Numbers 21:4
Numbers 21:4 in Multiple Translations
Then they set out from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, in order to bypass the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient on the journey
¶ And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.
And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.
Then they went on from Mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, going round the land of Edom: and the spirit of the people was overcome with weariness on the way.
The Israelites left Mount Hor by the road leading to the Red Sea so they could avoid traveling through the country of Edom. But the people became bad-tempered on the way
After, they departed from the mount Hor by the way of the red Sea, to compasse the land of Edom: and the people were sore grieued because of the way.
And they journey from mount Hor, the way of the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom, and the soul of the people is short in the way,
They traveled from Mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. The soul of the people was very discouraged because of the journey.
And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.
And they marched from mount Hor, by the way that leadeth to the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom. And the people began to be weary of their journey and labour:
Then the Israelis left Hor Mountain and traveled on the road towards the Red Sea, in order to go around the land of Edom. But the people became impatient along the way,
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 21:4
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Numbers 21:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 21:4
Study Notes — Numbers 21:4
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 21:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 21:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 21:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 21:4
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:4
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 21:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 21:4
- Sermons on Numbers 21:4
Context — The Bronze Serpent
4Then they set out from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, in order to bypass the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient on the journey
5and spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!” 6So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 6:9 | Moses relayed this message to the Israelites, but on account of their broken spirit and cruel bondage, they did not listen to him. |
| 2 | Judges 11:18 | Then Israel traveled through the wilderness and bypassed the lands of Edom and Moab. They came to the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, since the Arnon was its border. |
| 3 | Numbers 32:7 | Why are you discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land that the LORD has given them? |
| 4 | Acts 14:22 | strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. |
| 5 | Numbers 33:41 | And the Israelites set out from Mount Hor and camped at Zalmonah. |
| 6 | 1 Thessalonians 3:3–4 | so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass. |
| 7 | Numbers 32:9 | For when your fathers went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land that the LORD had given them. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 2:5–8 | Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a footprint, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession. You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.’” Indeed, the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. The LORD your God has been with you these forty years, and you have lacked nothing. So we passed by our brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We turned away from the Arabah road, which comes up from Elath and Ezion-geber, and traveled along the road of the Wilderness of Moab. |
| 9 | Numbers 20:18–23 | But Edom answered, “You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.” “We will stay on the main road,” the Israelites replied, “and if we or our herds drink your water, we will pay for it. There will be no problem; only let us pass through on foot.” But Edom insisted, “You may not pass through.” And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong hand. So Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their territory, and Israel turned away from them. After they had set out from Kadesh, the whole congregation of Israel came to Mount Hor. And at Mount Hor, near the border of the land of Edom, the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, |
| 10 | Numbers 20:27 | So Moses did as the LORD had commanded, and they climbed Mount Hor in the sight of the whole congregation. |
Numbers 21:4 Summary
This verse tells us that the Israelites were on a journey and got frustrated because they didn't like where they were going. They wanted to take a shortcut, but God had other plans. This reminds us to trust in God's plan, even when we don't understand it, and to be patient, just like it says in Psalm 37:7. We can also learn from the Israelites' mistake by remembering that God is always with us, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6, and that He has a good plan for our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites want to bypass the land of Edom?
The Israelites wanted to bypass the land of Edom because they did not want to provoke conflict with the Edomites, as they were related to them through their ancestor Esau, as seen in Genesis 25:30 and Genesis 36:1.
What does it mean for the people to have grown impatient on the journey?
The people's impatience on the journey, as seen in Numbers 21:4, indicates a lack of trust in God's plan and provision, similar to their previous complaints in Exodus 16:2-3 and Exodus 17:1-3.
How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of the Israelites' journey?
This verse marks a turning point in the Israelites' journey, as they are transitioning from a period of conquest to a period of wilderness wandering, and their impatience sets the stage for the challenges they will face in Numbers 21:5-6.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience in this verse?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's plan and provision, even when the journey is difficult or uncertain, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can cultivate patience and trust in God's plan for my life, even when the journey is difficult?
- How do I respond when faced with uncertainty or hardship, and what can I learn from the Israelites' experience in this verse?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting in God's provision, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34, to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some common pitfalls or temptations that can lead to impatience and dissatisfaction, and how can I guard against them in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 21:4
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 21:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 21:4
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:4
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 21:4
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 21:4
Sermons on Numbers 21:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Nature of the New Birth by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the serpent on the pole from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of explaining this story to children in a way they can under |
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The Exodus - From Egypt to Canaan - Sermon 3 of 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a time when he was on a tour abroad and longed to be back home with his family. He emphasizes the danger of lusting after things for a long |
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The Story of My Life by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he was inspired by his teacher to consider becoming a minister. He initially felt unsure and unprepared, but when he was |
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Numbers 21 by Robert F. Adcock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He explains that looking and believing are synonymous terms, and that by believin |
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Let Jesus Christ Be Lord by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of how he was inspired by his teacher to consider becoming a minister. He initially felt unsure and unprepared, but when he |
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How Revival May Continue by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of revival and how it can continue in our Christian lives. He refers to a story in Numbers chapter 21 where the Lord Jesus himself |
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Anabaptist Idolatry by Duane Troyer | This sermon delves into the story of the bronze serpent in Numbers 21, highlighting how a miraculous work of God turned into an idol over time. It discusses the danger of idolizing |





