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In these verses we have an illustration of —

1. The sad perversity of sinful human nature.

2. The confession of sin, and persistence in sin.

3. The great difficulty of walking humbly and patiently in the path which our sin has rendered necessary for us.

I. THE PRESUMPTUOUS ENTERPRISE.

1. In opposition to the command of the Lord.

2. Despite the remonstrance of Moses.

3. Without the symbol of the Divine Presence and the presence of the Divinely-appointed leader.

II. THE DISASTROUS TERMINATION OF THIS PRESUMPTUOUS ENTERPRISE.

1. Disgraceful defeat.

2. Sore slaughter.

3. Bitter sorrow.Conclusion — From the whole let us learn the sin and the folly of entering upon any enterprises, and especially difficult ones, in our own strength. "Apart from Me," said Christ, "ye can do nothing." This is applicable to —

1. Spiritual life in its origin and progress. The attempt in our own strength to lead a religious, godly life, is sure to end in sad disappointment and utter failure.

2. Spiritual conflict. Unless we take to ourselves "the whole armour of God," our spiritual foes will be too many and too mighty for us. We can conquer only through Christ.

3. Spiritual service. Our efforts to benefit our fellow-men will succeed only as they are made in reliance upon the blessing of God. We can bless others only as He blesses us (comp. 1 Corinthians 3:5-7).

(W. Jones.)

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KJV: And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we be here, and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised: for we have sinned.

WEB: 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."