Numbers 21:18

The Princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the Law-giuer, with their staues. And from the wildernesse they went to Mattanah: Numbers 21:18 (KJV)

The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible, recounting the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai toward the Promised Land. In the narrative of Numbers 21:16‑18 the quoted passage reads, “The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves. And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah.” This wording suggests that the leaders of Israel, under the direction of the lawgiver, physically dug a well and then proceeded toward Mattanah, demonstrating leadership and cooperation among the Israelites’ leaders.

However, scholarly notes indicate that this quotation does not appear in the canonical text of Numbers 21:18. The verse in the Masoretic text actually reads, “And the children of Israel passed through the borders of the Amorites: and the Amalekites dwelt in the mountains of Seir.” Consequently, the specific reference to a well and to Mattanah is not found in the original passage, and the name Mattanah does not occur in Numbers 21.

Wells were indeed vital sources of water in the wilderness, and elsewhere in Numbers (for example Numbers 33:55) a “well of water” is mentioned without linking it to the actions of the princes. The broader context of Numbers shows that Moses, as the central lawgiver, guided the people through hostile territory, and the theme of communal effort and cooperation among Israel’s leaders is present throughout the book, even if it is not illustrated by the misquoted verse.

The historical background confirms that at this stage the Israelites had not yet defeated the Amorite kings Sihon and Og; those victories are recorded later (Numbers 21:21‑35). The passage, whether read in its quoted form or in its authentic wording, underscores the challenges of wilderness travel and the ongoing reliance on divine guidance as the nation moves toward the Promised Land. The episode highlights the importance of leadership, the necessity of water sources, and the perseverance of the people as they continue their journey toward Canaan.