Numbers 14:40 - They rose up early in the morning, and went up to the top of the mountain, saying, “Behold, we are here, and will go up to the place which Yahweh has promised: for we have sinned.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Numbers 14:40" mean?
This verse from Numbers 14:40 describes a hasty and ultimately misguided act of repentance and obedience by the Israelites. Let's break down what it means:
"They rose up early in the morning, and went up to the top of the mountain..." This highlights the urgency and determination of the people. "Early in the morning" suggests they acted quickly after a previous event. The phrase "went up to the top of the mountain" is meant to signify a location where the promised land can be viewed.
"...saying, “Behold, we are here, and will go up to the place which Yahweh has promised..." This expresses their intention to now obey God's command to enter the Promised Land. "Behold, we are here" implies a willingness to act.
"...for we have sinned.”" This acknowledges their previous rebellion and disobedience, which was expressed when they believed the spies and refused to enter the promised land. This acknowledges the wrong doing.
Context and Significance:
This verse occurs after a significant event in Numbers 14. The Israelites, having listened to the negative report of the spies, refused to enter Canaan (the Promised Land) out of fear. God, in his anger and justice, declared that this generation would not enter the land, but would wander in the wilderness for 40 years until they died.
Belated Regret: Verse 40 represents a belated reaction to God's judgment. They realize the gravity of their sin and attempt to undo it.
Disobedience: Despite their intentions, their actions are now disobedient. God had already declared that they would not enter the land at this time. Their attempt to force the issue demonstrates a lack of trust and true repentance. They are acting on their own initiative, not on God's renewed command.
Tragic Outcome: The verses that follow this one (Numbers 14:41-45) show that their attempt to go into the Promised Land is disastrous. Moses warns them not to go because God is not with them, but they persist. They are attacked and defeated by the Amalekites and Canaanites.
In Summary:
Numbers 14:40 shows the Israelites' attempt to rectify their previous sin by hastily trying to enter the Promised Land. However, their actions are not genuine repentance or obedience, because they disregard God's judgment and act on their own terms. The end result is failure and further consequences. The meaning of the verse is that simply expressing regret for a sin is not enough. True obedience requires acting in accordance with God's present will, not attempting to undo the consequences of past disobedience in a self-willed manner.
Numbers 14:40 - They rose up early in the morning, and went up to the top of the mountain, saying, “Behold, we are here, and will go up to the place which Yahweh has promised: for we have sinned.”
What does "Numbers 14:40" mean?
This verse from Numbers 14:40 describes a hasty and ultimately misguided act of repentance and obedience by the Israelites. Let's break down what it means:
"They rose up early in the morning, and went up to the top of the mountain..." This highlights the urgency and determination of the people. "Early in the morning" suggests they acted quickly after a previous event. The phrase "went up to the top of the mountain" is meant to signify a location where the promised land can be viewed.
"...saying, “Behold, we are here, and will go up to the place which Yahweh has promised..." This expresses their intention to now obey God's command to enter the Promised Land. "Behold, we are here" implies a willingness to act.
"...for we have sinned.”" This acknowledges their previous rebellion and disobedience, which was expressed when they believed the spies and refused to enter the promised land. This acknowledges the wrong doing.
Context and Significance:
This verse occurs after a significant event in Numbers 14. The Israelites, having listened to the negative report of the spies, refused to enter Canaan (the Promised Land) out of fear. God, in his anger and justice, declared that this generation would not enter the land, but would wander in the wilderness for 40 years until they died.
Belated Regret: Verse 40 represents a belated reaction to God's judgment. They realize the gravity of their sin and attempt to undo it.
Disobedience: Despite their intentions, their actions are now disobedient. God had already declared that they would not enter the land at this time. Their attempt to force the issue demonstrates a lack of trust and true repentance. They are acting on their own initiative, not on God's renewed command.
Tragic Outcome: The verses that follow this one (Numbers 14:41-45) show that their attempt to go into the Promised Land is disastrous. Moses warns them not to go because God is not with them, but they persist. They are attacked and defeated by the Amalekites and Canaanites.
In Summary:
Numbers 14:40 shows the Israelites' attempt to rectify their previous sin by hastily trying to enter the Promised Land. However, their actions are not genuine repentance or obedience, because they disregard God's judgment and act on their own terms. The end result is failure and further consequences. The meaning of the verse is that simply expressing regret for a sin is not enough. True obedience requires acting in accordance with God's present will, not attempting to undo the consequences of past disobedience in a self-willed manner.