I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this entire wicked congregation, which has conspired against Me. They will meet their end in the wilderness, and there they will die." I, the LORD, have spokenThis phrase emphasizes the authority and finality of God's word. The Hebrew term for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, signifying His eternal presence and unchanging nature. When God declares, "I have spoken," it underscores the certainty and irrevocability of His pronouncement. In the biblical context, God's spoken word is powerful and creative, as seen in Genesis 1, where He speaks the world into existence. Here, it serves as a solemn reminder that God's decrees are not to be taken lightly, and His promises and judgments are sure. Surely I will do these things
The word "surely" conveys an assurance and inevitability. In Hebrew, this is often expressed with a particle that emphasizes the certainty of the action. God's commitment to His word is unwavering, and His actions are consistent with His character. This phrase reflects God's justice and faithfulness, as He is bound to fulfill what He has declared. It serves as a warning to the Israelites and a reminder to believers today of the seriousness of God's promises and the consequences of disobedience. to this entire evil congregation
The term "evil" in Hebrew is "ra," which can mean bad, wicked, or harmful. The "congregation" refers to the assembly of Israelites who rebelled against God. Historically, this rebellion occurred after the spies returned from Canaan with a discouraging report, leading the people to doubt God's promise. The use of "entire" indicates that the judgment is comprehensive, affecting all who participated in the rebellion. This highlights the communal nature of sin and its consequences, reminding us that our actions can impact the broader community of faith. that has conspired against Me
To "conspire" implies a deliberate and collective decision to oppose or undermine authority. In this context, the Israelites' conspiracy was their refusal to trust in God's promise and their desire to return to Egypt. This rebellion was not just against Moses but against God Himself. Theologically, this reflects the human tendency to resist divine authority and the call to trust in God's plan. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of collective unbelief and the importance of aligning our will with God's. They will meet their end in this wilderness
The "wilderness" represents both a physical and spiritual place of testing and judgment. For the Israelites, it was a place of wandering due to their lack of faith. The phrase "meet their end" signifies the finality of God's judgment on that generation. Historically, this was fulfilled as the adult generation that left Egypt perished in the wilderness over 40 years. Spiritually, it serves as a metaphor for the consequences of unbelief and disobedience, reminding believers of the importance of faithfulness and perseverance. here they will die
The word "die" is stark and final, emphasizing the seriousness of God's judgment. In Hebrew, "muth" is used, which is a common term for physical death. This pronouncement is a direct consequence of the Israelites' rebellion and lack of faith. It serves as a sobering reminder of the wages of sin, as echoed in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death." For believers, it underscores the need for repentance and trust in God's promises, as well as the hope of eternal life through faith in Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is just and holy, and who speaks with authority and finality. 2. The Evil CongregationRefers to the Israelites who rebelled against God by refusing to enter the Promised Land due to fear and lack of faith. 3. The WildernessThe desert area where the Israelites wandered for 40 years as a consequence of their disobedience and lack of trust in God. 4. Moses and AaronLeaders of the Israelites who interceded on behalf of the people, pleading for God's mercy. 5. The Promised Land (Canaan)The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which the Israelites were initially afraid to enter. Teaching Points The Seriousness of DisobedienceGod's response to the Israelites' rebellion highlights the seriousness of disobedience and lack of faith. It serves as a warning to us to trust in God's promises and commands. The Consequences of UnbeliefThe Israelites' failure to enter the Promised Land due to unbelief is a powerful reminder that unbelief can prevent us from experiencing God's blessings. God's Faithfulness to His WordGod declared, "I, the LORD, have spoken," emphasizing His faithfulness to His word, whether in blessing or judgment. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises. The Role of IntercessionMoses and Aaron's intercession for the people shows the importance of praying for others, especially when they are in rebellion or sin. Learning from Past MistakesThe account of the Israelites in the wilderness is a lesson for us to learn from past mistakes and to cultivate a heart of faith and obedience. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the rebellion of the Israelites in Numbers 14:35 reflect our own struggles with faith and obedience today? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we do not harden our hearts as the Israelites did, as warned in Psalm 95 and Hebrews 3? 3. How can we apply the lesson of God's faithfulness to His word in our daily lives, especially when facing difficult circumstances? 4. What role does intercessory prayer play in our communities, and how can we be more like Moses and Aaron in this regard? 5. Reflect on a time when unbelief prevented you from experiencing God's blessings. How can you use that experience to strengthen your faith now? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 32The rebellion of the Israelites with the golden calf, showing a pattern of disobedience and lack of faith. Hebrews 3The New Testament reflection on the unbelief of the Israelites, warning believers today to remain faithful and obedient. Psalm 95A call to worship and a reminder of the consequences of hardening one's heart, referencing the events in the wilderness. People Aaron, Amalekites, Caleb, Canaanites, Egyptians, Israelites, Jephunneh, Joshua, Moses, NunPlaces Egypt, Hormah, Kadesh-barnea, Red SeaTopics Assembly, Banded, Certainly, Community, Company, Congregation, Consumed, Death, Desert, Destroyed, Destruction, Die, Evil, Fate, Full, Gathered, Meet, Meeting, Spoken, Surely, Waste, Wicked, WildernessDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 14:13-39 6257 unbelievers Numbers 14:20-35 5431 oaths, divine Numbers 14:20-38 7258 promised land, early history Numbers 14:26-35 4207 land, divine gift Numbers 14:31-35 8705 apostasy, in OT Numbers 14:33-35 4926 delay, human
8840 unfaithfulness, to God Numbers 14:35-36 7206 community Library Moses the Intercessor
'Pardon, I beseech Thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of Thy mercy, and as Thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.' --NUM. xiv. 19. See how in this story a divine threat is averted and a divine promise is broken, thus revealing a standing law that these in Scripture are conditional. This striking incident of Moses' intercession suggests to us some thoughts as to I. The ground of the divine forgiveness. The appeal is not based on anything in the people. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWeighed, and Found Wanting
'And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. 2. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron; and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! 3. And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? 4. And they said one …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Order and Argument in Prayer
It is further observable that though a good man hastens to God in his trouble, and runs with all the more speed because of the unkindness of his fellow men, yet sometimes the gracious soul is left without the comfortable presence of God. This is the worst of all griefs; the text is one of Job's deep groans, far deeper than any which came from him on account of the loss of his children and his property: "Oh that I knew where I might find HIM!" The worst of all losses is to lose the smile of my God. …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 12: 1866 The Spies
THE UNBELIEF OF THE CHILDREN of Israel, prompted them to send spies into Canaan. God had told them that it was a good land, and he had promised to drive out their enemies, they ought therefore to have marched forward with all confidence to possess the promised heritage. Instead of this, they send twelve princes to spy out the land, and "alas, for human nature," ten of these were faithless, and only two true to the Lord. Read over the narrative, and mark the ill effect of the lying message, and the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Afraid of Giants
'And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain; 18. And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; 19. And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; 20. And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Personality of Power.
A Personally Conducted Journey. Everyone enjoys the pleasure of travel; but nearly all shrink back from its tiresomeness and drudgery. The transportation companies are constantly scheming to overcome this disagreeable side for both pleasure and business travel. One of the popular ways of pleasure travel of late is by means of personally conducted tours. A party is formed, often by the railroad company, and is accompanied by a special agent to attend to all the business matters of the trip. A variation …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power Exploring Canaan by Faith
EXPLORING CANAAN BY FAITH I can not understand faith. What is faith, anyway? I try to believe; sometimes I feel that my faith is strong, but at other times I feel that my faith is giving way. Can you help me in this matter? Faith seems such a hazy, intangible, elusive thing; now I think I have it, now it seems certain I have it not. I feel at times that my faith is so strong I could believe anything, then again I feel that every bit of faith I had is gone. Can you give me any instructions that will …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan Trinity Sunday the Doctrine of the Trinity.
Second Sermon. Text: Romans 11, 33-36. THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY.[1] [Footnote 1: This sermon was first printed in 1535, at Wittenberg.] 1. This festival requires us to instruct the people in the dogma of the Holy Trinity, and to strengthen both memory and faith concerning it. This is the reason why we take up the subject once more. Without proper instruction and a sound foundation in this regard, other dogmas cannot be rightly and successfully treated. The other festivals of the year present …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
It was a beautiful saying of Rabbi Jochanan (Jer. Ber. v. 1), that he who prays in his house surrounds and fortifies it, so to speak, with a wall of iron. Nevertheless, it seems immediately contradicted by what follows. For it is explained that this only holds good where a man is alone, but that where there is a community prayer should be offered in the synagogue. We can readily understand how, after the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of its symbolical worship, the excessive value attached …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What," …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Earliest Christian Preaching
1. THUS far we have confined ourselves to the words of Jesus. The divine necessity of His death, indicated in the Old Testament and forming the basis of all His teaching regarding it, is the primary truth; the nature of that necessity begins to be revealed as the death is set in relation to the ransoming of many, and to the institution of a new covenant -- that is, a new religion, having as its fundamental blessing the forgiveness of sins. I do not think this view of our Lord's mind as to His own …
James Denney—The Death of Christ Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 14:35 NIVNumbers 14:35 NLTNumbers 14:35 ESVNumbers 14:35 NASBNumbers 14:35 KJV
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