Spurgeon Morning and Evening June 17 PM

Biblical Context

Numbers is the fourth book of the Hebrew Bible, part of the Torah. Moses wrote this book, detailing Israel’s journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab, just across the Jordan River from Canaan. The book gets its name from the census, or ‘numbering’, of the Israelites mentioned in chapters 1 and 26. This journey covers roughly 38 years in the wilderness and is marked by God’s faithfulness alongside the people’s frequent grumbling and disobedience. Chapter 21, where our verse is found, describes a difficult part of their travels after leaving Mount Hor, marked by the fiery serpents and then, thankfully, God providing water.

Key Word Study

Well (בְּאֵר – bəʾēr): In Hebrew, ‘bəʾēr’ refers to a pit or excavation dug to reach underground water. It’s a man-made source of water, distinguishing it from ‘ʿayin’ (עַיִן), which is a natural spring. The use of ‘bəʾēr’ here is important because it highlights the human effort involved in digging for the water, even though God promised and gave it. A well was a common sight in the wilderness, a sign of life and often a gathering place. Here, it isn’t just a place for water; it becomes a place of song and a symbol of God’s covenant supply.

The Well of Beer: A Promise Fulfilled

The book of Numbers tells us about a crucial moment for Israel in the wilderness. They were thirsty, worn out, and facing real need. It’s in this setting that a specific well became famous, the “well of Beer in the wilderness.” Why was it so special? Because it was the subject of a promise: “That is the well whereof the Lord spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.” This wasn’t just any water source; it was a direct answer from God. The people needed water, and their gracious God promised it.

We’re not so different, are we? We need fresh supplies of heavenly grace. We can’t make it on our own. And here’s the good news: in His covenant, the Lord has pledged Himself to give us all we require. Just like Israel needed physical water, we need spiritual refreshing. And just as God promised them, He promises us everything we need for life and godliness.

From Promise to Song: Faith’s Melody

What happened next at this well is truly amazing. The well didn’t just become a source of water; it became “the cause of a song.” Before the water even gushed forth, we’re told “cheerful faith prompted the people to sing.” Can you imagine that? Singing before you even see the answer! That’s real trust. And then, “as they saw the crystal fount bubbling up, the music grew yet more joyous.” The song started with faith, and it swelled with the sight of God’s faithfulness. The verse itself commands us: “Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it.”

We’re called to do the same. We who believe the promise of God should rejoice in the prospect of divine revivals in our souls. We don’t have to wait until we feel perfectly refreshed to start praising Him. We can sing in anticipation, trusting He’s going to do what He said. And then, as we experience those fresh fillings of His Spirit, our holy joy should overflow. Don’t wait for the water to gush; start singing now.

Thirsting? Don’t Murmur, But Sing!

Are you thirsting right now? Maybe it’s a dry spell in your spiritual life, a feeling of emptiness or discouragement. Let us not murmur, but sing. Spiritual thirst is bitter to bear, it’s true, but we don’t have to bear it alone, and we don’t have to stay thirsty. The promise indicates a well! We’ve got reason to be of good heart and look for it. God hasn’t left us without a solution. His promises are our roadmap to finding that wellspring. Your current thirst isn’t meant to break you; it’s meant to lead you to the source.

The Well’s Center: Earnest Prayer

This well wasn’t just a promise or a cause for song; it was also “the centre of prayer.” The people cried out, “Spring up, O well.” This is a critical point. What God has engaged to give, we must enquire after. If we don’t, we show that we have neither desire nor faith. God loves to be asked. He makes promises, but He also invites us into the process of receiving those promises through prayer. It’s not that He forgets or needs reminding; it’s that prayer aligns our hearts with His and shows our dependence on Him.

This evening, let’s ask for something specific. Let’s ask that the Scripture we’ve read, and our devotional exercises, may not be an empty formality. We don’t want to just go through the motions. Instead, let’s pray they become a real channel of grace to our souls. We need more than head knowledge; we need heart change. We cry out, “O that God the Holy Spirit would work in us with all His mighty power, filling us with all the fulness of God.” That’s a prayer God loves to answer.

The Well’s Object: Active Effort

Finally, this well was “the object of effort.” The source tells us, “The nobles of the people digged it with their staves.” Think about that for a moment. Staves aren’t digging tools; they’re walking sticks, shepherd’s crooks, symbols of leadership or journey. But the Lord wants us active in obtaining grace. He gives us the promise, He invites our prayer, and He also calls for our effort.

Our ‘staves’ are ill adapted for digging in the sand, just like our human efforts feel clumsy when trying to dig for spiritual grace. Yet, we must use them to the utmost of our ability. This means prayer must not be neglected. It means the assembling of ourselves together must not be forsaken – we need our community. It means ordinances, like communion or baptism, must not be slighted. God will give us His peace most plentifully, but not in a way of idleness. We can’t just sit back and expect everything to fall into our lap. Let us, then, bestir ourselves to seek Him in whom are all our fresh springs. We have a part to play in receiving what God has already promised to give.