to Moses,

Numbers 20 verses

Numbers 20 7 Meaning

Numbers 20:7 concisely states the divine initiative: the Eternal God directly communicated His will to Moses, His chosen servant, preparing to issue a crucial instruction concerning the provision of water for the Israelite community in the wilderness. It establishes the immediate prelude to God's specific command and Moses' subsequent actions.

Numbers 20 7 Context

Numbers chapter 20 takes place towards the end of Israel's forty-year wilderness journey, as the older generation that murmured against God has largely perished. The setting is Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin, a significant encampment. Miriam, Moses' sister, has just died (Nu 20:1). The renewed lack of water immediately causes the entire congregation to grumble bitterly against Moses and Aaron (Nu 20:2-5), reminiscent of the rebellion at Rephidim early in their journey (Ex 17). This desperate plea for water is directed at their leaders, implying God's neglect. In response to this persistent complaint, the verse establishes that the Lord intervenes by speaking directly to Moses, setting the stage for divine instruction regarding a miracle of provision. This command, however, will culminate in Moses' fatal error, which ultimately prevents him from entering the Promised Land.

Numbers 20 7 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): A simple conjunctive particle. It links the people's clamor for water (Nu 20:5) to God's immediate response. It highlights the direct divine reaction to the human complaint.
• the LORD (יהוה - Yahweh): The tetragrammaton, the unique covenant name of God, revealing Him as the self-existent, faithful, and personal God who maintains relationship with His people. It signifies His unchanging nature and His active, sovereign involvement in human affairs, especially in delivering His people and providing for their needs.
• spoke (דַּבֵּר - dabber): Derived from the root dabar, meaning "to speak, utter, command." In this context, it implies a clear, deliberate, and authoritative utterance. It is not a suggestion but a directive, underscoring the divine source and the imperative nature of the following words.
• to Moses (אֶל-מֹשֶׁה - el-Mosheh): "To" (el) indicates direction, signifying Moses as the direct recipient of God's communication. Moses (Mosheh) means "drawn out," referring to his rescue from the Nile. He served as God's unique chosen mediator, directly conversing with the Eternal for the sake of the people (Nu 12:8). This highlights Moses' central, indispensable role in the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
• saying, (לֵאמֹר - le'mor): A common Hebrew infinitive construct used adverbially. It introduces direct speech and signifies that the words immediately following are the precise, authoritative utterances of the speaker (in this case, God). It emphasizes the exact nature of the forthcoming command and God's clear intent for it to be conveyed accurately.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• And the LORD spoke: This phrase immediately establishes God's initiative. Despite Israel's constant murmuring and the death of Miriam, God does not abandon His people. He acts as the sovereign Provider and Lawgiver, consistently reaching out. This demonstrates His enduring covenant faithfulness.
• the LORD spoke to Moses: This highlights Moses' singular role as the privileged channel of divine revelation. God did not speak to the entire congregation directly in this instance, but chose His designated prophet and leader. This pattern underscores God's chosen means of communicating His will and authority through His appointed mediators.
• the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,: This complete phrase sets the scene for divine command. It shows the clear, direct, and purposeful communication from God to His servant, emphasizing that what follows is an authoritative decree meant for immediate and precise execution. It introduces a specific command rather than general instruction or rebuke.

Numbers 20 7 Bonus section

The seemingly simple act of God "speaking" carries the full weight of His divine power and authority. This is not just information transfer, but an issuing of decree, a creative utterance capable of bringing forth physical reality (water from a rock). The repetition of "speaking" or "the word of the Lord came" throughout Scripture establishes God's unchanging nature as an active communicator who desires a relationship with His creation and consistently provides guidance and provision, even when humans fail. This moment serves as a potent reminder of the weightiness of all divine commands and the specific responsibility laid upon those, like Moses, who are privileged to receive them directly.

Numbers 20 7 Commentary

Numbers 20:7 serves as the divine prompter, setting in motion one of the most pivotal events in Moses' leadership and the wilderness narrative. The "LORD" (Yahweh), the ever-faithful and covenant-keeping God, again initiates communication. This act underscores His sovereignty and active involvement in His people's plight, even amidst their consistent grumbling and unfaithfulness. The communication is directed "to Moses," affirming his distinct position as the sole intermediary through whom God's precise instructions are given. This verse, though brief, carries immense weight: it reveals God's continuing willingness to provide for His wayward people despite their past failures, but also prefaces the precise command that, through Moses' human failure, leads to a significant turning point in his life. God's act of speaking highlights the absolute necessity of accurate reception and execution of His will, foreshadowing the gravity of Moses' upcoming disobedience. It is a moment of pure divine revelation that demands perfect human obedience.