King James Version
What Does Numbers 21:16 Mean?
“And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.”
Numbers 21:16 · KJV
Context
14
Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, What: or, Vaheb in Suphah
15
And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab. lieth: Heb. leaneth
16
And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.
17
Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it: Spring: Heb. Ascend sing: or, answer
18
The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves. And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryFrom thence they went to Beer: that is the well (בְּאֵר, be'er, meaning "well")—After recounting military boundaries, the narrative shifts to water provision. Gather the people together, and I will give them water echoes earlier water miracles (Exodus 17, Numbers 20) but without Moses' intercession or rock-striking. This generation receives water through direct promise, not mediated crisis.
God's provision shifts from dramatic signs to quiet faithfulness. The wilderness journey matured Israel from requiring constant spectacle to trusting simple promise. Beer becomes a symbol of covenant reliability—God still provides, even when the manner is ordinary rather than extraordinary.
God's provision shifts from dramatic signs to quiet faithfulness. The wilderness journey matured Israel from requiring constant spectacle to trusting simple promise. Beer becomes a symbol of covenant reliability—God still provides, even when the manner is ordinary rather than extraordinary.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Beer ("well") may be Beer-elim (Isaiah 15:8). Wells in the Transjordan wilderness were crucial for survival. Unlike Sinai's rock-water miracles, this provision appears natural—God working through ordinary means rather than supernatural intervention, though His promise makes it covenantal.
Reflection Questions
- How has God's provision in your life shifted from dramatic interventions to quiet, faithful supply?
- Do you value extraordinary miracles over ordinary providence, or recognize both as equally divine?
- What 'wells' in your life testify to God's simple promise-keeping rather than spectacular displays?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 14 wordsבְּאֵ֑רָה2 of 14
“And from thence they went to Beer”
H876beer, a place in the desert, also one in palestine
הִ֣וא3 of 14
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֲשֶׁ֨ר5 of 14
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָה֙7 of 14
“whereof the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱסֹף֙9 of 14
“Gather”
H622to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
אֶת10 of 14
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֔ם11 of 14
“the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְאֶתְּנָ֥ה12 of 14
“and I will give”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לָהֶ֖ם13 of 14
H0Study 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 21:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 21:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge