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Numbers 14:9

Numbers 14:9 in Multiple Translations

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!”

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

Only rebel not against Jehovah, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is removed from over them, and Jehovah is with us: fear them not.

Only, do not go against the Lord or go in fear of the people of the land, for they will be our food; their strength has been taken from them and the Lord is with us: have no fear of them.

Don't rebel and fight against the Lord. You don't need to be afraid of the people living there in the country—we can take them easily! They're defenseless and the Lord is with us. Don't be frightened of them!”

But rebell not ye against the Lord, neither feare ye the people of the land: for they are but bread for vs: their shielde is departed from the, and the Lord is with vs, feare them not.

only, against Jehovah rebel not ye: and ye, fear not ye the people of the land, for our bread they [are]; their defence hath turned aside from off them, and Jehovah [is] with us; fear them not.'

Only don’t rebel against the LORD, neither fear the people of the land; for they are bread for us. Their defense is removed from over them, and the LORD is with us. Don’t fear them.”

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense has departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

Be not rebellious against the Lord: and fear ye not the people of this land, for we are able to eat them up as bread. All aid is gone from them: the Lord is with us, fear ye not.

So do not rebel against Yahweh! And do not be afraid of the people in that land! We will ◄gobble them up/completely destroy them► [MET]! They do not have anyone who will protect them, but Yahweh will be with us and help us. So do not be afraid of them!”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 14:9

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 14:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אַ֣ךְ בַּֽ/יהוָה֮ אַל תִּמְרֹדוּ֒ וְ/אַתֶּ֗ם אַל תִּֽירְאוּ֙ אֶת עַ֣ם הָ/אָ֔רֶץ כִּ֥י לַחְמֵ֖/נוּ הֵ֑ם סָ֣ר צִלָּ֧/ם מֵ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם וַֽ/יהוָ֥ה אִתָּ֖/נוּ אַל תִּירָאֻֽ/ם
אַ֣ךְ ʼak H389 surely DirObjM
בַּֽ/יהוָה֮ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper
אַל ʼal H408 not Part
תִּמְרֹדוּ֒ mârad H4775 to rebel V-Qal-Juss-2mp
וְ/אַתֶּ֗ם ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron
אַל ʼal H408 not Part
תִּֽירְאוּ֙ yârêʼ H3372 to fear V-Qal-Juss-2mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
עַ֣ם ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj
לַחְמֵ֖/נוּ lechem H3899 food N-cs | Suff
הֵ֑ם hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron
סָ֣ר çûwr H5493 to turn aside V-Qal-Perf-3ms
צִלָּ֧/ם tsêl H6738 shadow N-ms | Suff
מֵ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep | Suff
וַֽ/יהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Conj | N-proper
אִתָּ֖/נוּ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff
אַל ʼal H408 not Part
תִּירָאֻֽ/ם yârêʼ H3372 to fear V-Qal-Juss-2mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 14:9

אַ֣ךְ ʼak H389 "surely" DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
בַּֽ/יהוָה֮ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּמְרֹדוּ֒ mârad H4775 "to rebel" V-Qal-Juss-2mp
To rebel means to resist or defy authority, like the Israelites who rebelled against God in the wilderness. This Hebrew word is used to describe rebellion against human leaders, like kings, or against God Himself. It appears in stories like Exodus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) to rebel, revolt, be rebellious 1a) (Qal) to rebel, revolt 1a1) against human king 1a2) against God 1a3) against light (poetic)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: rebel(-lious). See also: Genesis 14:4; 2 Chronicles 36:13; Isaiah 36:5.
וְ/אַתֶּ֗ם ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּֽירְאוּ֙ yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" V-Qal-Juss-2mp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עַ֣ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לַחְמֵ֖/נוּ lechem H3899 "food" N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
הֵ֑ם hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
סָ֣ר çûwr H5493 "to turn aside" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
צִלָּ֧/ם tsêl H6738 "shadow" N-ms | Suff
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
מֵ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וַֽ/יהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Conj | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אִתָּ֖/נוּ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּירָאֻֽ/ם yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" V-Qal-Juss-2mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.

Study Notes — Numbers 14:9

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 7:18 But do not be afraid of them. Be sure to remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and all Egypt:
2 Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
3 Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
4 Psalms 74:14 You crushed the heads of Leviathan; You fed him to the creatures of the desert.
5 Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
6 2 Chronicles 32:8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
7 Numbers 24:8 God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows.
8 2 Chronicles 20:17 You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”
9 Joshua 1:5 No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
10 Deuteronomy 20:1–4 When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army, saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

Numbers 14:9 Summary

[Numbers 14:9 is a call to trust in God's power and presence, rather than fearing the challenges we face, just like the Israelites were called to do when entering the Promised Land. This means surrendering our fears and doubts to God, and choosing to believe in His goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4. By doing so, we can overcome any obstacle, knowing that God is with us, as promised in Matthew 28:20. As we reflect on this verse, we're reminded to trust in God's presence and power in our lives, and to not be afraid of the challenges we face, because He is our Rock and our Salvation.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'rebel against the LORD' in Numbers 14:9?

To rebel against the LORD means to deliberately disobey or resist God's will, as seen in Deuteronomy 9:7 and 1 Samuel 12:14-15, which can lead to severe consequences, but in this context, it's a call to trust and follow Him instead of fearing the people of the land.

Why are the people of the land compared to 'bread' in Numbers 14:9?

The comparison of the people of the land to 'bread' signifies that they will be easily overcome, much like how bread is easily consumed, emphasizing God's power and presence with the Israelites, as also seen in Exodus 23:28-30 where God promises to drive out the inhabitants of the land.

What role does faith play in this verse?

Faith plays a crucial role in Numbers 14:9 as it calls the Israelites to trust in God's presence and power, rather than fearing the people of the land, reflecting the importance of faith as seen in Hebrews 11:6 and Romans 8:31, where trusting in God is essential for overcoming challenges.

How does this verse relate to our lives today?

This verse reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and presence in our lives, just as the Israelites were called to do, and not to fear the challenges we face, as encouraged in Isaiah 41:10 and Psalm 23:4, where God's presence and protection are reassured.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am rebelling against God's will, and how can I surrender them to Him?
  2. In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting in God's power and presence in my own life, especially when facing daunting challenges?
  3. How does the promise of God's presence, as stated in Numbers 14:9, impact my daily life and decision-making?
  4. What does it mean for me to 'not be afraid' of the challenges I face, and how can I cultivate courage and trust in God's sovereignty?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:9

Only rebel not ye against the Lord,.... Nothing, it is suggested, could hinder them from the, possession of it but their rebellion against the Lord; which might provoke him to cut them off by his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:9

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 14:9

They are bread for us; we shall destroy them as easily as we do our bread or common food. Compare . Their defence, i.e. their counsel, conduct, and courage, and especially God, who was pleased to afford them his protection till their iniquities were full, , is utterly departed from them, and hath given them up as a prey to us. The Lord is with us, by his special grace and almighty power, to save us from them; and from all our enemies.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 14:9

Numbers 14:9 Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they [are] bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us: fear them not.Ver. 9. They are bread for us,] q.d., We shall make but a breakfast of them. So that valiant Prince of Orange told his soldiers at the battle of Newport, when they had the sea on the one side, and the Spaniards on the other, that they must either eat up those Spaniards, or drink up that sea.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 14:9

(9) Their defence is departed from them.—Literally, their shadow. This is a natural and frequently recurring figure of speech in the East, where protection from the scorching rays of the sun is a boon of incalculable worth. (Comp. Genesis 19:8; Psalms 17:8; Psalms 91:1; Isaiah 25:4; Isaiah 30:2.) The measure of the iniquity of the Canaanites was now full, and they were ripe for destruction. (Comp. Genesis 15:16; Leviticus 18:25; Leviticus 20:23.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 14:9

Verse 9. Their defence] צלם tsillam, their shadow, a metaphor highly expressive of protection and support in the sultry eastern countries. The protection of God is so called; see Psalms 91:1; Psalms 121:5; see also Isaiah 51:16; Isaiah 49:2; Isaiah 30:2. The Arabs and Persians have the same word to express the same thing. [Persian] nemayeed zulli doulet mamdood bad. "May the shadow of thy prosperity be extended!" [Persian] nemayced zulli doulet ber mufareki khayr khwahen mamdood bad. "May the shadow of thy prosperity be spread over the heads of thy well-wishers!" They have also the following elegant distich: - [Persian] Sayahat kem mubad az seri ma Bast Allah zullikem abeda. "May thy protection never be removed from my head! May God extend thy shadow eternally!" Here the Arabic [Arabic] zull answers exactly to the Hebrew צל tsel, both signifying that which overspreads or overshadows. See Clarke on Numbers 14:14.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:9

9. they are our bread] i.e. we shall swallow them up, annihilate them; cf. Psalms 14:4 = Psalms 53:4, Numbers 24:8. their defence] Lit. ‘shadow’ (as R.V. marg. states); a common metaphor of great significance in a hot country; see Judges 9:15, Isaiah 25:4; Isaiah 32:2, and the name Bezalel (Exodus 31:2) which denotes ‘in the shadow of El (God).’ The passage means that the gods in whom the Canaanites trust will be powerless against Jehovah the God of Israel. Cf. Deuteronomy 32:31 ‘their rock is not as our Rock.’

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 14:9

Their defense - literally, “their shadow,” i. e. their shelter as from the scorching sun: an Oriental figure. Compare the marginal references.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 14:9

9. Rebel not… neither fear… the people — Disobedience to God is the soil out of which the fear of man always grows.

Sermons on Numbers 14:9

SermonDescription
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
Don Courville Overcoming to Reign by Don Courville This sermon delves into the life of Jacob, highlighting the various chapters and trials he faced, emphasizing the importance of overcoming challenges as preparation for reigning wi
James K. Boswell The Happy Man 07 Expressions-Saved Soul by James K. Boswell In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus and his ability to see in the dark. He uses the example of Peter walking on water and how Jesus
Chuck Smith Psalms 78:41 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith explores the theme of 'Limiting God' in his sermon based on Psalms 78:41, emphasizing how sin, unbelief, and cowardice can restrict God's power and presence in our live
Stanley H. Frodsham Abundant Provision for the Pilgrimage by Stanley H. Frodsham Stanley H. Frodsham preaches about the story of the little lad who gave his tiny all, five loaves and two fishes, to Jesus, and witnessed a miraculous provision more than enough fo
Kathryn Kuhlman Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus
Carter Conlon A Day's Journey Into the Wilderness by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of God. He references the story of Elijah and how God demonstrated His power by consuming the captain and his 50 men

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