Deuteronomy 1:42

Verse

But the LORD said to me, “Tell them not to go up and fight, for I am not with you to keep you from defeat by your enemies.”

American Standard Version (1901)

And Jehovah said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.

Bible in Basic English

And the Lord said to me, Say to them, Do not go up to the attack; for I am not among you, and you will be overcome by those who are against you.

Douay-Rheims 1899

The Lord said to me: Say to them: Go not up, and fight not, for I am not with you: lest you fall before your enemies.

Free Bible Version

But the Lord instructed me, “Order them not to go and fight because I won't be with you to prevent you from being defeated by your enemies.”

Geneva Bible 1599

But the Lord said vnto me, Say vnto them, Goe not vp, neither fight, (for I am not among you) least ye fall before your enemies.

King James (Authorized) Version

And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.

One Unity Resource Bible

Adonai said to me, “Tell them, ‘Don’t go up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest you be struck before your enemies.’”

Translation for Translators

But Yahweh said to me, ‘Tell them, “Do not go up there and attack those people, because I will not go with you. If you go, your enemies will defeat you.”’

Unlocked Literal Bible

Yahweh said to me, 'Say to them, “Do not attack and do not fight, for I will not be with you, and you will be defeated by your enemies.'

Noah Webster Bible

And the LORD said to me, Say to them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.

World English Bible

Yahweh said to me, “Tell them, ‘Don’t go up and don’t fight; for I am not among you, lest you be struck before your enemies.’”

Young's Literal Translation

and Jehovah saith unto me, Say to them, Ye do not go up, nor fight, for I am not in your midst, and ye are not smitten before your enemies.

Context

The Defeat at Hormah

⁴¹“We have sinned against the LORD,” you replied. “We will go up and fight, as the LORD our God has commanded us.” Then each of you put on his weapons of war, thinking it easy to go up into the hill country.⁴²But the LORD said to me, “Tell them not to go up and fight, for I am not with you to keep you from defeat by your enemies.”

Summary

In this verse, the Israelites faced the consequences of their disobedience and lack of faith in God's promises. Their refusal to trust in the Lord led to defeat and setback in their journey to the Promised Land. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of faith and obedience in God's plan for His people. The verse highlights the need for reliance on God's guidance and provision, showing that without His leading, human efforts are futile. Ultimately, Deuteronomy 1:42 underscores the principle that faith and trust in God are essential for experiencing His blessings and fulfilling His purposes.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And the Lord said unto me,.... When the people had armed themselves, and were in motion, or ready to set forward to ascend the hill: say unto them, go not up, neither fight; neither go up the hill, and if they did, contrary to this order, and should meet with enemies, not fight them, but retreat: for I am not among you: the ark of the covenant, the symbol of his presence, was then among them, but it did not go with them, it continued in the camp, Num 14:44 nor did the Lord exert his power, or show himself present with them, or to be on their side, but left them to themselves, and to their enemies: lest ye be smitten before your enemies; God not being with them to fight for them, protect and defend them, and give them victory.