Numbers 20:16 – “But when we cried out to the Lord, he heard our cry and sent an angel and brought us out of Egypt. Now we are here at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Numbers 20:16, Moses continues his message to the king of Edom as he requests permission for the Israelites to pass through Edomite territory. This verse recounts the pivotal moment when the Israelites, suffering under severe oppression in Egypt, cried out to the Lord for help. God heard their cries, sent an angel to guide them, and delivered them from slavery, bringing them to freedom. The reference to “an angel” likely points to God’s presence guiding them, represented by the Angel of the Lord, who often appeared in key moments throughout Israel’s journey.
Moses uses this reminder of God’s deliverance to appeal to the Edomites’ sense of compassion and shared history. By recounting how God intervened in their desperate situation, Moses emphasizes that the Israelites are not just wanderers; they are a people guided and protected by God. The mention of Kadesh, where they are currently camped, underscores that they are not far from Edom’s borders, making this request urgent and immediate.
Historical Context
The historical context of Numbers 20:16 reaches back to the Israelites’ bondage in Egypt and their miraculous deliverance by God. When the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, their situation was desperate, filled with harsh treatment and heavy burdens. In their distress, they cried out to God, and He responded by raising up Moses as their leader and sending plagues upon Egypt, culminating in the Exodus, where God led them out with a mighty hand.
God’s guidance was evident throughout their journey, symbolized by the Angel of the Lord, who led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. This divine presence reassured the people of God’s constant care and direction. As the Israelites camped at Kadesh, on the brink of entering the Promised Land, Moses reminds Edom of God’s intervention in their history as part of his appeal for passage through their land.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Numbers 20:16 highlights God’s responsiveness to the cries of His people. When the Israelites were in trouble, they called out to God, and He not only heard them but actively intervened in their situation. This verse underscores God’s nature as a deliverer who is deeply involved in the lives of His people, offering guidance, protection, and a way forward, even in the most challenging circumstances.
This verse also teaches about the importance of prayer and seeking God in times of distress. The Israelites’ deliverance began with their cry to God, showing that He listens and responds when His people turn to Him. It’s a reminder that God’s intervention is not just a distant hope but a present reality for those who call on Him.
Literary Analysis
Numbers 20:16 uses a narrative style that recalls a moment of desperation turned into deliverance. The phrase “when we cried out to the Lord” captures the urgency and vulnerability of the Israelites’ position, while “he heard our cry” emphasizes God’s attentiveness. The mention of the angel highlights God’s active guidance and presence, portraying a God who does not just hear but also acts decisively.
The verse builds a logical flow: cry, hear, send, and deliver. This progression reinforces the pattern of God’s faithfulness and the cycle of human dependence on divine help. It also serves as a bridge between past deliverance and present need, setting the stage for Moses’ request to Edom by reminding them of the divine backing behind the Israelites’ journey.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 3:7-8 – God’s response to the Israelites’ cries in Egypt, where He declares His intent to deliver them and bring them to a good land.
- Exodus 14:19-20 – The Angel of the Lord protecting the Israelites during the crossing of the Red Sea, showing God’s active presence in their deliverance.
- Psalm 34:17 – A promise that the Lord hears the cries of the righteous and delivers them from all their troubles, reflecting God’s attentive care.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Numbers 20:16 serves as an encouraging reminder that God hears the cries of His people. In moments of distress, confusion, or struggle, believers are encouraged to call out to God, knowing that He listens and responds. This verse challenges us to trust that God is not distant but is actively involved in our lives, ready to guide and deliver us when we seek Him.
This passage also teaches that God’s help often comes through His presence, whether through the Holy Spirit, scripture, or other believers. Just as God sent an angel to guide the Israelites, He provides His presence and direction for us today, reminding us that we are never alone on our journey.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Numbers 20:16 highlights God’s love in action. God’s response to the cries of His people shows His compassionate nature, His attentiveness to their suffering, and His willingness to intervene on their behalf. The fact that God heard, sent, and delivered emphasizes that His love is not passive; it is active and engaged.
This verse reminds us that God’s love includes guidance and provision. Even when the Israelites were in a hopeless situation, God stepped in with a plan and a promise. His love is consistent, and He continues to be a God who listens, cares, and acts for the good of His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects directly to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate expression of God’s deliverance. Just as God sent an angel to guide the Israelites, He sent Jesus to rescue humanity from the bondage of sin and death. In John 3:16, we see the greatest act of God’s love: sending His Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Jesus embodies the role of both the messenger and the deliverer. He hears our cries, understands our struggles, and offers salvation through His death and resurrection. In Christ, we find the fulfillment of God’s promise to be present with His people, guiding us through life’s challenges and leading us into the eternal Promised Land.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does knowing that God hears your cries encourage you in times of trouble or distress?
- What can the Israelites’ experience teach us about the importance of seeking God in difficult moments?
- How have you experienced God’s guidance and presence in your own life?
- In what ways can you rely on God’s active involvement rather than trying to handle struggles on your own?
- How does Jesus’ role as our deliverer deepen your understanding of God’s love and care for you?
This verse reminds us that God is always attentive to the needs of His people. Through Christ, we have a direct line to the Father, who hears us, guides us, and delivers us, offering hope and direction no matter where we find ourselves on life’s journey.