Numbers 14:23

not one will ever see the land that I swore to give their fathers. None of those who have treated Me with contempt will see it.

Study Bible

not one will ever see the land
This phrase refers to the Israelites who were part of the Exodus generation. After their lack of faith and rebellion against God at Kadesh Barnea, they were condemned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. The "land" is the Promised Land, Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This punishment underscores the seriousness of unbelief and disobedience to God’s commands. It serves as a warning to future generations about the consequences of not trusting in God's promises.

that I swore to give their fathers
The promise of the land was a covenant made by God with the patriarchs, beginning with Abraham in Genesis 12:7. This covenant was reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, establishing a perpetual promise of a homeland for their descendants. The use of "swore" emphasizes the solemnity and certainty of God's promise, highlighting His faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. This covenant is foundational to the identity of Israel as God's chosen people and is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament.

None of those who have treated Me with contempt
The phrase "treated Me with contempt" refers to the Israelites' repeated acts of rebellion and lack of faith, particularly their refusal to enter the Promised Land after the report of the spies (Numbers 13-14). This contempt is seen as a direct affront to God's character and His ability to fulfill His promises. The Hebrew term used here conveys a deep disrespect and rejection of God's authority. This serves as a reminder of the importance of reverence and trust in one's relationship with God.

will see it
The consequence of their contempt is that they will not enter the Promised Land. This is a direct result of their actions and serves as a divine judgment. The only exceptions to this decree were Caleb and Joshua, who demonstrated faith and trust in God. This outcome illustrates the principle of divine justice and the importance of faithfulness. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that unbelief can prevent one from entering into God's rest, as seen in Hebrews 3:19.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying to the Promised Land.

2. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as an inheritance for their descendants.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and towards the Promised Land.

4. Caleb and Joshua
The two spies who trusted in God's promise and encouraged the Israelites to take possession of the land.

5. The Wilderness
The place where the Israelites wandered for 40 years as a consequence of their unbelief and disobedience.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Unbelief
Unbelief in God's promises leads to missing out on His blessings. The Israelites' lack of faith resulted in their exclusion from the Promised Land.

The Importance of Faithful Witnesses
Caleb and Joshua serve as examples of faith and courage. Their trust in God amidst opposition is a model for believers today.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Despite the Israelites' failure, God's promise to their forefathers remained. His faithfulness is unwavering, even when we falter.

The Danger of Contempt for God
Treating God with contempt, as the Israelites did, leads to severe consequences. Reverence and obedience are crucial in our relationship with Him.

Learning from Past Mistakes
The account of the Israelites serves as a warning and a lesson for us to trust in God's promises and avoid the pitfalls of disobedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the experience of the Israelites in the wilderness serve as a warning for us today in our spiritual journey?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate faith like Caleb and Joshua in our own lives?

3. What are some modern-day examples of treating God with contempt, and how can we avoid them?

4. How can we ensure that we are not missing out on God's promises due to unbelief or disobedience?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge that required trust in God's promises. How did you respond, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 3:16-19
This passage reflects on the unbelief of the Israelites and their failure to enter God's rest, drawing a parallel to the spiritual rest available through faith in Christ.

Deuteronomy 1:34-36
This passage recounts God's anger with the Israelites and His promise that Caleb would see the land because of his faithfulness.

Psalm 95:10-11
This psalm speaks of God's displeasure with the generation that tested Him in the wilderness and His oath that they would not enter His rest.

1 Corinthians 10:5-11
Paul uses the example of the Israelites' disobedience as a warning to Christians to avoid similar pitfalls.

Hebrews 4:1-2
This passage encourages believers to be diligent to enter God's rest, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience.