Numbers 14:36 - The men, whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up an evil report against the land,

Generated Verse: Numbers 14:36

What does "Numbers 14:36" mean?


This verse refers to the story of the spies sent by Moses to scout out the land of Canaan, which God had promised to the Israelites. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:

"The men, whom Moses sent to spy out the land...": Moses, under God's direction, sent twelve men, one from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, to explore Canaan and report back on its people, terrain, and resources.

"...who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him...": The majority of these spies (ten out of twelve) returned with a discouraging report that caused the Israelites to complain and rebel against Moses and God. They instilled fear in the people and made them doubt God's ability to deliver the land.

"...by bringing up an evil report against the land": The "evil report" consisted of a negative assessment of Canaan. The spies acknowledged the land's richness ("flowing with milk and honey"), but they emphasized the strength and size of the inhabitants, the fortified cities, and the perceived impossibility of conquering it. They essentially said, "We are not able to go up against these people; they are stronger than we are" (Numbers 13:31). They spread fear and despair by exaggerating the difficulties.

In summary, the verse highlights the negative consequences of the spies' actions:

Disobedience and Distrust: Their report undermined God's promise and led the Israelites to disobey God's command to enter and possess the land. It showed a lack of trust in God's power and provision.
Rebellion and Murmuring: The evil report caused the Israelites to murmur (complain) against Moses and, ultimately, against God. They questioned God's plan and wished to return to Egypt.
Delayed Entry into the Promised Land: The negative report and the subsequent rebellion resulted in God's judgment: the Israelites were forced to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until that generation died out, and only their children would be allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Key takeaways:

The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of fear, doubt, and a lack of faith in God's promises.
It illustrates the importance of trusting God's guidance and power, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
It shows the negative impact of spreading fear and negativity, especially when it undermines faith in God.

The story of the spies is a significant event in the Old Testament, highlighting the importance of faith, obedience, and trusting in God's promises. The negative report had dire consequences for the Israelites, delaying their entry into the Promised Land and demonstrating the power of fear and doubt to derail God's plans.