◄ Numbers 14:10 ►
But the whole congregation threatened to stone Joshua and Caleb. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to all the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting.
Study Bible
But the whole congregation
This phrase indicates the collective nature of the rebellion. The Hebrew word for "congregation" is "עֵדָה" (edah), which refers to an assembly or gathering, often used to describe the Israelites as a community. This highlights the unity in their dissent, showing how widespread the lack of faith and trust in God had become among the people. Historically, this reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where decisions and actions were often taken collectively.

threatened to stone them
The act of stoning was a common form of capital punishment in ancient Israel, reserved for severe transgressions. The Hebrew root "רָגַם" (ragam) means to stone or pelt with stones. This violent reaction underscores the depth of the people's fear and anger, as well as their rejection of Moses and Aaron's leadership. It also reflects a broader theme in Scripture where God's chosen leaders often face opposition and hostility from those they are called to lead.

Then the glory of the LORD
The "glory of the LORD" is a significant biblical concept, often associated with God's manifest presence. The Hebrew word "כָּבוֹד" (kavod) conveys a sense of weightiness or splendor. In the context of the wilderness journey, the glory of the LORD often appeared as a cloud or fire, symbolizing God's guidance and protection. This divine intervention at a critical moment serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His commitment to His covenant people.

appeared to all the Israelites
The appearance of God's glory to "all the Israelites" emphasizes the public and undeniable nature of this divine intervention. It serves as a powerful reminder to the entire community of God's presence and authority. This moment of divine revelation is meant to reorient the people's focus from their fears and doubts back to the reality of God's power and faithfulness. Historically, such manifestations were pivotal in reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua and Caleb
Two of the twelve spies sent to explore the Promised Land. They were the only ones who trusted in God's promise and encouraged the Israelites to take possession of the land.

2. The Congregation of Israel
The collective body of the Israelites who, in fear and rebellion, threatened to stone Joshua and Caleb for their faithfulness and positive report.

3. The Glory of the LORD
A manifestation of God's presence, often depicted as a radiant light or cloud, which appeared at the Tent of Meeting to intervene in the situation.

4. The Tent of Meeting
A sacred place where God communicated with Moses and the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

5. The Threat of Stoning
An expression of the congregation's rebellion and lack of faith, showing their willingness to resort to violence against God's chosen leaders.
Teaching Points
Faith in God's Promises
Joshua and Caleb exemplify unwavering faith in God's promises despite overwhelming opposition. Believers are called to trust in God's word even when circumstances seem daunting.

The Danger of Rebellion
The Israelites' threat to stone Joshua and Caleb highlights the destructive nature of rebellion against God. It serves as a warning to guard against unbelief and disobedience.

God's Protective Presence
The appearance of the glory of the LORD demonstrates God's protective presence over His faithful servants. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is with them in times of trial.

Courage to Stand Alone
Joshua and Caleb's courage to stand alone in their convictions encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when it means standing against the majority.

The Role of Leadership
The incident underscores the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility of leaders to guide others in faith and obedience to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do Joshua and Caleb's actions in Numbers 14:10 inspire you to trust in God's promises in your own life?

2. In what ways can the threat of stoning against Joshua and Caleb serve as a warning against the dangers of rebellion and unbelief?

3. How does the appearance of the glory of the LORD at the Tent of Meeting reassure you of God's presence in your life today?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to stand firm in your faith despite opposition. How can Joshua and Caleb's example encourage you in similar situations?

5. How can you apply the lessons of godly leadership from this passage in your own roles and responsibilities within your community or church?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 16:10
The glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud is a recurring theme, signifying God's presence and intervention in critical moments.

Hebrews 3:16-19
Reflects on the Israelites' rebellion and unbelief, warning believers to remain faithful and obedient to God's promises.

Acts 7:54-60
Stephen's stoning parallels the threat against Joshua and Caleb, illustrating the cost of standing firm in faith amidst opposition.
Sermons
Moses Standing in the Breach, or the Power of Intercessory PrayerW. Binnie Numbers 14:1-20
The Could not Enter in Because of UnbeliefW. Binnie Numbers 14:1-45
Speaking Out: a Last AppealD. Young Numbers 14:6-10
People
Aaron, Amalekites, Caleb, Canaanites, Egyptians, Israelites, Jephunneh, Joshua, Moses, Nun
Places
Egypt, Hormah, Kadesh-barnea, Red Sea
Topics
Appeared, Assembly, Bade, Company, Congregation, Glory, Honour, Israelites, Meeting, Required, Sons, Stone, Stoned, Stones, Stoning, Tabernacle, Talked, Tent
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 14:10

     1193   glory, revelation of
     1454   theophany
     5557   stoning

Numbers 14:8-10

     5048   opportunities, and salvation

Numbers 14:9-12

     8705   apostasy, in OT

Numbers 14:10-11

     8672   striving with God

Numbers 14:10-12

     1443   revelation, OT

Numbers 14:10-20

     4843   plague

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 Scripture

Weighed, 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

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