After they had set out from Kadesh, the whole congregation of Israel came to Mount Hor. After they had set out from KadeshThe phrase "After they had set out from Kadesh" marks a significant transition in the journey of the Israelites. Kadesh was a pivotal location in the wilderness wanderings, often associated with rebellion and disobedience, such as the incident of Moses striking the rock. The Hebrew root for "set out" (נָסַע, nasa) implies a deliberate departure, suggesting a movement ordained by God. This departure signifies a new chapter, a movement away from past failures towards the fulfillment of God's promises. Kadesh, meaning "holy" or "sacred," ironically became a place of judgment, reminding us of the consequences of disobedience but also of God's enduring guidance. the whole congregation of Israel
The term "the whole congregation of Israel" emphasizes the unity and collective identity of the Israelites. In Hebrew, "congregation" (עֵדָה, edah) refers to an assembly or gathering, highlighting the communal aspect of their journey. This phrase underscores the importance of community in the faith journey, where the experiences and lessons are shared collectively. Historically, this unity was crucial for survival and success in the harsh wilderness. Spiritually, it reflects the body of Christ, where believers are called to journey together, supporting and encouraging one another in faith. came to Mount Hor
"Mount Hor" is a significant geographical and spiritual landmark. The Hebrew name "Hor" (הֹר) is associated with a mountain or hill, and it is traditionally identified with a peak in the Edomite range. This location is historically significant as the place where Aaron, the first high priest, died and was buried. The journey to Mount Hor symbolizes a transition from the old generation to the new, as Aaron's death marks the end of an era. It serves as a reminder of the mortality of even the most revered leaders and the continuity of God's plan beyond individual lifespans. Spiritually, Mount Hor represents a place of divine encounter and transition, where God's faithfulness is reaffirmed despite human frailty. Persons / Places / Events 1. KadeshA significant location in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. It was a place of both rebellion and divine instruction. Kadesh is where Moses struck the rock to bring forth water, an act that led to his and Aaron's exclusion from entering the Promised Land. 2. The Entire Congregation of IsraelRefers to the collective body of the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. Their journey is marked by trials, divine provision, and lessons in obedience and faith. 3. Mount HorA mountain on the border of Edom, significant as the place where Aaron, the high priest, died and was succeeded by his son Eleazar. It represents a transition in leadership and a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. 4. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. Moses' leadership is characterized by his close relationship with God, yet he also faced consequences for his actions at Kadesh. 5. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. His death at Mount Hor marks a significant moment in Israel's history, symbolizing the end of an era and the continuation of God's plan through the next generation. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceThe journey from Kadesh to Mount Hor underscores the importance of following God's instructions. Disobedience, as seen in Moses and Aaron's actions, has serious consequences. Leadership TransitionThe death of Aaron and the succession of Eleazar highlight the importance of preparing the next generation for leadership. God’s work continues through faithful leaders who are willing to serve. God’s FaithfulnessDespite the Israelites' repeated failures, God remains faithful to His promises. This encourages believers to trust in God's unwavering faithfulness in their own lives. The Journey of FaithThe physical journey of the Israelites mirrors the spiritual journey of believers. It involves challenges, growth, and reliance on God's guidance and provision. Bible Study Questions 1. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' journey from Kadesh to Mount Hor about obedience and trust in God? 2. How does the transition of leadership from Aaron to Eleazar at Mount Hor apply to the way we prepare future generations for spiritual leadership today? 3. In what ways does the faithfulness of God to the Israelites encourage us in our personal walk with Him, especially during difficult times? 4. How can the account of Moses and Aaron at Kadesh serve as a warning and a lesson for us in our daily decisions and actions? 5. Reflecting on Hebrews 3, how can we ensure that we do not harden our hearts as the Israelites did, and instead remain faithful to God's calling in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 17This chapter recounts an earlier incident at Rephidim where Moses also struck a rock to bring forth water. It highlights the recurring theme of God's provision despite the people's complaints. Deuteronomy 32Moses reflects on the journey and the lessons learned, emphasizing obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. Hebrews 3The New Testament draws on the wilderness journey as a lesson in faith and perseverance, urging believers to remain faithful and obedient to God's voice. People Aaron, Egyptians, Eleazar, Israelites, Miriam, MosesPlaces Edom, Egypt, Kadesh-barnea, King's Highway, Meribah, Mount Hor, ZinTopics Assembly, Community, Company, Congregation, Hor, Journey, Journeyed, Kadesh, Mount, Removed, Sons, TraveledDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 20:22 7206 community Numbers 20:22-29 4254 mountains Library August 17. "Speak Ye unto the Rock" (Num. xx. 8).
"Speak ye unto the Rock" (Num. xx. 8). The Holy Ghost is very sensitive, as love always is. You can conquer a wild beast by blows and chains, but you cannot conquer a woman's heart that way, or win the love of a sensitive nature; that must be wooed by the delicate touches of trust and affection. So the Holy Ghost has to be taken by a faith as delicate and sensitive as the gentle heart with whom it is coming in touch. One thought of unbelief, one expression of impatient distrust or fear, will instantly …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Waters of Meribah
'Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. 2. And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3. And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord! 4. And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XI. 2-30; ^C Luke VII. 18-35. ^c 18 And the disciples of John told him of all these things. ^a 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent by his disciples ^c 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them unto the Lord [John had been cast into prison about December, a.d. 27, and it was now after the Passover, possibly in May or June, a.d. 28. Herod Antipas had cast John into prison because John had reproved him for taking his brother's wife. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [136] . Gregory to Augustine, &c. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14); because a grain of wheat, falling into the earth, has died, that it might not reign in heaven alone; even He by whose death we live, by whose weakness we are made strong, by whose suffering we are rescued from suffering, through whose love we seek in Britain for brethren whom we knew not, by whose gift we find those whom without knowing them we sought. …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Peræa to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
^D John XI. 1-46. ^d 1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [For Bethany and the sisters, see p. 478.] 2 And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair [John xii. 3 ], whose brother Lazarus was sick. [The anointing had not yet taken place, as John himself shows. For a similar anticipation see Matt. x. 4. There are five prominent Marys in the New Testament: those of Nazareth, Magdala and Bethany; the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 20:22 NIVNumbers 20:22 NLTNumbers 20:22 ESVNumbers 20:22 NASBNumbers 20:22 KJV
Numbers 20:22 Commentaries
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