Numbers 20-21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 20

At this chapter begins the history of the fortieth year (which was the last year) of the Israelites? wandering in the wilderness. And since the beginning of their second year, when they were sentenced to perform their quarantine in the desert, there to wear away the tedious revolution of forty years, there is little recorded concerning them till this last year, which brought them to the borders of Canaan, and the history of this year is almost as large as the history of the first year. This... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 20:1-13

After thirty-eight years? tedious marches, or rather tedious rests, in the wilderness, backward towards the Red Sea, the armies of Israel now at length set their faces towards Canaan again, and had come not far off from the place where they were when, by the righteous sentence of divine Justice, they were made to begin their wanderings. Hitherto they had been led about as in a maze or labyrinth, while execution was doing upon the rebels that were sentenced; but they were now brought into the... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 20:14-21

We have here the application made by Israel to the Edomites. The nearest way to Canaan from the place where Israel now lay encamped was through the country of Edom. Now, I. Moses sends ambassadors to treat with the king of Edom for leave to pass through his country, and gives them instructions what to say, Num. 20:14-17. 1. They are to claim kindred with the Edomites: Thus saith thy brother Israel. Both nations descended from Abraham and Isaac, their common ancestors; Esau and Jacob, the two... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 20:22-29

The chapter began with the funeral of Miriam, and it ends with the funeral of her brother Aaron. When death comes into a family, it often strikes double. Israel had not improved the former affliction they were under, by the death of the prophetess, and therefore, soon after, God took away their priest, to try if they would lay that to heart. This happened at the very next stage, when they removed to Mount Hor, fetching a compass round the Edomites? country, leaving it on their left hand.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 20

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 20 In this chapter is an account of the children of Israel coming to the wilderness of Zin, where Miriam died, and where wanting water they murmured, Numbers 20:1 , upon which Moses and Aaron applied to the Lord, who ordered Moses to speak to a rock, which should give forth water, and which being smitten by him, accordingly did, Numbers 20:6 , but Moses and Aaron, in their conduct of this affair, displeased the Lord, Numbers 20:12 , after this, Moses sent to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 20:1

Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation ,.... Not immediately after the transaction of the above things, recorded in the preceding chapters; as the sending of the spies into the land of Canaan, and their report of it; the business of Korah, and the giving of several laws respecting the priesthood, and the purification of the people; but thirty eight years after: nor was this the congregation that came out of Egypt; their carcasses, by this time, had fallen in the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 20:2

And there was no water for the congregation ,.... Which was so ordered, for the trial of this new generation, to see whether they would behave any better than their fathers had done in a like circumstance, the first year they came out of Egypt, Exodus 17:1 . and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron ; just as their fathers had done before them, being of the like temper and disposition. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 20:3

And the people chode with Moses ,.... Contended with him in a wrangling and litigious manner, showing no reverence nor respect unto his person on account of the dignity of his office, and the many favours they had received from him; and this at a time, when, instead of quarrelling with him, they should have condoled him on the loss of his sister, and bewailed their own loss also of one who had been a prophetess to them, and a leader of them, Micah 6:4 . and spake, saying, would God that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 20:4

And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness ,.... The wilderness of Zin, whither by various marches and journeys, and through different stations, they were at length come: that we and our cattle should die there ? with thirst; they seem to represent it, as if this was the end, design, and intention of Moses and Aaron in bringing them thither; their language is much the same with their fathers on a like occasion; which shows the bad influence of example,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 20:5

And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt ,.... They represent that affair in such a light, as if they were forced out of Egypt by Moses and Aaron against their wills; or at least were overpersuaded by them to do what they had no inclination to, namely, to come out of Egypt; though they were in the utmost bondage and slavery, and their lives were made bitter by it, and they cried by reason of their oppression, and the hardships they endured; but this was all forgot. Aben Ezra... read more

Group of Brands