Numbers 20:15 - how our fathers went down into Egypt, and we lived in Egypt a long time. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers.
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What does "Numbers 20:15" mean?
This verse from Numbers 20:15 is a concise recounting of a pivotal period in Israelite history. It's a statement made by Moses to the King of Edom, attempting to persuade him to allow the Israelites to pass through his land. Let's break down its meaning:
"How our fathers went down into Egypt..." This refers to Jacob (also known as Israel) and his family (the ancestors of the Israelites) migrating to Egypt due to a famine in Canaan. Genesis chapters 46-47 detail this event. The "going down" is literally geographic, as Egypt is lower in altitude compared to Canaan.
"...and we lived in Egypt a long time." This emphasizes the duration of the Israelite sojourn in Egypt. While the exact number of years is debated, the Bible specifies 430 years (Exodus 12:40). This prolonged stay is significant as it allowed the Israelites to grow into a large nation.
"The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers." This is the core of the complaint. It refers to the enslavement, oppression, and general ill-treatment the Israelites suffered at the hands of the Egyptians, particularly during the reign of a Pharaoh who "did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8). This mistreatment is vividly described in the early chapters of Exodus, including forced labor, infanticide, and other harsh measures.
In the Context of the Passage (Numbers 20:14-21):
Moses is reminding the King of Edom of a shared familial heritage (the Edomites descended from Esau, Jacob's brother) and appealing to his compassion. He's arguing:
"We have a shared history of hardship."
"We're not looking for conflict; we just need safe passage."
"We're a nation on a difficult journey after enduring great suffering."
The Significance of the Verse:
Historical Narrative: It provides a brief summary of a crucial part of Israel's identity and national story.
Foundation of Faith: The exodus from Egypt and liberation from slavery is a central event in the Hebrew Bible and the foundation of Israel's relationship with God. The oppression in Egypt is a key reason for God's intervention and the establishment of the covenant with Israel.
Moral Basis for Plea: The Israelites are essentially saying, "We've been through hardship; show us mercy and allow us safe passage." It's an attempt to evoke empathy and understanding from the Edomites.
Theme of Oppression and Redemption: This verse sets the stage for the ongoing theme of oppression and redemption that runs throughout the Old Testament.
In essence, this verse is a concise reminder of Israel's past suffering, intended to elicit empathy from the Edomites and to highlight the Israelites' need for safe passage through their land. It also underscores the central narrative of oppression and deliverance that shaped Israel's identity.
Numbers 20:15 - how our fathers went down into Egypt, and we lived in Egypt a long time. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers.
What does "Numbers 20:15" mean?
This verse from Numbers 20:15 is a concise recounting of a pivotal period in Israelite history. It's a statement made by Moses to the King of Edom, attempting to persuade him to allow the Israelites to pass through his land. Let's break down its meaning:
"How our fathers went down into Egypt..." This refers to Jacob (also known as Israel) and his family (the ancestors of the Israelites) migrating to Egypt due to a famine in Canaan. Genesis chapters 46-47 detail this event. The "going down" is literally geographic, as Egypt is lower in altitude compared to Canaan.
"...and we lived in Egypt a long time." This emphasizes the duration of the Israelite sojourn in Egypt. While the exact number of years is debated, the Bible specifies 430 years (Exodus 12:40). This prolonged stay is significant as it allowed the Israelites to grow into a large nation.
"The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers." This is the core of the complaint. It refers to the enslavement, oppression, and general ill-treatment the Israelites suffered at the hands of the Egyptians, particularly during the reign of a Pharaoh who "did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8). This mistreatment is vividly described in the early chapters of Exodus, including forced labor, infanticide, and other harsh measures.
In the Context of the Passage (Numbers 20:14-21):
Moses is reminding the King of Edom of a shared familial heritage (the Edomites descended from Esau, Jacob's brother) and appealing to his compassion. He's arguing:
"We have a shared history of hardship."
"We're not looking for conflict; we just need safe passage."
"We're a nation on a difficult journey after enduring great suffering."
The Significance of the Verse:
Historical Narrative: It provides a brief summary of a crucial part of Israel's identity and national story.
Foundation of Faith: The exodus from Egypt and liberation from slavery is a central event in the Hebrew Bible and the foundation of Israel's relationship with God. The oppression in Egypt is a key reason for God's intervention and the establishment of the covenant with Israel.
Moral Basis for Plea: The Israelites are essentially saying, "We've been through hardship; show us mercy and allow us safe passage." It's an attempt to evoke empathy and understanding from the Edomites.
Theme of Oppression and Redemption: This verse sets the stage for the ongoing theme of oppression and redemption that runs throughout the Old Testament.
In essence, this verse is a concise reminder of Israel's past suffering, intended to elicit empathy from the Edomites and to highlight the Israelites' need for safe passage through their land. It also underscores the central narrative of oppression and deliverance that shaped Israel's identity.