King James Version

What Does Numbers 20:7 Mean?

Numbers 20:7 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, — study this verse from Numbers chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 20:7 · KJV


Context

5

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.

6

And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them.

7

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

8

Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

9

And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God instructs Moses to 'speak ye unto the rock' to bring forth water. The command to speak rather than strike (as at Rephidim, Exodus 17:6) represented a new directive requiring fresh obedience. Moses' subsequent striking of the rock instead of speaking to it (verse 11) violated this command, resulting in his exclusion from Canaan. Second-time obedience must match current instructions, not merely repeat past patterns.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This incident occurred near Kadesh at the end of forty years' wandering, bookending the wilderness period. The generation that failed to enter Canaan was nearly gone; Moses himself would soon be excluded for this failure. Even great leaders must maintain precise obedience to God's specific commands.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between legitimate repetition of past obedience and assumption that God's methods never change?
  2. What 'second chances' has God given you that required modified obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר1 of 5

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 5

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 5
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֥ה4 of 5

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לֵּאמֹֽר׃5 of 5

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 20:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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