Numbers 20:5
Numbers 20:5 in Multiple Translations
Why 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!”
And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.
And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.
Why have you made us come out of Egypt into this evil place? This is no place of seed or figs or vines or other fruits, and there is no water for drinking.
Why did you lead us out of Egypt to come to this awful place? Nothing grows here—no grain or figs or vines or pomegranates. And there's no water to drink!”
Wherefore nowe haue yee made vs to come vp from Egypt, to bring vs into this miserable place, which is no place of seede, nor figges, nor vines, nor pomegranates? neither is there any water to drinke.
and why hast thou brought us up out of Egypt to bring us in unto this evil place? no place of seed, and fig, and vine, and pomegranate; and water there is none to drink.
Why have you made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in to this evil place? It is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.”
And why have ye conducted us from Egypt, to bring us to this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.
Why have you made us come up out of Egypt, and have brought us into this wretched place which cannot be sowed, nor bringeth forth figs, nor vines, nor pomegranates, neither is there any water to drink?
Why did you bring us from Egypt to this miserable place [RHQ]? There is no grain, there are no figs, no grapes, and no pomegranates here. And there is no water for us to drink!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 20:5
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Numbers 20:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 20:5
Study Notes — Numbers 20:5
Context — Water from the Rock
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!”
6Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. They fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. 7And the LORD said to Moses,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 16:14 | Moreover, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you gouge out the eyes of these men? No, we will not come!” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 2:2 | “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 2:6 | They did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD who brought us up from the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and pits, a land of drought and darkness, a land where no one travels and no one lives?’ |
| 4 | Nehemiah 9:21 | For forty years You sustained them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 20:36 | Just as I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will enter into judgment with you, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 8:15 | He led you through the vast and terrifying wilderness with its venomous snakes and scorpions, a thirsty and waterless land. He brought you water from the rock of flint. |
Numbers 20:5 Summary
In Numbers 20:5, the Israelites are complaining about the lack of food and water in the wilderness, feeling that God has brought them out of Egypt only to let them die in the desert. They are focusing on what they don't have, rather than trusting in God's provision and care, as seen in Exodus 16:3 and Deuteronomy 8:3. This verse reminds us to trust in God's plan and provision, even when circumstances seem difficult, and to focus on the abundance of His love and care for us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God, we can find contentment and peace, even in the 'wretched places' of our lives, as seen in Philippians 4:11-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the people's complaint in Numbers 20:5?
The people are complaining about the lack of food and water in the wilderness, feeling that God has brought them out of Egypt only to let them die in the desert, as seen in Exodus 16:3 and Numbers 20:4.
Why are the people focusing on the absence of specific foods like grain, figs, vines, and pomegranates?
These foods were staples in the Israelites' diet and represented a life of abundance and prosperity, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:7-10, which is why their absence is particularly distressing for them.
Is the people's complaint against Moses or against God?
While the people are directing their complaint towards Moses, it is ultimately against God's provision and care for them, as seen in their statement 'Why have you led us up out of Egypt' in Numbers 20:5, which reflects a lack of trust in God's plan, similar to the attitude expressed in Psalm 78:19-20.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Numbers?
This verse highlights the Israelites' recurring struggle with trusting God's plan and provision, a theme that is woven throughout the book of Numbers, as seen in Numbers 14:11 and Numbers 21:5, and is a reminder of the importance of faith and obedience, as emphasized in Hebrews 3:7-19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I, like the Israelites, might be focusing on the lacks in my life rather than the abundance of God's provision?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's plan and provision, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain, as the Israelites faced in the wilderness?
- In what ways can I, like Moses and Aaron, respond to complaints and difficulties with humility and prayer, seeking God's guidance and direction, as seen in Numbers 20:6?
- What are some 'wretched places' in my own life where I feel God has led me, and how can I trust that He is working all things for my good, as promised in Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 20:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 20:5
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 20:5
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 20:5
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 20:5
Sermons on Numbers 20:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Last Hinderance to Revival by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking in the Spirit and not being self-righteous complainers or gossipers. He refers to Jesus' announcement of a new wor |
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Your First Love by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into Revelation chapter 2, focusing on the message to the church of Ephesus about their loss of first love for Jesus. It emphasizes the importance of repentance, |
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The Good Way by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of returning to our first love for God. He encourages the congregation to turn off distractions like television and prioritize |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 14 - the Escaped Remnant by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the word of God and keeping His commandments to avoid destruction. He encourages the listeners to acquire |
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Come Up Higher, Part 2 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker urges listeners to take their commitment to the Lord seriously. They emphasize the importance of not only avoiding sin and wickedness but also actively |
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With or Without God by Matthew Little | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the devotion and departure of Israel. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a genuine and passionate relationship with God, rather tha |
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God's Love by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the loving kindness of God towards humanity. He highlights the intricate design of the human body and the various blessings it provides, suc |






