Old Testament
Numbers 21:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Please pray to the LORD to take these snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people.
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Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.
What Numbers 21:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites acknowledge their wrongdoing after suffering from snake bites as a consequence of their complaints against God and Moses. They recognize that their words have led to their suffering and humbly ask Moses to intercede on their behalf. This shows their understanding of sin and the need for repentance. Moses, acting as a mediator, prays to God for mercy, demonstrating the importance of prayer and seeking forgiveness. The verse highlights the relationship between the people and their leaders, as well as their dependence on God for healing and protection. It serves as a reminder that acknowledging our mistakes and seeking help from God can lead to restoration and healing. The act of confessing their sins is a crucial step in their journey back to a right relationship with God, emphasizing the need for humility and the power of intercessory prayer.
How to apply Numbers 21:7 to your life
When we recognize our mistakes, it's important to confess and seek forgiveness, just as the Israelites did. We can also pray for others who are struggling, showing compassion and support. This teaches us the value of humility and the power of prayer in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: The Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21:4–9)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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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 21:7 teach about sin and repentance?
Numbers 21:7 illustrates the importance of acknowledging one's sins and seeking repentance. The Israelites recognized their wrongdoing in speaking against God and Moses, which led to their suffering from snake bites. Their confession highlights the necessity of humility and the desire for restoration in their relationship with God. This verse serves as a reminder that recognizing our mistakes is the first step towards healing and reconciliation.
How does Moses act as a mediator in Numbers 21:7?
In Numbers 21:7, Moses acts as a mediator by praying to God on behalf of the Israelites. After they confess their sins and request help, Moses intercedes for them, demonstrating the role of a leader who advocates for his people. This act of intercession emphasizes the significance of prayer and the need for someone to bridge the gap between the people and God, especially in times of crisis.
What can we learn about prayer from Numbers 21:7?
Numbers 21:7 teaches us that prayer is a powerful tool for seeking forgiveness and mercy. The Israelites turned to Moses to pray for them, showing their belief in the effectiveness of intercessory prayer. This verse encourages us to pray not only for ourselves but also for others who are struggling, reinforcing the idea that prayer can lead to healing and restoration in our lives and communities.
What are the consequences of speaking against God as shown in Numbers 21:7?
The consequences of speaking against God, as depicted in Numbers 21:7, include suffering and distress. The Israelites faced snake bites as a direct result of their complaints and negative words. This serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of our words and attitudes towards God and authority figures, reminding us that our actions can lead to serious repercussions.
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