But Moses said, "Why are you transgressing the commandment of the LORD? This will not succeed! But Moses saidThis phrase introduces Moses as the central figure of authority and leadership among the Israelites. Moses, chosen by God, serves as the mediator between God and His people. His role is not only to lead but to guide the Israelites in obedience to God's commandments. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) implies a declaration or proclamation, emphasizing the seriousness and authority of Moses' words. Historically, Moses' leadership is pivotal during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, and his words often reflect God's will and direction. Why are you transgressing the commandment of the LORD? This will not succeed! Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this verse, Moses is addressing the Israelites' disobedience. 2. The Israelites The people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt. They are in the wilderness, facing the consequences of their lack of faith and disobedience. 3. The Commandment of the LORD Refers to God's instructions and commands given to the Israelites, which they are failing to obey in this context. 4. The Wilderness The setting where the Israelites are journeying after their exodus from Egypt, a place of testing and reliance on God. 5. The Promised Land The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Israelites' disobedience delayed their entry into this land. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceObedience to God's commands is crucial. Disobedience leads to failure and consequences, as seen with the Israelites. We must seek to understand and follow God's will in our lives. Trust in God's Timing The Israelites' attempt to enter the Promised Land against God's command shows a lack of trust in His timing. We should learn to wait on the Lord and trust His perfect timing for our lives. Consequences of Presumption Acting presumptuously, without God's blessing or command, leads to failure. We must ensure our actions align with God's will and not rely on our understanding alone. Learning from Past Mistakes The Israelites' repeated disobedience serves as a lesson for us to learn from past mistakes and strive for faithfulness in our walk with God. The Role of Leadership Moses' role as a leader was to guide and correct the people. Spiritual leaders today are called to guide their communities in obedience to God's Word. Bible Study Questions 1. What does this passage teach us about the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?2. How can we discern God's timing in our lives, and what steps can we take to ensure we are not acting presumptuously? 3. In what ways can we apply the lessons from the Israelites' mistakes to our personal walk with God? 4. How does the role of Moses as a leader in this passage inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision to obey or disobey God's command. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from that experience? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 1:41-43This passage recounts a similar event where the Israelites attempted to go up and fight against God's command, resulting in failure. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's timing and instructions. 1 Samuel 15:22-23 Samuel's rebuke of Saul for disobedience emphasizes that obedience is better than sacrifice, reinforcing the theme of obedience to God's commands. Hebrews 3:7-19 This New Testament passage reflects on the Israelites' disobedience and unbelief in the wilderness, serving as a warning to believers to remain faithful and obedient.
People Aaron, Amalekites, Caleb, Canaanites, Egyptians, Israelites, Jephunneh, Joshua, Moses, NunPlaces Egypt, Hormah, Kadesh-barnea, Red SeaTopics Acting, Command, Commandment, Disobey, Lord's, Order, Prosper, Seeing, Succeed, Transgress, Transgressing, WhereforeDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 14:39-45 4207 land, divine gift 5290 defeat 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 Order and Argument in Prayer The Spies Afraid of Giants Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology. The Personality of Power. Exploring Canaan by Faith Trinity Sunday the Doctrine of the Trinity. The Scriptures Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices. Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh Thirdly, for Thy Actions. The Earliest Christian Preaching Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: Numbers Links Numbers 14:41 NIVNumbers 14:41 NLT Numbers 14:41 ESV Numbers 14:41 NASB Numbers 14:41 KJV Numbers 14:41 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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