Numbers 14:41

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

But Moses said, “Why are you transgressing the commandment of the LORD? This will not succeed!

American Standard Version (1901)

And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of Jehovah, seeing it shall not prosper?

Bible in Basic English

And Moses said, Why are you now acting against the Lord's order, seeing that no good will come of it?

Free Bible Version

But Moses objected. “Why are you disobeying the Lord's command? You won't succeed in your plan!

King James (Authorized) Version

And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper.

One Unity Resource Bible

Moses [Drawn out] said, “Why are you disobeying the order of Adonai ? You shall not succeed!

Translation for Translators

But Moses/I said, “Yahweh commanded you to return to the desert, so why are you now disobeying him [RHQ]? It will not ◄succeed/be possible►.

Unlocked Literal Bible

But Moses said, “Why are you now violating Yahweh's command? You will not succeed.

Noah Webster Bible

And Moses said, Why now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper.

World English Bible

Moses said, “Why now do you disobey the commandment of Yahweh, since it shall not prosper?

Young's Literal Translation

And Moses saith, 'Why [is] this? — ye are transgressing the command of Jehovah, and it doth not prosper;

Context

The Defeat at Hormah

⁴⁰Early 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.”⁴¹But Moses said, “Why are you transgressing the commandment of the LORD? This will not succeed!⁴²Do not go up, lest you be struck down by your enemies, because the LORD is not among you.

Summary

In Numbers 14:41, the Israelites faced the consequences of their disobedience and lack of faith in God's promise to give them the land of Canaan. Despite Moses' warning not to go up and fight, they presumptuously went ahead, resulting in a defeat by the Amalekites and Canaanites. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's guidance and timing, as well as the repercussions of acting independently of His will. It underscores the need for obedience and faith in God's promises to receive His blessings and protection.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Go not up, for the Lord is not among you,.... And therefore could not expect success, for victory is of the Lord; the Targum of Jonathan adds,"the ark, and the tabernacle, and the cloud of glory move not,''which were a plain indication that the Lord would not go with them, and therefore could not hope to prevail over their enemies and enter the land, but on the contrary might expect to be defeated by them, as follows: that ye be not smitten before your enemies; of which they would be in great danger should they attempt to go up the hill, and the Lord not with them.