Numbers 14:38

The Plague on the Ten Spies · Numbers 14:36–39
Read Numbers 14

Translations

Modern
Of those men who had gone to spy out the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh remained alive.
Traditional
But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.
Literal
And Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh remained alive of those men who went to spy out the land.
Latin
Josue autem filius Nun, et Caleb filius Jephone, vixerunt ex omnibus qui perrexerant ad considerandam terram.

Original

Hebrew
English
Of those men who had gone to spy out the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh remained alive.

Notes

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.

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

People

Caleb: Faithful spy, given Hebron as inheritance Jephunneh: The Kenizzite, father of Caleb the spy Joshua: Moses' assistant who led Israel into Canaan Nun: Father of Joshua

Glossary

Deuteronomy, Book of Numbers, Book of Remnant Wilderness Wanderings

Topics

Caleb: One of the Two Survivors of the Israelites Permitted to Enter the Land of Promise Decision: Caleb Holy Spirit: Israelites 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 Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Rewarded for his Courage and Fidelity Judgments: The Forty Years of Wandering, a Judgment Perseverance: Caleb and Joshua, in Representing the Land of Promise Reprobacy: Israel Sin: Israel's Unpardonable Sin: Israel