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Numbers 14

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1 Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and children will become plunder. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?" 4 So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt." 5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown before the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel. 6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the whole congregation of Israel, “The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. 8 If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us. 9 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!" 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. 11 And the LORD said to Moses, “How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them? 12 I will strike them with a plague and destroy them—and I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they are." 13 But Moses said to the LORD, “The Egyptians will hear of it, for by Your strength You brought this people from among them. 14 And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have already heard that You, O LORD, are in the midst of this people, that You, O LORD, have been seen face to face, that Your cloud stands over them, and that You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. 15 If You kill this people as one man, the nations who have heard of Your fame will say, 16 ‘Because the LORD was unable to bring this people into the land He swore to give them, He has slaughtered them in the wilderness.’ 17 So now I pray, may the power of my Lord be magnified, just as You have declared: 18 ‘The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion, forgiving iniquity and transgression. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon their children to the third and fourth generation.’ 19 Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people, in keeping with the greatness of Your loving devotion, just as You have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt." 20 “I have pardoned them as you requested,” the LORD replied. 21 “Yet as surely as I live and as surely as the whole earth is filled with the glory of the LORD, 22 not one of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness—yet have tested Me and disobeyed Me these ten times— 23 not one will ever see the land that I swore to give their fathers. None of those who have treated Me with contempt will see it. 24 But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he has entered, and his descendants will inherit it. 25 Now since the Amalekites and Canaanites are living in the valleys, turn back tomorrow and head for the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea. “ 26 Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 27 “How long will this wicked congregation grumble against Me? I have heard the complaints that the Israelites are making against Me. 28 So tell them: As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you exactly as I heard you say. 29 Your bodies will fall in this wilderness—all who were numbered in the census, everyone twenty years of age or older—because you have grumbled against Me. 30 Surely none of you will enter the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. 31 But I will bring your children, whom you said would become plunder, into the land you have rejected—and they will enjoy it. 32 As for you, however, your bodies will fall in this wilderness. 33 Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness. 34 In keeping with the forty days you spied out the land, you shall bear your guilt forty years—a year for each day—and you will experience My alienation. 35 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." 36 So the men Moses had sent to spy out the land, who had returned and made the whole congregation grumble against him by bringing out a bad report about the land— 37 those men who had brought out the bad report about the land—were struck down by a plague before the LORD. 38 Of those men who had gone to spy out the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh remained alive. 39 And when Moses relayed these words to all the Israelites, the people mourned bitterly. 40 Early the next morning they got up and went up toward the ridge of the hill country. “We have indeed sinned,” they said, “but we will go to the place the LORD has promised." 41 But Moses said, “Why are you transgressing the commandment of the LORD? This will not succeed! 42 Do not go up, lest you be struck down by your enemies, because the LORD is not among you. 43 For there the Amalekites and Canaanites will face you, and you will fall by the sword. Because you have turned away from the LORD, He will not be with you." 44 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. 45 Then the Amalekites and Canaanites who lived in that part of the hill country came down, attacked them, and routed them all the way to Hormah.

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Study Notes — Numbers 14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the Israelites' rebellion against God, as they refuse to enter the Promised Land due to fear of the inhabitants (Numbers 14:1-4). Moses intercedes on their behalf, but God declares that none of the adults who left Egypt will enter the Promised Land, except for Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:20-24, Numbers 14:29-30). The chapter concludes with the Israelites' attempt to enter the Promised Land without God's blessing, resulting in their defeat (Numbers 14:39-45). The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, as well as the consequences of unbelief and disobedience.

Context for the Chapter

Numbers 14 is situated in the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The chapter follows the Israelites' arrival at the border of Canaan, where they are faced with the challenge of entering the Promised Land. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the face of adversity. The Israelites' failure to trust in God's promises and power serves as a warning to future generations, including the church, of the dangers of unbelief and disobedience.

Heart Application

The chapter encourages us to trust in God's promises and power, even in the face of adversity. Just as Joshua and Caleb trusted in God's promise to give them the Promised Land, so too can we trust in God's promise to give us eternal life and spiritual rest through Christ. The chapter also reminds us of the importance of perseverance and obedience, as we seek to follow God's will for our lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about the Israelites' failure to trust in God's promises and power. They were afraid of the people who lived in the Promised Land, and they refused to enter it. As a result, they had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. We can learn from their example, and strive to trust in God's promises and power, even when things seem difficult or uncertain (Numbers 14:1-4, Numbers 14:20-24).

Voices from the Church

“Faith is the telescope that brings the distant promises of God into clear view, and enables us to rejoice in them, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The Israelites' unbelief was a sin against the first commandment, for they failed to trust in God's power and promises. Let us learn from their example, and strive to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's goodness and faithfulness.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Israelites' Rebellion Against God (14:1-10) — The chapter begins with the Israelites' rebellion against God, as they refuse to enter the Promised Land due to fear of the inhabitants.
  2. Moses' Intercession on Behalf of the Israelites (14:11-25) — Moses intercedes on behalf of the Israelites, appealing to God's character and reputation.
  3. God's Judgment on the Israelites (14:26-35) — God declares that none of the adults who left Egypt will enter the Promised Land, except for Joshua and Caleb.
  4. The Israelites' Attempt to Enter the Promised Land Without God's Blessing (14:36-45) — The Israelites attempt to enter the Promised Land without God's blessing, resulting in their defeat.
  5. Conclusion (14:46-45) — The chapter concludes with the Israelites' defeat and the emphasis on the importance of faith and obedience.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Faith
The chapter highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's promises and power. Without faith, we cannot please God or enter into the spiritual rest that He has promised us (Hebrews 11:6).
The Consequences of Unbelief
The chapter emphasizes the severe consequences of unbelief, including the loss of spiritual blessings and the experience of God's judgment (Numbers 14:20-35).
The Power of Intercession
Moses' intercession on behalf of the Israelites is a powerful example of the importance of prayer and advocacy in the life of the believer (Numbers 14:13-19).
The Sovereignty of God
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including the lives of individuals and nations. God's plans and purposes are not thwarted by human unbelief or disobedience (Numbers 14:20-24).

Lessons from Numbers 14

  1. The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises and power. Without faith, we cannot please God or enter into the spiritual rest that He has promised us.
  2. The Dangers of Unbelief — The chapter highlights the dangers of unbelief, including the loss of spiritual blessings and the experience of God's judgment.
  3. The Power of Intercession — Moses' intercession on behalf of the Israelites is a powerful example of the importance of prayer and advocacy in the life of the believer.
  4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including the lives of individuals and nations. God's plans and purposes are not thwarted by human unbelief or disobedience.
  5. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites' disobedience results in severe consequences.

Themes from Numbers 14

  1. Faith and Unbelief — The chapter highlights the contrast between faith and unbelief, as the Israelites' unbelief is contrasted with the faith of Joshua and Caleb.
  2. Obedience and Disobedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites' disobedience results in severe consequences.
  3. God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including the lives of individuals and nations. God's plans and purposes are not thwarted by human unbelief or disobedience.
  4. The Power of Intercession — Moses' intercession on behalf of the Israelites is a powerful example of the importance of prayer and advocacy in the life of the believer.
  5. The Importance of Perseverance — The chapter encourages us to persevere in our faith, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways in which we can cultivate a deeper trust in God's promises and power?
  2. How does the Israelites' rebellion against God serve as a warning to us today?
  3. What are some examples of God's judgment on unbelief in the Bible?
  4. How can we apply the lessons of Numbers 14 to our own lives and circumstances?
  5. What is the relationship between faith and obedience in the Christian life?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Israelites' Rebellion Against God (14:1-10)

14:1 The Israelites rebel against God, refusing to enter the Promised Land due to fear of the inhabitants.
14:2 The Israelites complain against Moses and God, wishing they had died in Egypt or in the wilderness.

2. Moses' Intercession on Behalf of the Israelites (14:11-25)

14:11 Moses intercedes on behalf of the Israelites, appealing to God's character and reputation.
14:13 Moses reminds God of His promise to make the Israelites a great nation, and of the consequences of destroying them.

3. God's Judgment on the Israelites (14:26-35)

14:26 God declares that none of the adults who left Egypt will enter the Promised Land, except for Joshua and Caleb.
14:29 God declares that the Israelites will wander in the wilderness for 40 years, until all the adults who left Egypt have died.

4. The Israelites' Attempt to Enter the Promised Land Without God's Blessing (14:36-45)

14:36 The Israelites attempt to enter the Promised Land without God's blessing, resulting in their defeat.
14:39 Moses warns the Israelites not to go up to the Promised Land, as God is not with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Israelites' rebellion against God in Numbers 14?

The Israelites' rebellion against God serves as a warning to us today of the dangers of unbelief and disobedience. It highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises and power, even in the face of adversity (Numbers 14:1-10).

How does Moses' intercession on behalf of the Israelites serve as an example for us today?

Moses' intercession on behalf of the Israelites is a powerful example of the importance of prayer and advocacy in the life of the believer. It encourages us to pray for others and to intercede on their behalf (Numbers 14:13-19).

What are the consequences of unbelief and disobedience, as seen in Numbers 14?

The consequences of unbelief and disobedience, as seen in Numbers 14, include the loss of spiritual blessings and the experience of God's judgment. The Israelites' unbelief results in their wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, until all the adults who left Egypt have died (Numbers 14:20-35).

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Numbers 14:11 → Psalm 95:7-11 The Israelites' rebellion against God in Numbers 14 is referenced in Psalm 95:7-11, which warns against hardness of heart and unbelief.
2 Numbers 14:20-24 → Hebrews 3:7-19 The Israelites' failure to enter the Promised Land due to unbelief is referenced in Hebrews 3:7-19, which encourages believers to trust in God's promises and power.
3 Numbers 14:13-19 → Exodus 32:11-14 Moses' intercession on behalf of the Israelites in Numbers 14 is similar to his intercession in Exodus 32:11-14, where he appeals to God's character and reputation on behalf of the Israelites.
4 Numbers 14:20-24 → 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 The Israelites' failure to enter the Promised Land due to unbelief is referenced in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, which warns against the dangers of unbelief and disobedience.
5 Numbers 14:26-35 → Deuteronomy 1:19-46 The Israelites' wandering in the wilderness for 40 years is referenced in Deuteronomy 1:19-46, which reviews the Israelites' history and warns against unbelief and disobedience.
6 Numbers 14:36-45 → Joshua 14:6-15 The Israelites' attempt to enter the Promised Land without God's blessing is referenced in Joshua 14:6-15, which tells the story of Caleb's faith and obedience.
7 Numbers 14:11 → Matthew 17:20 The Israelites' lack of faith in Numbers 14 is referenced in Matthew 17:20, which emphasizes the importance of faith in the life of the believer.
8 Numbers 14:20-24 → Hebrews 4:1-13 The Israelites' failure to enter the Promised Land due to unbelief is referenced in Hebrews 4:1-13, which encourages believers to trust in God's promises and power, and to enter into the spiritual rest that He has promised us.

Sermons on Numbers 14

SermonDescription
Derek Prince Intercession - Part 2 by Derek Prince In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the abundance of spiritual light available to the current generation through various media such as television, radio, tapes, and books. He wa
Warren Wiersbe A Worm's Eye View of Missions by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher discusses the lessons Jonah learned about God in the first three chapters of the book of Jonah. In chapter one, Jonah learns about God's providence and
Roy Hession (Gospel in the Book of Esther) 1. the Doom of the People by Roy Hession In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of redemption and foreshadowing in the word of God. He emphasizes that even though the nation of Israel faced discipline and conseq
David Wilkerson Disappointments Can Be Dangerous by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a pastor who falls asleep while traveling and has a dream about a ladder reaching into heaven. He sees angels coming and going, sy
David Wilkerson Test of Confusion - Part 1 by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal testimony of a man who was struggling with addiction to crack cocaine. The man had a vision of his own funeral, which confirmed his f
Jackie Pullinger Running Your Race (Bilingual) by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their own struggles and doubts in teaching the word of God. They mention how a group of teenagers encouraged them and reminded them that the
Chuck Missler Timothy, I #2 Ch. 2 by Chuck Missler In this sermon, the speaker discusses the brilliance of scientific minds who often fail to recognize the existence of a Creator. The speaker emphasizes the importance of confession
David Wilkerson The Ark of the Covenant by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the significance of the Ark of the Covenant as described in the book of Deuteronomy. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the presenc
Denny Kenaston (Godly Home) Part 23 - Fighting Battles for the Next Generation by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, Brother Denny encourages his audience to have faith and confidence in God, believing that He will do exceedingly and abundantly more than they can ask or think. He
Leonard Ravenhill David and Goliath by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey, which is described as the glory of all lands on earth. He emphasizes the importance of cas

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Numbers 14

In his commentary on Numbers 14, Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the life of the believer. He notes that the Israelites' unbelief and disobedience result in severe consequences, including the loss of spiritual blessings and the experience of God's judgment. Henry encourages believers to trust in God's promises and power, even in the face of adversity, and to persevere in their faith. He also highlights the importance of prayer and intercession, as seen in Moses' intercession on behalf of the Israelites. Ultimately, Henry reminds us that God's plans and purposes are not thwarted by human unbelief or disobedience, and that He will ultimately bring about His will in the lives of individuals and nations. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Israelites' Fear and Unbelief

The Israelites' fear and unbelief are rooted in their focus on the obstacles and challenges that lie ahead, rather than on God's power and promises. This is evident in their statement, 'We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are' (Numbers 14:31).

Moses' Intercession

Moses' intercession on behalf of the Israelites is a powerful example of prayer and advocacy, as he appeals to God's character and reputation (Numbers 14:13-19).

The Consequences of Unbelief

The chapter highlights the severe consequences of unbelief, as the Israelites are condemned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years (Numbers 14:20-35).

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