What does Numbers 20:16 mean?
"And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:" - Numbers 20:16

Numbers 20:16 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And when we cried unto the Lord, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border."
This verse is a part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The context of this particular verse is that the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, are approaching the land of Canaan after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. However, they are denied passage through the land of Edom, and are now encamped at Kadesh.
The themes present in this verse include faith, deliverance, and obedience to God. It is a testament to the Israelites' faith in God and their reliance on Him for deliverance. They cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He heard their voice. This demonstrates the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God to respond to the cries of His people. The Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt is also highlighted in this verse, emphasizing God's sovereignty and His ability to rescue His people from oppression.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the imagery of the angel sent by God. The angel represents divine intervention and protection. Throughout the Bible, angels are often depicted as messengers of God, tasked with carrying out His will and providing guidance and protection to His people. In this verse, the angel serves as a tangible manifestation of God's presence and care for the Israelites as they navigate through the challenges of the wilderness.
Furthermore, the mention of Kadesh as the location where the Israelites are encamped holds significance in the larger narrative of the Exodus. Kadesh is a city located at the border of the land of Edom, and it represents a pivotal point in the Israelites' journey towards the promised land of Canaan. The city of Kadesh becomes a symbol of the liminal space between bondage and freedom, where the Israelites are poised to transition from their wilderness wanderings to the fulfillment of God's promises.
In addition, the verse also underscores the relationship between God and His chosen people. The Israelites' cry to the Lord and His subsequent response reflects the covenantal bond between them. God had promised to deliver the Israelites from bondage and lead them to a land flowing with milk and honey, and this verse serves as a fulfillment of that promise. It emphasizes the faithfulness of God in keeping His word and the trustworthiness of His covenant with His people.
Overall, Numbers 20:16 in the King James Version of the Bible conveys a powerful message of faith, deliverance, and divine intervention. It highlights the Israelites' reliance on God in their time of need, and serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. The verse also offers a glimpse of the larger narrative of the Exodus, and the pivotal role of Kadesh in the Israelites' journey towards the land of Canaan. Ultimately, it points to the enduring themes of God's sovereignty, protection, and the enduring relationship between God and His chosen people.
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Numbers 20:16 Artwork
Numbers 20:16 - "And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:"
"And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:" - Numbers 20:16
Numbers 16:20 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,"
"And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying," - Numbers 16:20
Numbers 16:18
Numbers 11:16-26
Numbers 32:16-18
Numbers 32:16-18
Numbers 20:20 - "And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand."
Numbers 20:7 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
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Numbers 16:16 - "And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow:"
Mark 16:20
Mark 16:20
Deuteronomy 20:16
Numbers 33:20 - "And they departed from Rimmon-parez, and pitched in Libnah."
Mark 16:20
Genesis 20-16
Mark 16:20
Deuteronomy 20:16
Mark 16:20
Deuteronomy 20:16
Numbers 25:16 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 7:16 - "One kid of the goats for a sin offering:"
Numbers 34:16 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
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Numbers 16:36 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 16:23 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 16:44 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 7:20 - "One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:"