Numbers 21:17

The location of Beer is unknown (compare Isaiah 15:8). The short poem in this passage describes the digging of a new well. It shows the joy the people felt. In a dry region, a new source of water was a great blessing.

The poem says that princes and leaders dug the well. It also says they used scepters and staffs, which were symbols of authority. This may suggest that the digging of the well was part of a special or joyful ceremony.

• As Israel journeyed to the promised land, they traveled from Mount Hor to the plains of Moab (22:1). The story of Israel's journey emphasizes the Lord's patient plan to lead Israel into Canaan despite their weaknesses.

• The general direction of their travel is clear. However, the exact path they took is not known today. Many of the places mentioned are difficult to identify.

  Archaeological evidence at some sites does not match the time usually connected with the wilderness period. Because of this, there are still serious questions about geography and history in the wilderness journey.