The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 21:4

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

They journeyed from Mount Hor. It appears from comparison of Numbers 33:38 and Numbers 20:29 that their departure was not earlier than the beginning of the sixth month of the fortieth year. This season would be one of the hottest and most trying for marching.

By the way of the Red Sea, i.e; down the Arabah, towards Ezion-geber, at the head of the Elanitic Gulf. Septuagint, ὁδὸν ἐπὶ θά. Not far from this place they would reach the end of the Edomitish territory, and turn eastwards and northwards up the Wady el Ithm towards the steppes of Moab.

Discouraged. Literally, "shortened" or "straitened," as in Exodus 6:9. Septuagint, ὡλιγοψύχησεν ὁ λαός. Because of the way. The Ambah is a stony, sandy, almost barren plain shut in by mountain walls on either side, and subject to sand-storms.

It was not only, however, merely the heat and drought and ruggedness of the route which depressed them, but the fact that they were marching directly away from Canaan, and knew not how they were ever to reach it.

More for Numbers 21:4

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Matthew Henry on Numbers 21:4-9Numbers 21:4-9 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryThe children of Israel were wearied by a long march round the land of Edom. They speak discontentedly of what God had done for them, and distrustfully of what he would do. What will they be pleased with, whom manna will…The Brazen Serpent. (b. c. 1452.)Numbers 21:4-9 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTHE BRAZEN SERPENT. (B. C. 1452.) Here is, I. The fatigue of Israel by a long march round the land of Edom, because they could not obtain passage through it the nearest way: The soul of the people was much discouraged b…The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 21:4-9Numbers 21:4-9 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION THE FIERY SERPENTS (Numbers 21:4-9).The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 21:4-9Numbers 21:4-9 · The Pulpit CommentarySIN AND THE SAVIOUR The type of the brazen serpent lifted up in the wilderness is the only one which our Lord directly claims for himself as a type of his own crucifixion. No one can doubt that many other types, hardly…The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 21:4Numbers 21:4 · The Pulpit CommentaryTHE DISCOURAGEMENTS OF THE WAY The circumstances of the Israelites suggest some of the discouragements of Christian pilgrims. These may arise from— I. THE DIRECTION OF THE WAY. It led away from Canaan; it was apparently…

commentaryMatthew Henry on Numbers 21:4-9The children of Israel were wearied by a long march round the land of Edom. They speak discontentedly of what God had done for them, and distrustfully of what he would do. What will they be pleased with, whom manna will…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Brazen Serpent. (b. c. 1452.)THE BRAZEN SERPENT. (B. C. 1452.) Here is, I. The fatigue of Israel by a long march round the land of Edom, because they could not obtain passage through it the nearest way: The soul of the people was much discouraged b…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 21:4-9EXPOSITION THE FIERY SERPENTS (Numbers 21:4-9).Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 21:4-9SIN AND THE SAVIOUR The type of the brazen serpent lifted up in the wilderness is the only one which our Lord directly claims for himself as a type of his own crucifixion. No one can doubt that many other types, hardly…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 21:4THE DISCOURAGEMENTS OF THE WAY The circumstances of the Israelites suggest some of the discouragements of Christian pilgrims. These may arise from— I. THE DIRECTION OF THE WAY. It led away from Canaan; it was apparently…Joseph S. Exell and contributors