Numbers 21:16 (KJV)

What does Numbers 21:16 mean?

Numbers 21:16 describes how the Israelites traveled to a place called Beer, which is identified as the well where the LORD told Moses to gather the people so He could provide them with water. This verse highlights a moment when God promised to meet the people's basic need for water during their journey.

In this setting, the Israelites are moving through the wilderness under Moses' leadership. The verse points out that Beer is not just another stop, but a significant place because God specifically spoke to Moses about supplying water there. This sets the stage for the following verses, where the people respond to God's provision with gratitude and song.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 21:16

• בְּאֵר (Be'er, transliterated "Beer"): This word means "well" and is also used here as a place name. The double use emphasizes both the physical well and the location's importance as a site of God's provision.
• יְהוָה (YHWH, transliterated "Yahweh" or "the LORD"): This is the personal name of God, highlighting that it is the LORD Himself who promises to provide water, not just a general act of nature.
• אָסַף (asaf, transliterated "Gather"): This word means "to gather" or "collect," showing that Moses was to bring all the people together for this event, making it a communal experience.
• נָתַן (natan, transliterated "give"): This word means "to give," emphasizing that the water is a gift from God, not something the people earned or found on their own.

Why Numbers 21:16 matters

• This verse clarifies that Beer is significant because it is the place where God directly promised to provide water, not just a random stop along the journey.
• Numbers 21:16 sets up the context for the following verses, where the people celebrate God's provision, showing a rare moment of gratitude in their wilderness story.
• The verse underscores the theme of God's care for the Israelites’ needs, reminding readers that even in the wilderness, God is attentive and responsive to His people.