Numbers 14:41 - Moses said, “Why now do you disobey the commandment of Yahweh, since it shall not prosper?
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What does "Numbers 14:41" mean?
Numbers 14:41, "Moses said, “Why now do you disobey the commandment of Yahweh, since it shall not prosper?" is a direct response to the Israelites' sudden decision to attack the Amalekites and Canaanites after they had previously refused to enter the Promised Land. Let's break down the meaning:
"Why now do you disobey the commandment of Yahweh?" This refers to the Israelites' earlier rejection of God's command to enter Canaan (Numbers 13 and early 14). They had heard the report from the spies, believed the negative aspects, and decided they could not conquer the land. As a result, God declared they would wander in the wilderness and not enter the Promised Land. Now, after realizing the consequences of their disobedience (God's judgment), they're trying to correct their mistake and attack the Amalekites and Canaanites. However, Moses points out that this is now also disobedience because God has changed His plan. He's now telling them to wander, not fight. They are defying God again.
"Since it shall not prosper?" This is the key point. Moses understands that their attempt to attack now, despite God's changed command and rejection of their repentance, is futile. God has already withdrawn His favor and promise of victory. Their actions will not lead to success (prosperity) but rather to defeat and further consequences. They are acting out of fear of God's judgment, not out of faith and obedience.
In summary, Moses is rebuking the Israelites for their inconsistent and ultimately self-serving behavior. They refused to obey when God commanded them to conquer, and now they are attempting to obey when God has forbidden them to. Moses warns them that their actions, born of fear and a desire to escape consequences rather than genuine obedience, are doomed to fail. They are acting after God's decree, not in obedience to it. They're trying to force their will, instead of submitting to God's new will. The verse serves as a lesson about the importance of timely obedience and the futility of trying to manipulate God's plans.
The next verses (Numbers 14:42-45) bear out Moses's prediction, as the Israelites are defeated.
Numbers 14:41 - Moses said, “Why now do you disobey the commandment of Yahweh, since it shall not prosper?
What does "Numbers 14:41" mean?
Numbers 14:41, "Moses said, “Why now do you disobey the commandment of Yahweh, since it shall not prosper?" is a direct response to the Israelites' sudden decision to attack the Amalekites and Canaanites after they had previously refused to enter the Promised Land. Let's break down the meaning:
"Why now do you disobey the commandment of Yahweh?" This refers to the Israelites' earlier rejection of God's command to enter Canaan (Numbers 13 and early 14). They had heard the report from the spies, believed the negative aspects, and decided they could not conquer the land. As a result, God declared they would wander in the wilderness and not enter the Promised Land. Now, after realizing the consequences of their disobedience (God's judgment), they're trying to correct their mistake and attack the Amalekites and Canaanites. However, Moses points out that this is now also disobedience because God has changed His plan. He's now telling them to wander, not fight. They are defying God again.
"Since it shall not prosper?" This is the key point. Moses understands that their attempt to attack now, despite God's changed command and rejection of their repentance, is futile. God has already withdrawn His favor and promise of victory. Their actions will not lead to success (prosperity) but rather to defeat and further consequences. They are acting out of fear of God's judgment, not out of faith and obedience.
In summary, Moses is rebuking the Israelites for their inconsistent and ultimately self-serving behavior. They refused to obey when God commanded them to conquer, and now they are attempting to obey when God has forbidden them to. Moses warns them that their actions, born of fear and a desire to escape consequences rather than genuine obedience, are doomed to fail. They are acting after God's decree, not in obedience to it. They're trying to force their will, instead of submitting to God's new will. The verse serves as a lesson about the importance of timely obedience and the futility of trying to manipulate God's plans.
The next verses (Numbers 14:42-45) bear out Moses's prediction, as the Israelites are defeated.