Keraia
Numbers 14

Numbers 14:25

God’s Forgiveness and Judgment · Numbers 14:20–35
Read Numbers 14

Translations

Modern
Now since the Amalekites and Canaanites are living in the valleys, turn back tomorrow and head for the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea.”
Traditional
(Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.
Literal
And the Amalekite and the Canaanite are dwelling in the valley; tomorrow turn and move out for yourselves into the wilderness by the Way of the Red Sea.”
Latin
Quoniam Amalecites et Chananæus habitant in vallibus. Cras movete castra, et revertimini in solitudinem per viam maris Rubri.

Original

Hebrew
English
Now since the Amalekites and Canaanites are living in the valleys, turn back tomorrow and head for the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea.”

Notes

Numbers 14:23–25

  • After leaving the promised land, God told the Israelites to march in the opposite direction.

  • The Red Sea could refer to bodies of water on either side of the Sinai Peninsula (the Gulf of Aqaba or the Gulf of Suez).

Numbers 14:20–25

Because Moses argued with God, God forgave Israel's rebellion and did not destroy them. Yet, the stubborn generation of adults would never see the promised land.

Numbers 14:13–25

Moses spoke to God on behalf of his people. He reminded God that his reputation related to Israel's. He pleaded for God to continue his faithfulness.

Numbers 14:1–45

The people rejected the testimony of the faithful spies, Joshua and Caleb. Then rebellion spread throughout the community. Moses intervened to save Israel from total destruction. Those who disobeyed God died during a 40-year journey in the wilderness.

Numbers 13:1–14:45

Twelve spies explored the fertile land of Canaan and found strong enemies defending it. Earlier chapters show Israel's disobedience, hinting at future failures. The Israelites did not have the obedience, courage, or faith to capture the land. So, the Lord made them spend 40 years in the Wilderness of Sinai. That generation did not receive their inheritance in the promised land.

Theme notes and profiles

Caleb Joshua Moses God Protects His Servant

Parallels

Deuteronomy 1:34–40

Places

Amalek: A nomadic people, descendants of Esau, enemies of Israel Canaan: Ancient region; descendants of Ham; promised to Abraham's descendants Red Sea: Sea crossed by Israelites in the Exodus

Glossary

Asher (Tribe) Caleb Deuteronomy, Book of Joshua, Book of Numbers, Book of Remnant Wilderness Wanderings Wrath of God

Topics

Amalekites: A People Inhabiting the Country South of Idumea and East of the Red Sea Israel: Return to the Wilderness, where They Remain for Thirty Eight Years Israel: The Judgment of God Upon Them in Consequence of Their Unbelief and Complaining Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Returned by the Way to the Red Sea Red Sea: Israelites Camp Beside