Numbers 14:39-45

Why is going up now another act of disobedience?

Berean Standard Bible

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.

What is the context?

After hearing the sentence, the people mourn and announce that they will go up because they have sinned. Moses warns that this now violates the Lord’s command and will fail, since the Lord will not be with them in that undertaking.

They proceed anyway, while Moses and the ark remain in the camp. The inhabitants defeat them. The change from refusing to advance to insisting on advancing has not become obedient trust, because they still reject the word given to them now.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley reads the expedition as presumption rather than the remedy for the earlier refusal. The USCCB notes also distinguish the unsuccessful invasion and note uncertainty about Hormah’s precise location. The narrative’s lesson can be understood without making a modern location certain or treating every expression of regret as a faithful response.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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