Numbers 21:18 Meaning and Explanation
“The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves. And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The leaders dug the well under Moses' direction, and Israel moved on to Mattanah.
The Context of Numbers 21:18
The leaders dig the well and Israel continues its journey.
What Does Numbers 21:18 Mean?
The completion of the song details the practical work: the princes and nobles of Israel dug the well themselves, under Moses' direction using their staffs as tools. This shows communal effort and leadership participation, with Moses acting as the guiding lawgiver.
The movement from the wilderness to Mattanah continues Israel's journey. Each place name marks stages in the route: Beer ('well'), Mattanah ('gift'), Nahaliel ('God's valley')—a geography that sometimes appears to reflect the spiritual significance of the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 21:18
What does Numbers 21:18 mean?
The leaders dug the well under Moses' direction, and Israel moved on to Mattanah.
What is the context of Numbers 21:18?
The leaders dig the well and Israel continues its journey.