The Song of the Well

Then Israel sang this song:

“Spring up, O well!—Sing to it!—

Numbers 21:17

We have spent two weeks in the place of springs, the valley of weeping and affliction that bears that beautiful invitation to spring-making and spring-naming. Today, we shall sing, for there is another secret to springs in the valley: they become wells.

In Numbers 21 we find the Israelites on the way to the Red Sea, going around the land of Edom. Scripture tells us, And the people became impatient in the way (v. 4). Impatience is the spring they chose to drink from that day, and it made them more thirsty. Instead of refreshing them, the Spring of Impatience widened their gaping need, filling their souls to the brim with crippling complaints and dusty despair. 

As they stumbled along the way, hot and miserable, fiery serpents appeared out of the sand and scrub, biting and killing many of them. What a horrible scene in a place meant to be a path to blessing.

Some had the wits about them to repent. Moses prayed, and the Lord had him make a bronze serpent, set it on a pole, and hold it up to the people. Those who looked at it would live. 

Many looked up from their impatience, complaint, and despair that day, and lived.

Over a millennium later Jesus would explain to another pilgrim on the way, 

Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 

John 3:14-15

The way is sometimes hard and we may try to quench our thirst with things that do not bring life. The Spring of Impatience leads to more thirst and even death. Death of faith, death of hope, death of peace in our hearts, minds, and homes.

Repentance refreshes, lifts up our faces to Jesus, and bids us live. #Repentance clears the way to find the well. Share on X

After repentance, the people of Israel set out again on the way. They continued to a place called The Well (21:18). This place is where the Lord said to Moses, “Gather the people together, so that I may give them water.”

Here at the place of gathering, the people began to sing.

Spring up, O well!—Sing to it!—the well that the princes made, that the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter and with their staffs.

In the wilderness, they sang to the well made by those who had gone before them. They drank deeply from its waters and were refreshed. Strength and endurance rose from this ancient spring, and they carried on.

Just a short time before, they doubted if they would survive. Now, they are singing as they go.

Isn’t that just like the pilgrim way? Pain, joy, complaint, singing, sin, repentance, trust, redemption. All the while, Jesus is our gentle and humble companion, patiently keeping pace with us, using His staff and rod to keep us on the path. 

Where are you on the way today? Are you drinking from the Spring of Impatience? Its waters are gritty and bitter, full of the debris of complaint and despair. Look up! For there is One who has defeated the serpent and bids us live. 

And just ahead, we will discover a Well prepared for us, flowing from a hidden spring whose waters never cease. It’s just there, ahead of us, waiting for our song.

Lord, I choose to sing to the well today! Spring up, O well! Amen.

@audreycfrank

Photo by Sporisevic Photography on Unsplash