King James Version
What Does Numbers 21:18 Mean?
“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:”
Numbers 21:18 · KJV
Context
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:
19
And from Mattanah to Nahaliel: and from Nahaliel to Bamoth:
20
And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon. country: Heb. field Pisgah: or, the hill Jeshimon: or, the wilderness
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe song celebrating the well 'which the princes digged, which the nobles of the people digged, with the scepter, and with their staves' shows joyful cooperation in obtaining God's provision. The imagery of leaders digging with their official staffs (normally not used for manual labor) suggests that even those in authority humble themselves for the community's benefit. The well represents God's provision through human instrumentality—God provides water, but people must dig to access it. This balances divine sovereignty with human responsibility.
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Historical & Cultural Context
This incident at Beer ('well') provides positive contrast to earlier water complaints. The well's location 'in the wilderness' where no natural water existed emphasizes God's miraculous provision. The 'scepter' and 'staves' were symbols of authority, making their use for digging significant—leaders served rather than merely commanded. This prefigures Christ who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45).
Reflection Questions
- How does God combine sovereign provision with calling His people to active participation in obtaining His blessings?
- What does leaders using their authority symbols for servant-work teach about Christian leadership?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsנְדִיבֵ֣י5 of 10
“the nobles”
H5081properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
הָעָ֔ם6 of 10
“of the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בִּמְחֹקֵ֖ק7 of 10
“it by the direction of the lawgiver”
H2710properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive
בְּמִשְׁעֲנֹתָ֑ם8 of 10
“with their staves”
H4938support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick
וּמִמִּדְבָּ֖ר9 of 10
“And from the wilderness”
H4057a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
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 21:18 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 21:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge