Numbers 21 18

Numbers 21:18 kjv

The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves. And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah:

Numbers 21:18 nkjv

The well the leaders sank, Dug by the nation's nobles, By the lawgiver, with their staves." And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah,

Numbers 21:18 niv

about the well that the princes dug, that the nobles of the people sank? the nobles with scepters and staffs." Then they went from the wilderness to Mattanah,

Numbers 21:18 esv

the well that the princes made, that the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter and with their staffs." And from the wilderness they went on to Mattanah,

Numbers 21:18 nlt

Sing of this well,
which princes dug,
which great leaders hollowed out
with their scepters and staffs."
Then the Israelites left the wilderness and proceeded on through Mattanah,

Numbers 21 verses

Numbers 21 18 Meaning

This verse describes the provision of water for the Israelites in the wilderness through the digging of a well, specifically at Beer (meaning "well"). It highlights that this vital task was undertaken by the esteemed leaders of the people – "princes" and "nobles" – using their symbols of authority, the "scepter" and "staffs." This depicts not merely a natural discovery but a significant communal effort under divinely appointed leadership, manifesting God's promise of sustenance for His people.

Numbers 21 18 Context

Numbers chapter 21 chronicles Israel's journey in the wilderness after 40 years of wandering, moving toward the plains of Moab. This section begins after the judgment of the fiery serpents (Num 21:4-9) and details various encampments and battles, showcasing both Israel's persistent murmuring and God's consistent provision and protection. Specifically, verses 16-18 describe the incident at Beer. Before this verse, the Lord explicitly instructs Moses: "Gather the people, that I may give them water" (Num 21:16). Following this divine promise, the people respond with joy and sing a "Song of the Well" (Num 21:17-18). The immediate context shows a communal, celebratory response to God's anticipated faithfulness, leading to the collective action described in verse 18. This episode stands in contrast to earlier, more tumultuous water-finding events (e.g., Marah, Meribah), emphasizing cooperation under authority and a different mode of divine provision where human effort is engaged.

Numbers 21 18 Word analysis

• The well (בְּאֵר - be'er): A natural or dug source of water. In the arid wilderness, wells symbolize essential life, sustenance, and God's direct, faithful provision. They are recurring and vital features in biblical narratives.
• that the princes (שָׂרִים - sarim): Refers to the appointed leaders, tribal chiefs, or military commanders of Israel. They hold positions of authority and responsibility for the well-being and organization of the community.
• dug (חֲפָרוּהָ - hafaruha): This Hebrew verb denotes the simple, physical act of digging or excavating the earth. It indicates direct, strenuous human labor.
• that the nobles of the people (נְדִיבֵי הָעָם - nedivei ha'am): "Nobles" (nedivei) means those of high rank, or literally "the willing/generous ones." It suggests the best or most willing among the people, possibly referring to the leading figures known for their character and commitment, distinct from the broader term "princes" by highlighting their commendable disposition.
• delved (חֲקָקֻהָ - khaqquha): This word is more profound than "dug." Its root (חָקַק - chaqaq) means to engrave, inscribe, decree, or mark out deeply. In this context, it implies more than mere digging; it suggests making a significant, permanent, or even authoritative indentation. It signifies establishing the well's form, or carving it out decisively.
• with the scepter (בַמְחוֹקֵק - ba'mechoqeq): Highly significant. This term, derived from the same root as "delved," can mean "scepter" (a symbol of royal or ruling authority) or "lawgiver/decreer." It indicates that the digging was done under the legitimate authority and direction of leaders. It can refer to Moses as the preeminent lawgiver, or more broadly to the divinely sanctioned leadership. This word also appears in Num 24:17 in Balaam's prophecy referring to the "star" and "scepter" that would rise from Jacob, pointing to a future ruler (Messiah). Its presence here links the act to a source of enduring, possibly even messianic, authority.
• and with their staffs (וּבְמַשְׁעֲנֹתָם - u'v'mash'anotam): General staffs are used for support, walking, and sometimes as a symbol of delegated authority (e.g., a shepherd's staff, Aaron's staff). Here, they represent the collective instruments and shared authority of the participating leaders, signifying practical leadership and joint effort.

Words-group analysis:

• "the well that the princes dug": This phrase emphasizes the tangible outcome – the life-sustaining well – and the primary agents involved, indicating that human leaders were instruments in bringing forth this provision. It suggests a direct physical effort.
• "that the nobles of the people delved with the scepter and with their staffs": This expands on the previous phrase by providing more detail on the quality of the leaders ("nobles"), the intensity or authoritative nature of the digging ("delved"), and the symbolic tools of their office ("scepter" and "staffs"). The double description ("dug" and "delved") implies both ordinary physical labor and a deeper, more intentional or formally sanctioned excavation. The "scepter" highlights that the work was not haphazard but carried out under proper, likely divinely sanctioned, leadership, imbuing the act with sacred authority.

Numbers 21 18 Bonus section

• The "Song of the Well" (vv. 17-18) is a spontaneous outburst of joy and gratitude, contrasting sharply with the Israelites' frequent grumbling during their wilderness wanderings. It signifies a moment of corporate obedience and celebration.
• The unique pairing of "dug" and "delved" indicates a multifaceted effort—both the physical labor involved and the authoritative establishment or permanent marking of the well by the leaders. This well wasn't simply stumbled upon but was carefully and officially brought forth.
• This incident reflects a developmental stage in God's interaction with Israel, moving from entirely passive miraculous reception of provision to active, human cooperation under divine command and blessing. This shows that faith requires engagement and work.
• The connection of "mechoqeq" (scepter/lawgiver) to future Messianic prophecy (Num 24:17) subtly links the physical provision of water in the wilderness to the ultimate spiritual provision of Christ, the true Lawgiver and King who provides living water.

Numbers 21 18 Commentary

Numbers 21:18 forms part of the "Song of the Well," a unique and ancient poetic snippet celebrating God's provision. Unlike previous instances where water miraculously appeared (e.g., striking the rock), this well is brought forth through a collaborative effort. God gives the word (Num 21:16), the people praise Him (Num 21:17), and then the leaders actively engage in the work. The participation of "princes" and "nobles" using their symbols of authority—the "scepter" (possibly denoting Moses as lawgiver or Christ prophetically) and their "staffs"—underscores that divine blessings often involve human responsibility and communal effort under legitimate leadership. This well thus stands as a testament to God's gracious faithfulness, His empowering of human instruments, and the joy found in a community responding obediently to His leading. It foreshadows Christ, the ultimate "well" from whom rivers of living water flow, and highlights that God's people, led by spiritual authority, participate in bringing forth His life-giving truth into the world.