Numbers 21:16-20 And from there they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spoke to Moses, Gather the people together… What is celebrated with such sparkling joy in this little burst of melody is the happy union among all ranks, and the spirit of universal goodwill and co-operation in the work — giving cheerful angury for the future of the tribes in entering on the promised land, and a lively demonstration of popular confidence in their leaders. 1. There is a personal lesson respecting the spirit in which we ought to do our work. When the people were called to bore for water in a novel fashion, how inspiriting it is to read, "Then Israel sang this song!" This lightened their toil, and helped to prosper the issue. Thank God, "He gives us songs in the very night." Let us remember how our Lord Himself, on the eve of His betrayal, and in full view of the bitter Cross, alleviated His sorrows and braced His spirit for the task — "He sang a hymn." What a lesson for this work-a-day world, when nothing worth doing can be undertaken without something being endured! But "a cheerful heart doeth good like a medicine." And singing is infectious. They sang the song, and they digged the well. So work, and so sing. 2. A social lesson — the blessings of united effort. We are to mark how zealously all ranks joined in the work, and how "the leaders led in Israel." When Israel thus laboured, we hear of no disorder. Murmurings were stilled. High and low were full of heart and full of hope, because full of love. 3. A philanthropic lesson — dig a well. This well became a lasting blessing, celebrated in immortal song. A disciple of Mohammed, it is said, came to the prophet one day and asked, "What shall I best do as a memorial to my mother who is dead?" to which he replied, "Dig a well, and call it by her name, and put upon it, 'This well is for my mother.'" Beautiful idea! a monument truly serviceable, and therefore sure to last. Some memories are "writ in water," but here a mother's name is blissfully perpetuated in supplying the pure refreshing draught to weary wayfarers. This form of good endures like "a joy for ever," trickling down from age to age. "Dig a well." Whoso giveth a cup of cold water shall in no wise lose his reward. 4. A spiritual lesson. "Gather the people to Me; I will give them water." The point here emphasised is the connection between promise, preparation, and prayer, if we would win the privilege of drawing water with joy from the wells of salvation. (A. H. Drysdale, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water. |
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