And the LORD said to Moses, "How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them? And the LORD said to MosesThis phrase introduces a direct communication from God to Moses, emphasizing the unique relationship between them. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, highlighting His eternal and unchanging nature. This divine dialogue underscores Moses' role as an intercessor and leader, chosen to guide the Israelites. Historically, Moses is seen as a prophet and mediator, a precursor to Christ in Christian theology, who also intercedes on behalf of humanity. How long will this people
The phrase "this people" reflects a tone of frustration and disappointment. In Hebrew, "this people" (הָעָם הַזֶּה, ha'am hazzeh) can imply a sense of distance or disapproval. It is a rhetorical question that conveys God's patience being tested. The Israelites, having witnessed God's power and provision, are still struggling with faith and obedience. This reflects a recurring theme in the Old Testament of human rebellion and divine patience. treat Me with contempt?
The word "contempt" in Hebrew is "נָאַץ" (na'ats), meaning to despise or scorn. This indicates a serious breach in the covenant relationship between God and His people. Contempt here is not just disbelief but an active rejection of God's authority and love. In a broader scriptural context, treating God with contempt is equated with idolatry and rebellion, which are major themes throughout the Bible. How long will they refuse to believe in Me
The repetition of "How long" emphasizes God's enduring patience and the persistent unbelief of the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "believe" is "אָמַן" (aman), which means to support, confirm, or be faithful. This is the same root for "Amen," signifying trust and certainty. The refusal to believe is not just intellectual doubt but a failure to trust in God's promises and character, which is central to the covenant relationship. despite all the signs I have performed among them?
The "signs" refer to the miraculous acts God performed, such as the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna. These signs were meant to demonstrate God's power and faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "signs" is "אוֹת" (oth), which can also mean a mark or token. In the biblical narrative, signs serve as divine confirmations of God's presence and promises. The historical context here is crucial, as these signs were tangible evidence of God's intervention and care, yet the people's hearts remained hardened. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who delivered the Israelites from Egypt and led them through the wilderness. 2. MosesThe leader and prophet chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. 3. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt but frequently doubted and disobeyed God. 4. The Wilderness of ParanThe location where the Israelites camped and from where the spies were sent to explore the Promised Land. 5. The Signs and WondersMiraculous acts performed by God, including the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and provision in the wilderness, intended to demonstrate His power and faithfulness. Teaching Points The Danger of UnbeliefUnbelief is not just a lack of faith but an active rejection of God's revealed truth and power. Remembering God's FaithfulnessReflect on past experiences of God's faithfulness to strengthen your trust in Him during current challenges. The Consequences of ContemptTreating God with contempt by doubting His promises can lead to missed blessings and opportunities. The Importance of ObedienceObedience to God is a demonstration of faith and trust in His character and promises. God's Patience and JusticeWhile God is patient, persistent unbelief and rebellion can lead to His righteous judgment. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Israelites' response to God's signs and wonders reflect our own struggles with faith today? 2. In what ways can we actively remember and recount God's faithfulness in our lives to combat unbelief? 3. How does the concept of treating God with contempt manifest in modern Christian life, and how can we guard against it? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our obedience to God, even when circumstances seem daunting? 5. How can the lessons from the Israelites' experiences in the wilderness inform our understanding of God's patience and justice? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 14The crossing of the Red Sea, where God demonstrated His power and faithfulness, yet the Israelites soon doubted Him again. Deuteronomy 1Moses recounts the Israelites' rebellion and lack of faith, emphasizing the importance of trusting God. Hebrews 3The New Testament reflection on the Israelites' unbelief and the call for believers to remain faithful and obedient. Psalm 95A call to worship and a warning against hardening hearts as the Israelites did in the wilderness. John 12Jesus performs signs, yet many still do not believe, paralleling the Israelites' response to God's wonders. People Aaron, Amalekites, Caleb, Canaanites, Egyptians, Israelites, Jephunneh, Joshua, Moses, NunPlaces Egypt, Hormah, Kadesh-barnea, Red SeaTopics Believe, Contempt, Despise, Despite, Ere, Face, Faith, Midst, Miraculous, Performed, Provoke, Refuse, Respect, Showed, Shown, Signs, Spite, Spurn, Worked, WroughtDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 14:11 1418 miracles, responses
5818 contempt
6194 impenitence, warnings
6257 unbelievers
8739 evil, examples of Numbers 14:9-12 8705 apostasy, in OT Numbers 14:10-11 8672 striving with God Numbers 14:10-12 1443 revelation, OT Numbers 14:10-20 4843 plague Numbers 14:11-12 8741 failure Numbers 14:11-19 8611 prayer, for others Library Moses the Intercessor
'Pardon, I beseech Thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of Thy mercy, and as Thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.' --NUM. xiv. 19. See how in this story a divine threat is averted and a divine promise is broken, thus revealing a standing law that these in Scripture are conditional. This striking incident of Moses' intercession suggests to us some thoughts as to I. The ground of the divine forgiveness. The appeal is not based on anything in the people. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWeighed, and Found Wanting
'And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. 2. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron; and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! 3. And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? 4. And they said one …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Order and Argument in Prayer
It is further observable that though a good man hastens to God in his trouble, and runs with all the more speed because of the unkindness of his fellow men, yet sometimes the gracious soul is left without the comfortable presence of God. This is the worst of all griefs; the text is one of Job's deep groans, far deeper than any which came from him on account of the loss of his children and his property: "Oh that I knew where I might find HIM!" The worst of all losses is to lose the smile of my God. …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 12: 1866 The Spies
THE UNBELIEF OF THE CHILDREN of Israel, prompted them to send spies into Canaan. God had told them that it was a good land, and he had promised to drive out their enemies, they ought therefore to have marched forward with all confidence to possess the promised heritage. Instead of this, they send twelve princes to spy out the land, and "alas, for human nature," ten of these were faithless, and only two true to the Lord. Read over the narrative, and mark the ill effect of the lying message, and the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Afraid of Giants
'And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain; 18. And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; 19. And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; 20. And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Personality of Power.
A Personally Conducted Journey. Everyone enjoys the pleasure of travel; but nearly all shrink back from its tiresomeness and drudgery. The transportation companies are constantly scheming to overcome this disagreeable side for both pleasure and business travel. One of the popular ways of pleasure travel of late is by means of personally conducted tours. A party is formed, often by the railroad company, and is accompanied by a special agent to attend to all the business matters of the trip. A variation …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power Exploring Canaan by Faith
EXPLORING CANAAN BY FAITH I can not understand faith. What is faith, anyway? I try to believe; sometimes I feel that my faith is strong, but at other times I feel that my faith is giving way. Can you help me in this matter? Faith seems such a hazy, intangible, elusive thing; now I think I have it, now it seems certain I have it not. I feel at times that my faith is so strong I could believe anything, then again I feel that every bit of faith I had is gone. Can you give me any instructions that will …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan Trinity Sunday the Doctrine of the Trinity.
Second Sermon. Text: Romans 11, 33-36. THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY.[1] [Footnote 1: This sermon was first printed in 1535, at Wittenberg.] 1. This festival requires us to instruct the people in the dogma of the Holy Trinity, and to strengthen both memory and faith concerning it. This is the reason why we take up the subject once more. Without proper instruction and a sound foundation in this regard, other dogmas cannot be rightly and successfully treated. The other festivals of the year present …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
It was a beautiful saying of Rabbi Jochanan (Jer. Ber. v. 1), that he who prays in his house surrounds and fortifies it, so to speak, with a wall of iron. Nevertheless, it seems immediately contradicted by what follows. For it is explained that this only holds good where a man is alone, but that where there is a community prayer should be offered in the synagogue. We can readily understand how, after the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of its symbolical worship, the excessive value attached …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What," …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Earliest Christian Preaching
1. THUS far we have confined ourselves to the words of Jesus. The divine necessity of His death, indicated in the Old Testament and forming the basis of all His teaching regarding it, is the primary truth; the nature of that necessity begins to be revealed as the death is set in relation to the ransoming of many, and to the institution of a new covenant -- that is, a new religion, having as its fundamental blessing the forgiveness of sins. I do not think this view of our Lord's mind as to His own …
James Denney—The Death of Christ Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 14:11 NIVNumbers 14:11 NLTNumbers 14:11 ESVNumbers 14:11 NASBNumbers 14:11 KJV
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