Numbers 20:15

Arabic Bible Life (Targamet El Hayah) (LA)

فقد انحدر آباؤنا إلى مصر فمكثنا فيها أياما كثيرة، فسامنا المصريون، نحن وآباءنا سوء العذاب،

What Does This Mean?

This verse is spoken by the Israelites to the king of Edom, explaining their history. They describe how their ancestors moved to Egypt, where they lived for a long time and faced hardships under the Egyptians.

Explained for Children

Imagine your family moved to a new town where the people there weren't very nice to you. That's kind of what happened to the Israelites in Egypt. They stayed there for a long time and had a tough time.

Historical Background

Numbers 20 was written by Moses around 1400 BC. The Israelites are speaking to the Edomites, recounting their history to justify their request for safe passage through Edom. This reflects the cultural setting where oral history was important for identity and negotiation.

Living It Out Today

Today, you might share your background with a new friend to explain why you have certain values or why you act a certain way. Just like the Israelites, sharing your story can help others understand you better.

Topics

• history
• identity
• oppression
• redemption
• migration
• negotiation

Related Verses

• Exodus 1:7-14
• Deuteronomy 23:7
• Psalm 105:23-25
• Romans 9:15
• 1 Peter 2:9-10

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Israelites go to Egypt?

The Israelites went to Egypt because of a famine. Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, was already in Egypt and helped his family settle there.

How long did the Israelites live in Egypt?

The Israelites lived in Egypt for about 400 years, starting from the time of Joseph until their exodus under Moses.

What was the relationship between the Israelites and the Egyptians?

Initially, the Israelites were welcomed and lived comfortably, but later, they faced severe oppression and slavery under the Egyptians.

What can we learn from Numbers 20:15?

We learn about the importance of remembering our past and how it shapes our present. It also shows the value of sharing one's story to build understanding and trust.