Numbers 14:9

Israel’s Rebellion · Numbers 14:1–12
Read Numbers 14

Translations

Modern
Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!”
Traditional
Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.
Literal
Only against YHWH do not rebel—you—nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread. Their protection has departed from them, and YHWH is with us. Do not fear them!”
Latin
Nolite rebelles esse contra Dominum: neque timeatis populum terræ hujus, quia sicut panem ita eos possumus devorare. Recessit ab eis omne præsidium: Dominus nobiscum est, nolite metuere.

Original

Hebrew
English
Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!”

Notes

  • Joshua and Caleb realized that Israel's lack of courage and criticism of Moses and Aaron were acts of rebellion against the Lord. They knew the consequences of this rebellion.

  • the LORD is with us: This was the source of their confidence (compare Romans 8:31).

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.

Parallels

Deuteronomy 1:26–33

Glossary

Asher (Tribe) Deuteronomy, Book of Joshua (Person) Moses Numbers, Book of Remnant Wilderness Wanderings

Topics

Caleb: Brings Favorable Report Courage: Personal Bravery: Joshua and Caleb, in Advising That Israel Go at Once and Possess the Land Decision: Caleb Disobedience to God in Refusing to Enter the Promised Land Faith: Caleb, in Advising to Take the Land of Promise Faith: Exemplified Government: Mosaic: Refused to Make Conquest of Canaan Israel: Return with a Majority Report and a Minority Report Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Makes a Favorable Report Majority and Minority Reports of the Spies Rebellion Against God: Forbidden Rebellion Against God: Ministers: should Warn Against Reports: Majority and Minority of Spies Reproof: Despised by the Israelites Trouble: when the Spies Brought Their Adverse Report