Numbers 20:4 - Why have you brought Yahweh’s assembly into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our animals?
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Numbers 20:4" mean?
This verse, Numbers 20:4, expresses a harsh and resentful complaint from the Israelites against Moses and Aaron as they wander in the wilderness. Let's break down what it means:
"Why have you brought Yahweh's assembly...": The Israelites are addressing Moses and Aaron, holding them responsible for leading them out of Egypt and into their current predicament. "Yahweh's assembly" refers to the entire congregation of the Israelites, chosen by God. The use of this phrase implies a sense of betrayal; they believe Moses and Aaron have misled God's chosen people.
"...into this wilderness...": The wilderness is a recurring symbol in the Exodus narrative, representing hardship, lack of resources, and vulnerability. The Israelites are highlighting the harsh conditions and the perceived barrenness of their surroundings.
"...that we should die there, we and our animals?": This is the crux of their complaint. They fear death due to starvation, thirst, or disease in the wilderness. The inclusion of "we and our animals" emphasizes the severity of their situation; they are concerned not only for their own lives but also for the livestock that are vital for their survival.
In essence, the Israelites are accusing Moses and Aaron of leading them to their doom. They believe that being in the wilderness is a direct result of Moses and Aaron's decisions, and they see death as the inevitable outcome. This complaint reflects a lack of trust in God's provision and a longing for the perceived security of their former life in Egypt, even though it was a life of slavery. It's a moment of deep discouragement and frustration where they question God's plan and the leadership of Moses and Aaron.
Numbers 20:4 - Why have you brought Yahweh’s assembly into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our animals?
What does "Numbers 20:4" mean?
This verse, Numbers 20:4, expresses a harsh and resentful complaint from the Israelites against Moses and Aaron as they wander in the wilderness. Let's break down what it means:
"Why have you brought Yahweh's assembly...": The Israelites are addressing Moses and Aaron, holding them responsible for leading them out of Egypt and into their current predicament. "Yahweh's assembly" refers to the entire congregation of the Israelites, chosen by God. The use of this phrase implies a sense of betrayal; they believe Moses and Aaron have misled God's chosen people.
"...into this wilderness...": The wilderness is a recurring symbol in the Exodus narrative, representing hardship, lack of resources, and vulnerability. The Israelites are highlighting the harsh conditions and the perceived barrenness of their surroundings.
"...that we should die there, we and our animals?": This is the crux of their complaint. They fear death due to starvation, thirst, or disease in the wilderness. The inclusion of "we and our animals" emphasizes the severity of their situation; they are concerned not only for their own lives but also for the livestock that are vital for their survival.
In essence, the Israelites are accusing Moses and Aaron of leading them to their doom. They believe that being in the wilderness is a direct result of Moses and Aaron's decisions, and they see death as the inevitable outcome. This complaint reflects a lack of trust in God's provision and a longing for the perceived security of their former life in Egypt, even though it was a life of slavery. It's a moment of deep discouragement and frustration where they question God's plan and the leadership of Moses and Aaron.