Numbers 13:23
13:23 When they came to the valley of Eshcol, they cut down from there a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they carried it on a staff 1 between two men, as well as some of the pomegranates and the figs.
Numbers 20:5
20:5 Why 2 have you brought us up from Egypt only to bring us to 3 this dreadful place? It is no place for grain, or figs, or vines, or pomegranates; nor is there any water to drink!”
1 tn The word is related etymologically to the verb for “slip, slide, bend, totter.” This would fit the use very well. A pole that would not bend would be hard to use to carry things, but a pole or stave that was flexible would serve well.
2 tn Heb “and why.”
3 tn Here also the infinitive construct (Hiphil) forms the subordinate clause of the preceding interrogative clause.