Old Testament
Numbers 20:5
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Why did you drag us out of Egypt just to bring us to this terrible place? Nothing grows here — no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates — and there isn't even water to drink!"
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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.
What Numbers 20:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites express their frustration and despair about their situation in the wilderness. They question why God led them out of Egypt, where they had food and water, only to bring them to a barren place with no resources. Their complaint highlights their lack of faith and trust in God's plan, as they focus on their immediate needs rather than the bigger picture of their journey to the Promised Land. This moment reflects their struggle with doubt and the challenges of relying on God during difficult times. The mention of specific crops and water emphasizes their desperation and longing for the comforts of their previous life in Egypt, despite the hardships they faced there. This verse serves as a reminder of the human tendency to complain when circumstances are tough, rather than seeking understanding and hope in God's promises.
How to apply Numbers 20:5 to your life
When facing difficult situations, it's easy to focus on our immediate needs and complain. Instead, we should remember God's past faithfulness and trust that He has a plan for us, even when circumstances seem bleak. Seeking gratitude can shift our perspective.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Moses Strikes the Rock (Numbers 20:1–13)
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Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Numbers 20:5
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 20:5 mean?
Numbers 20:5 captures the Israelites' frustration as they question why God led them out of Egypt only to face hardship in the wilderness. They express their despair over the lack of food and water, revealing their struggle with faith during difficult times.
What is the significance of the crops mentioned in Numbers 20:5?
The mention of crops like figs, grapes, and pomegranates in Numbers 20:5 highlights the Israelites' longing for the abundance they had in Egypt. It emphasizes their desperation and dissatisfaction with their current situation in the wilderness.
How does Numbers 20:5 relate to trusting God?
Numbers 20:5 illustrates the challenge of trusting God during tough times. The Israelites' complaints show how easy it is to lose faith and overlook God's past provisions when faced with immediate struggles.
What lesson can we learn from Numbers 20:5?
From Numbers 20:5, we learn the importance of maintaining faith and gratitude during difficult situations. Instead of complaining, we should remember God's past faithfulness and trust in His plan for our future.
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