Numbers 32:7
Numbers 32:7 in Multiple Translations
Why are you discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land that the LORD has given them?
And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?
And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which Jehovah hath given them?
Why would you take from the children of Israel the desire to go over into the land which the Lord has given them?
Why discourage the Israelites from crossing into the country that the Lord has given them?
Wherefore now discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel, to goe ouer into the lande, which the Lord hath giuen them?
and why discourage ye the heart of the sons of Israel from passing over unto the land which Jehovah hath given to them?
Why do you discourage the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD has given them?
And why discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?
Why do ye overturn the minds of the children of Israel, that they may not dare to pass into the place which the Lord hath given them?
If you do that, you will cause the other Israelis to be discouraged, with the result that they will not cross the Jordan River to the land that Yahweh is giving to them [RHQ].
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 32:7
BAB
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 32:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לָ֣/מָּה
תנואו/ן
תְנִיא֔וּ/ן
אֶת
לֵ֖ב
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
מֵֽ/עֲבֹר֙
אֶל
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
אֲשֶׁר
נָתַ֥ן
לָ/הֶ֖ם
יְהוָֽה
וְ/לָ֣/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Prep | Part
תנואו/ן
nûwʼ
H5106
to forbid
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
תְנִיא֔וּ/ן
nûwʼ
H5106
to forbid
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
לֵ֖ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
מֵֽ/עֲבֹר֙
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נָתַ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 32:7
וְ/לָ֣/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תנואו/ן
nûwʼ
H5106
"to forbid"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To forbid means to refuse or hold something back, as seen in Exodus when God forbids the Israelites from worshiping idols. This word is used to describe God's commands and warnings. It emphasizes the importance of obedience.
Definition: 1) to hinder, hold back, forbid, disallow, restrain, frustrate 1a) (Qal) to hinder, hold back 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to restrain, forbid, frustrate 1b2) to restrain, make averse, discourage
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: break, disallow, discourage, make of none effect. See also: Numbers 30:6; Numbers 32:7; Psalms 33:10.
תְנִיא֔וּ/ן
nûwʼ
H5106
"to forbid"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To forbid means to refuse or hold something back, as seen in Exodus when God forbids the Israelites from worshiping idols. This word is used to describe God's commands and warnings. It emphasizes the importance of obedience.
Definition: 1) to hinder, hold back, forbid, disallow, restrain, frustrate 1a) (Qal) to hinder, hold back 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to restrain, forbid, frustrate 1b2) to restrain, make averse, discourage
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: break, disallow, discourage, make of none effect. See also: Numbers 30:6; Numbers 32:7; Psalms 33:10.
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.
לֵ֖ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
מֵֽ/עֲבֹר֙
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
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.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נָתַ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 32:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Tribes East of the Jordan
5“If we have found favor in your sight,” they said, “let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan.”
6But Moses asked the Gadites and Reubenites, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?
7Why are you discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land that the LORD has given them?
8This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to inspect the land. 9For when your fathers went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land that the LORD had given them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 13:27–4 | — |
| 2 | Numbers 32:9 | For when your fathers went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land that the LORD had given them. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 1:28 | Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’” |
| 4 | Numbers 21:4 | Then they set out from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, in order to bypass the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient on the journey |
| 5 | Acts 21:13 | Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” |
Numbers 32:7 Summary
In Numbers 32:7, Moses is upset with the Gadites and Reubenites because they are discouraging the other Israelites from entering the Promised Land, which God has given to them. This is similar to what happened in the past when the Israelites refused to trust God and enter the land, as seen in Numbers 13:31-33. We can learn from this verse to trust in God's promises and provisions, and to encourage and support one another in our walk with God, rather than hindering or discouraging each other (Romans 14:13, 1 Corinthians 10:32-33). By doing so, we can show our faith and trust in God's sovereignty and love for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moses accusing the Gadites and Reubenites of doing in Numbers 32:7?
Moses is accusing them of discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land that the Lord has given them, much like the previous generation did when they refused to enter the Promised Land after spying it out, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:26-28 and Numbers 13:31-33.
Why is it significant that Moses mentions the Lord has given the land to the Israelites?
This emphasizes God's sovereignty and promise-keeping nature, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Exodus 6:4, where He promises to give the land to Abraham's descendants.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises and provisions, rather than relying on human wisdom or fear, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
What can we learn from the Gadites and Reubenites' mistake in this verse?
We can learn the importance of unity and not hindering others from following God's will, as taught in Romans 14:13 and 1 Corinthians 10:32-33, and instead, we should strive to encourage and support one another in our walk with God.
Reflection Questions
- How might I be unintentionally discouraging others from following God's will for their lives?
- In what ways can I trust God's promises and provisions in my own life, even when faced with uncertainty or fear?
- What are some ways I can encourage and support my brothers and sisters in Christ to trust in God's sovereignty and promises?
- How can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's promises, as seen in this verse, to my own life and circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 32:7
Wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel.... Which he suggests it would, should they settle on that side Jordan, since they would lose the assistance of two of their tribes, even
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 32:7
And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 32:7
(7) And wherefore discourage ye the heart . . . —The verb which is rendered discourage, and which occurs again in Numbers 32:9, means rather to “alienate,” or “avert.” The cognate noun occurs in Num. adv. 34, in the same connection in which it is used in Numbers 32:9. (See Note in loc.)
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 32:7
7. discourage] lit. ‘oppose.’ The word is the same as in Numbers 30:5 [Hebrews 6].
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 32:7
THE OF MOSES, Numbers 32:6-15. 7. Discourage… the heart… of Israel — Jehovah had promised Canaan to courageous and confiding Israel. He had declared that he would drive out their enemies, if they would trust in him.
Sermons on Numbers 32:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Attack of the Devil - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of courage and faith in facing challenges, using the story of Caleb and the spies sent to explore the promised land. Despite the obstacles and |
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Incomplete Repentance by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker describes the promised land as a fertile and abundant land, flowing with milk and honey. He emphasizes that God's purpose is to make us like Jesus Chris |
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No Giants in the Muslim World by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not removing the supernatural from the gospel. He criticizes the mistake made by some churches in the past of trying to tak |
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Lukewarm No More - Part 18 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Caleb and Joshua from the Bible. He highlights the different perspectives and vocabularies of these two men. Caleb emphasizes th |
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Why Am I So Down? by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on three key points from Psalm 27. The first point is that sometimes we receive an evil report about ourselves, which can discourage us. The spe |
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The Demon of Discouragement by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson preaches about the battle against discouragement faced by believers, emphasizing the need to overcome this demon that hinders the church from experiencing revival a |
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Stopped in the Way by William Edwin Boardman | William Edwin Boardman preaches about the journey of conversion and the deeper work of grace, emphasizing the need to overcome doubts and obstacles in order to fully surrender to G |