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Numbers 20:3

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

The people argued with Moses and said, 'We wish we had died when our fellow Israelites died in the Lord's presence!'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The Israelites were so frustrated and desperate that they told Moses they wished they had died along with others who had perished earlier in their journey.

📚 Historical Context

In the Book of Numbers, the Israelites were wandering through the desert after their exodus from Egypt, enduring hardships like a severe lack of water that tested their faith. At this point in the story, the people at Meribah quarreled with Moses and expressed deep regret, wishing they had died during earlier events such as the rebellion of Korah, when God judged the community for their disobedience. This reflects the ongoing pattern of the Israelites' grumbling against God's appointed leaders despite His previous miracles and provisions.

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