Numbers 21:5 — Meaning and Application

And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah. {Hormah: that is, Utter destruction}

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. {discouraged: or, grieved: Heb. shortened}

And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for {there is} no bread, neither {is there any} water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.

And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.