Keraia
Numbers 14

Numbers 14:44

The Defeat at Hormah · Numbers 14:40–45
Read Numbers 14

Translations

Modern
But they dared to go up to the ridge of the hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the covenant of the LORD moved from the camp.
Traditional
But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and Moses, departed not out of the camp.
Literal
And they presumed to go up unto the top of the hill; and neither the ark of the covenant of YHWH, nor Moses, departed from the midst of the camp.
Latin
At illi contenebrati ascenderunt in verticem montis. Arca autem testamenti Domini et Moyses non recesserunt de castris.

Original

Hebrew
English
But they dared to go up to the ridge of the hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the covenant of the LORD moved from the camp.

Notes

Numbers 14:44

The ark of the covenant represented God's presence and blessings (compare 1 Samuel 4:1–11).

Numbers 14:39–45

The threat of divine punishment for their sins caused the people of Israel to feel grief. Yet, their wills remained rebellious, and they disobeyed the Lord's command again (14:25). Caleb and Joshua's based their initial confidence on God's promise to be with them (14:9). Yet, God would not fight with the Israelites until all the rebels had died.

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses The Amalekites

Parallels

Deuteronomy 1:41–46

People

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Amalek, Amalekites Anak, Anakim, Anakites Ark of the Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Numbers, Book of Remnant Wilderness Wanderings

Topics

Ark of the Covenant: A Symbol of the Presence and Glory of God Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: An Oracle of God Desert, Journey of Israel Through The: People Smitten by Amalek for Going up Without the Lord Holy Spirit: Israelites Israel: Reaction, and Their Purpose to Enter the Land; are Defeated by the Amalekites Presumption: Israelites Presumption: Israelites, in Ascending to the Top of the Hill Against the Amalekites Presumptions Protection: Withdrawn from The: Presumptuous Repentance: Unavailing: To Israel Reprobacy: Israel Sin: Israel's The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Israelites Unpardonable Sin: Israel