Numbers 21:5

Translations

Modern

…and spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!”

Traditional

And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.

Literal

And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.”

Latin

…locutusque contra Deum et Moysen, ait: Cur eduxisti nos de Ægypto, ut moreremur in solitudine? deest panis, non sunt aquæ: anima nostra jam nauseat super cibo isto levissimo.

Interlinear

Hebrew

English

…and spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!”

Notes

Numbers 21:4–9

The "vow to the LORD" (21:2–3) and the resulting victory did not stop Israel from criticizing God and Moses. The long journey was a punishment for similar complaints (14:26–35).

Numbers 21:1–22:1

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses The Bronze Snake

Related verses

Psalm 78:19
They spoke against God, saying, “Can God really prepare a table in the wilderness?
Numbers 16:41
The next day the whole congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have killed the LORD’s people!”
Exodus 17:2–3
So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?”
Numbers 16:13–14
Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? Must you also appoint yourself as ruler over us?
Exodus 14:11
They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us into the wilderness to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?
Numbers 14:1–4
Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept.
Numbers 17:12
Then the Israelites declared to Moses, “Look, we are perishing! We are lost; we are all lost!
Numbers 11:1–9
Soon the people began to complain about their hardship in the hearing of the LORD, and when He heard them, His anger was kindled, and fire from the LORD blazed among them and consumed the outskirts of the camp.
Exodus 16:2–3
And there in the desert the whole congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
Exodus 15:24
So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”
Psalm 68:6
God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.
Proverbs 27:7
The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.

People

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Places

Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus

Glossary

Book of the Wars of the Lord Bread Bronze Snake, Bronze Serpent Deuteronomy, Book of Disease Fiery Serpent Kenites Numbers, Book of

Topics

Blasphemy of the Israelites, in Complaining Against God Infidelity: General Scriptures Concerning Intercession: Answered: That the Plague of the Fiery Serpents Would Stop Israel: are Scourged with Fiery Serpents Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Zalmonah: Murmuring of the People Manna: The Israelites: Loathed Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Murmuring: Israelites Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Repentance: Repentance of Their Complaining Because of Lack of Bread and Water Salvation: Illustrated by Typified by the Bronze Serpent Salvation: Typified

Numbers 21:5

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