· Translation: KJV

Numbers 21:16From there they traveled to Beer: that is the well of which Yahweh said to Moses, "Gather the people together, and I will give them water."

The setting

Eastern Jordan desert, ~1400 BC. Two million thirsty people gather as Moses calls them to witness God's promise...

The emotion here: amazed at God's continued faithfulness despite Israel's complaints

The original word

Beer (בְּאֵר) — well, from verb 'to dig' or 'to explain clearly'

Why it matters

This is the only recorded instance where God tells Moses to gather ALL the people for water provision

Read with care

What most readers miss in Numbers 21:16

God says 'gather the people' — He wants EVERYONE to witness this miracle, not just Moses

Common misconceptionPeople think this is just about physical thirst, but God is teaching Israel to depend on Him publicly, not just in private desperation.

Bible Genome reading

Numbers 21:16 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerNarrator
Eraexodus
Primary emotiongrateful
Literary typelaw
MarkPromise of God
MarkCommand

Emotional genome

Comfort power60%
Quotability40%
Memorability60%
Crisis relevance60%
Standalone40%
Themes:divine provisioncommunity

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open Numbers 21

Numbers 21:16 comes from the book of Numbers, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is grateful, with a comfort power of 60% and a tone that is tender. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include divine provision, community. Notable phrases: Gather the people together; I will give them water. This verse contains a promise of God. This verse contains a command.

Your reflection

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