And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor.

NUMBERS 20:22KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 20:22 (KJV)

What does Numbers 20:22 mean?

Numbers 20:22 describes how the entire community of Israel left the place called Kadesh and traveled together to a mountain named Mount Hor. This verse marks a transition in their journey through the wilderness as they move from one significant location to another.

The verse is part of the narrative where Moses is leading the Israelites through the desert after leaving Egypt. The people have just experienced conflict and loss at Kadesh, and now the whole group—referred to as the congregation—sets out for Mount Hor, which will soon become the setting for Aaron’s death. The verse sets the stage for important events that follow in the story.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 20:22

  • "children" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word means "sons" or "descendants," and here it emphasizes that the group traveling is the collective offspring of Israel, not just a small band but the whole nation.
  • "congregation" (עֵדָה, `edah): This term refers to the entire assembly or community of Israelites, highlighting the unity and shared experience of the people as they journey together.
  • "journeyed" (נָסַע, nasa`): This verb means "to set out" or "to pull up stakes," painting a picture of a group on the move, not just wandering but purposefully traveling from one place to another.
  • "Kadesh" (קָדֵשׁ, Qadesh): The name means "holy" or "sacred," and it was a significant campsite for Israel, often associated with moments of crisis or decision in their wilderness wanderings.
  • "mount" (הַר, har) and "Hor" (הֹר, Hor): These words identify the specific mountain destination, Mount Hor, which becomes important in the following verses as the place where Aaron dies.

Why Numbers 20:22 matters

  • This verse signals a turning point in the Israelites’ journey, moving them from Kadesh—a place of conflict and disappointment—toward a new chapter at Mount Hor.
  • The mention of the "whole congregation" stresses that these events involve the entire nation, not just the leaders, showing the collective nature of Israel’s experience in the wilderness.
  • By naming both Kadesh and Mount Hor, the verse ties together key locations in the Israelites’ story, helping readers track their progress and understand the significance of each stop along the way.

Where else these words appear

“Hor” Hebrew H2023 · used in 12 verses

  • Numbers 20:23 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying,
  • Numbers 21:4 And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.
  • Numbers 33:41 And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah.

“Kadesh” Hebrew H6946 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 14:7 And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.
  • Numbers 20:14 And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:
  • Deuteronomy 32:51 Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.

“congregation” Hebrew H5712 · used in 140 verses

  • Exodus 12:3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
  • Numbers 15:24 Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering.
  • Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

“journeyed” Hebrew H5265 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • Numbers 10:22 And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elishama the son of Ammihud.
  • Numbers 33:32 And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.