Numbers 21:16-35
At the LORD’s command, the people gather around the well (Beer). Princes and nobles dug in the ground, and water gushed out from deep springs for the refreshment of all – type of the treasures of the Word brought to light by servants of God for our enrichment. Princes engaged in fruitful work (those who labour among you are those who are over you in the Lord, according to 1 Thessalonians 5:12), these are "nobles of the people" (v. 18); so the Bereans – "more noble than those in Thessalonica" (Acts 17:11) – applied themselves to the study of the Scriptures by the direction of "the Lawgiver", that is to say Christ. Sometimes one admires and envies nobility; well, this is the nobility the Bible recognises and sets before us, for each child of God is bidden to search the Scriptures (John 5:39). Spiritual refreshment enjoyed around the well rejoiced the people’s heart. "Is any merry, let him sing psalms" (James 5:13). And Israel sings. Since the Red Sea, forty years ago, we have not seen them doing so (apart from the profane songs and dances around the golden calf). Now murmuring at last gave place to praise.
With joy Israel also found strength (Nehemiah 8:10). They exercise it in fighting their first battles against Sihon and Og and in gaining splendid victories.