Numbers 14:27 - “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, that murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.
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What does "Numbers 14:27" mean?
Numbers 14:27 is a powerful expression of God's frustration and disappointment with the Israelites. Let's break down its meaning:
"How long shall I bear with this evil congregation..." This highlights God's patience wearing thin. "Bear with" suggests that He has already tolerated a significant amount of complaining and rebellious behavior. "Evil congregation" is a strong condemnation. The Israelites, as a whole, are being described as acting in a wicked and corrupt manner, not just a few individuals.
"...that murmur against me?" The word "murmur" or "complain" is key. The Israelites weren't just expressing concerns; they were constantly grumbling and complaining against God and Moses (who represented God's authority). This murmuring was a sign of their lack of faith and trust in God's promises to bring them into the promised land.
"I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me." This reinforces the idea that God is fully aware of their negativity and discontent. The repetition emphasizes the pervasiveness and frequency of their complaints. God is not turning a blind eye; He is actively hearing and acknowledging their lack of faith.
In essence, the verse means:
God is expressing His exasperation with the Israelites' constant complaints, lack of faith, and outright rebellion against His leadership. He has been patient, but their persistent negativity and distrust have reached a breaking point. He is highlighting that their "murmuring" is not just harmless complaining; it is a direct act of defiance against Him.
Context is important:
This verse comes after the spies returned from scouting the land of Canaan. Ten of the spies gave a negative report, emphasizing the strength of the inhabitants and the difficulty of conquering the land. This led the Israelites to panic and doubt God's ability to deliver them, hence the "murmurings." This verse is a prelude to God's judgment on that generation of Israelites, condemning them to wander in the desert until they die, unable to enter the Promised Land (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, who had brought back a good report).
Numbers 14:27 - “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, that murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.
What does "Numbers 14:27" mean?
Numbers 14:27 is a powerful expression of God's frustration and disappointment with the Israelites. Let's break down its meaning:
"How long shall I bear with this evil congregation..." This highlights God's patience wearing thin. "Bear with" suggests that He has already tolerated a significant amount of complaining and rebellious behavior. "Evil congregation" is a strong condemnation. The Israelites, as a whole, are being described as acting in a wicked and corrupt manner, not just a few individuals.
"...that murmur against me?" The word "murmur" or "complain" is key. The Israelites weren't just expressing concerns; they were constantly grumbling and complaining against God and Moses (who represented God's authority). This murmuring was a sign of their lack of faith and trust in God's promises to bring them into the promised land.
"I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me." This reinforces the idea that God is fully aware of their negativity and discontent. The repetition emphasizes the pervasiveness and frequency of their complaints. God is not turning a blind eye; He is actively hearing and acknowledging their lack of faith.
In essence, the verse means:
God is expressing His exasperation with the Israelites' constant complaints, lack of faith, and outright rebellion against His leadership. He has been patient, but their persistent negativity and distrust have reached a breaking point. He is highlighting that their "murmuring" is not just harmless complaining; it is a direct act of defiance against Him.
Context is important:
This verse comes after the spies returned from scouting the land of Canaan. Ten of the spies gave a negative report, emphasizing the strength of the inhabitants and the difficulty of conquering the land. This led the Israelites to panic and doubt God's ability to deliver them, hence the "murmurings." This verse is a prelude to God's judgment on that generation of Israelites, condemning them to wander in the desert until they die, unable to enter the Promised Land (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, who had brought back a good report).