Numbers 20:4

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here?

American Standard Version (1901)

And why have ye brought the assembly of Jehovah into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our beasts?

Bible in Basic English

Why have you taken the Lord's people into this waste, for death to come to us and to our cattle there?

Free Bible Version

Why have you brought the Lord's people into this desert just so we and our livestock can die here?

King James (Authorized) Version

And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?

One Unity Resource Bible

Why have you brought Adonai ’s assembly into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our animals?

Translation for Translators

◄Did you bring us, who are Yahweh’s people, into this desert to die along with our livestock?/You brought us, who are Yahweh’s people, into this desert to die along with our livestock!► [RHQ]

Unlocked Literal Bible

Why have you brought Yahweh's community into this wilderness to die here, we and our animals?

Noah Webster Bible

And why have ye brought the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?

World English Bible

Why have you brought Yahweh’s assembly into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our animals?

Young's Literal Translation

and why have ye brought in the assembly of Jehovah unto this wilderness to die there, we and our beasts?

Context

Water from the Rock

³The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD!⁴Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here?⁵Why have you led us up out of Egypt to bring us to this wretched place? It is not a place of grain, figs, vines, or pomegranates—and there is no water to drink!”

Summary

In Numbers 20:4, the Israelites express their frustration and despair due to the lack of water in the wilderness. Their complaint reflects a pattern of grumbling and lack of faith that characterized their journey. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's provision and faithfulness, even in challenging circumstances. It also highlights the consequences of allowing doubt and impatience to overshadow belief in God's power and promises.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

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, and how careful parents should be of their words and actions, that their posterity be not harmed by them; see Exo 17:3.